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Pantothenic Acid

What Pantothenic Acid is & what it does

Pantothenic Acid is vitamin B5, a water-soluble vitamin used in skincare formulas, often as its more stable derivative panthenol. In topical products it functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping the skin surface feel soft and hydrated. It is a common, well-tolerated ingredient in moisturizers and after-sun or sunscreen lotions.

What does Pantothenic Acid do in skincare?

Pantothenic Acid is vitamin B5, and in skincare it acts mainly as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. It helps the skin surface hold moisture and feel soft and smooth. It is commonly used in moisturizers and soothing after-sun products.

Is Pantothenic Acid safe?

Pantothenic Acid is a vitamin that is widely used in cosmetics and is generally regarded as gentle and well-tolerated. It is considered suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. If you have a known sensitivity, patch testing a new product first is sensible.

Is Pantothenic Acid vegan?

Pantothenic Acid used in cosmetics is typically produced synthetically, so it can be vegan, and it is not inherently animal-derived. However, whether a specific product is vegan also depends on its other ingredients and how it was tested. Checking the brand's vegan certification is the most reliable way to confirm.

Sunscreens with Pantothenic Acid

We rate 27 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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