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vitamin c

Panthenol creams, serums and balms: Key takeaways:

Found in several products including pharmaceuticals, skincare and beauty products like moisturiser, ointments, shampoos, body lotions and even eye drops, Panthenol works on a variety of symptoms in different ways specifically helping with healing skin.

  • Panthenol is a provitamin of Vitamin B5, known for its soothing, hydrating, and barrier-supporting properties.
  • Once absorbed, it converts into pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), an essential nutrient that helps maintain skin’s natural moisture.
  • Clinically proven to support barrier recovery, it’s ideal for all skin types.
  • Gentle and versatile, panthenol works well with other dermatologist-tested, minimalist skincare formulations like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

Panthenol is a well-known ingredient, but what is it and what does it actually do?

Found in many pharmaceutical, skincare and beauty products like moisturiser, body lotions and even eye drops, Panthenol works on a variety of skincare concerns in different ways, specifically helping with healing skin. Known as the provitamin form of Vitamin B5, when it’s absorbed by the skin, it transforms into pantothenic acid, the active nutrient that works to hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.

Clinically proven and well-tolerated, panthenol helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective layer, leaving skin feeling soothed, supple, and resilient.

27 Mar 2026

Here, we’ll cover:

Panthenol skin benefits

Healthy skin relies on a strong, well-hydrated barrier to stay comfortable and protected. When this barrier becomes weakened, it can lead to dryness, tightness, and sensitivity, which are common signs that your skin needs extra care and support.

If you’ve ever wondered what panthenol does for skin, it acts to hydrate and soothe, calming irritations and restoring your skin’s natural barrier. There are many panthenol skin benefits, including:

Image of model touching her face with refreshed, supple skin

  • Deep hydration: Helps draw in and lock moisture to improve skin softness and elasticity.
  • Soothes irritation: Calms sensations of dryness, tightness, and discomfort.
  • Supports repair: Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier to enhance recovery.
  • Promotes healing: Aids in restoring damaged or sensitive areas.
  • Improves suppleness: Leaves skin feeling smooth, resilient, and nourished.

Suitable for sensitive skin, B5 vitamin pantothenic acid is a key ingredient in dermatologist-recommended skincare. Whether in a repairing panthenol cream or hydrating serum, it helps maintain barrier strength for lasting comfort.

Learn more about how to repair your skin’s moisture barrier and the benefits of using multi-purpose skin healing creams.


How to use panthenol in skincare

If you’re considering using panthenol as part of your skincare routine, the La Roche Posay Cicaplast range is a great place to start. Each product in this collection is formulated with B5 vitamin, helping to accelerate the skin’s natural recovery process to reduce feelings of discomfort.

Below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you choose and apply the right Cicaplast products to use in your skincare routine.

Instagram image showing a line-up of La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baumes

Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm

La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5+ is a rich, soothing balm enriched with Tribioma and formulated with 5% panthenol and madecassoside to help repair and protect dry, irritated, or fragile skin.

How to apply:
Apply twice a day to clean, dry skin to affected areas or all over the face as needed. Massage gently until absorbed. For very dry patches, apply a generous layer.

Cicaplast Baume Lips

Formulated with 5% panthenol (Vitamin B5 / pantothenic acid), MP-Lipids, shea butter and soothing lipids to help repair, protect, and calm chapped, cracked, or irritated lips, Cicaplast Baume Lips is for anyone experiencing dry or damaged skin.

How to apply:
Apply to the lips generously as needed.

Cicaplast B5 Face Serum

Clinically proven to hydrate and help the skin barrier repair in 1 hour,* Cicaplast B5 Face Serum is a daily hydrating serum that can be used morning and evening to soothe, replenish, and strengthen sensitive or dehydrated skin.

How to apply:
Apply 2-3 drops to clean, dry skin morning and evening. Gently press into the face and neck before using moisturiser or sunscreen. *Instrumental test 25 subjects

Cicaplast Spray B5

An ultra-fine, repairing mist, Cicaplast Spray B5 is clinically proven to soothe and protect irritated or compromised skin, helping to calm discomfort and reduce the urge to scratch while supporting the skin’s natural barrier.

How to apply:
Shake well and spray directly onto clean skin from a distance of 15 cm. Allow to absorb naturally.

Cicaplast Lavant B5 Soothing Wash

A gentle cleansing wash formulated with B5 vitamin pantothenic acid and antibacterial zinc, designed to cleanse without drying or irritating the skin.

How to apply:
Use 1-2 times a day on damp skin. Lather a small amount between hands, apply to the face, and rinse thoroughly. Gently pat dry without rubbing.

Is panthenol suitable for my skin type

Pantothenic acid is a natural component of the skin, which is why products containing panthenol are suitable for all skin types. Its high tolerance makes it suitable for most skin types, but the way it benefits each type can vary. Here’s how this ingredient can help support different skin types and fit seamlessly into your skincare routine.

Panthenol for dry skin

Dry skin often feels tight, flaky, or rough due to a weakened barrier and lack of moisture. Panthenol helps to:

  • Hydrate deeply by attracting and retaining water in the skin.
  • Reinforce the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss.
  • Soothe discomfort associated with dryness, redness, or irritation.
For dry skin, panthenol is particularly effective in creams, balms, or serums, where it can provide long-lasting hydration and restore comfort.

Panthenol for oily and combination skin

Oily or combination skin can still benefit from panthenol because it hydrates without clogging pores or adding excess oil. Key benefits include:

  • Supporting barrier function to prevent overproduction of sebum caused by dehydration.
  • Calming irritation from environmental stressors or active treatments (like acids or retinoids).
  • Lightweight hydration in gel or serum formulations that won’t feel greasy.
B5 vitamin pantothenic acid can be used in serums or sprays, making it ideal for combination zones while maintaining skin balance.

Panthenol for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin reacts easily to irritants, often causing redness and discomfort. Panthenol is especially suitable because it:

  • Soothes irritation and reduces the sensation of tightness or stinging.
  • Supports barrier repair, improving resilience to environmental stress.
  • Has high tolerance, making it safe even for skin that’s prone to allergies.
For sensitive skin, panthenol is typically included in dermatologist-tested serums, balms and sprays designed to calm and protect without causing further irritation.

What ingredients work well with Vitamin B5

Panthenol pairs well with a variety of skincare ingredients to enhance their benefits. It can boost hydration, soothe irritation, and support the skin barrier, making it useful alongside stronger or active ingredients, including the following:

Hyaluronic Acid: Both hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 are humectants. Hyaluronic acid creams, balms and serums draw moisture from the environment, while B5 locks it into the skin and strengthens the barrier, helping reduce dryness, flakiness, and itching.

Discover the Hyalu B5 range for intense hydration.

Glycerin: Glycerin works with B5 to deeply hydrate and support the moisture barrier, improving skin texture and softening fine lines.

Ceramides: Ceramides provide the foundations for a strong barrier, while B5 enhances hydration and comfort. Together, they help protect against environmental stressors and reduce sensitivity.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Niacinamide regulates oil, improves pore appearance, and evens skin tone. Combined with B5, it hydrates and soothes, making it ideal for oily or blemish-prone skin.

Retinol: Retinol encourages collagen production but can cause dryness and irritation. B5 soothes and hydrates, helping skin tolerate retinol while maintaining barrier health.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C protects against free radical damage and supports skin tone and texture. B5 strengthens the skin barrier to enhance hydration and comfort, improving the overall effectiveness of vitamin C.


Shop La Roche-Posay skincare with panthenol

From daily serums and moisturisers to multi-use balms, our panthenol-enriched formulas help restore comfort, strengthen resilience, and promote healthy-looking skin.

Discover the Cicaplast range and find panthenol skincare solutions for healthy and comforted skin.

Product imagery of Cicaplast Baume B5+ SPF50


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