Is panthenol good for oily skin?

What does panthenol do for oily skin?

Panthenol is provitamin B5, which converts to vitamin B5 when applied to skin. It acts as a humectant, an ingredient that draws water into the skin's surface, and an emollient, which smooths and softens dry patches. Panthenol also helps restore a damaged skin barrier, the outermost layer that protects the cells beneath it.1

Having excess oil does not remove the need for moisturizer. The aim is to manage shine while maintaining skin moisture, not to dry the face out. Panthenol is particularly worth considering when moisturizing and barrier support are your priorities, including when oily skin is also sensitive.23

Does panthenol reduce oil or treat acne?

Some panthenol containing formulas have improved oily skin. In a study of 177 people with impaired skin barriers, a panthenol enriched mask improved hydration and regulated sebum, the skin's natural oil, in the oily sensitive group. In the oily acne group, the same mask reduced oil, redness and water loss through the skin.4

Whether panthenol alone reduces excess oil is still unsettled. A different cream containing panthenol, prebiotics and probiotic lysate increased oil levels while improving hydration in normal to dry sensitive skin. For your routine, prioritize panthenol's moisturizing role rather than expecting every B5 product to make your face less shiny.34

Which panthenol product should you choose?

Look for a moisturizer labeled oil free and noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Choose by the whole product, not just the panthenol on the front, which has not been appointed spokesperson for every other ingredient. Panthenol appears in many moisturizers and serums and combines well with other ingredients. If your moisturizer already contains it, you can skip a separate B5 serum, sparing the bathroom shelf another employee with the same job.12

How do you use panthenol on oily skin?

1. 1Cleanse gently with a mild, foaming face wash. Wash up to twice daily and after sweating, without scrubbing.
2. 2Apply your panthenol containing moisturizer after cleansing. Morning and evening use fits the twice daily schedule used for the tested facial cream; follow your own product's directions.
3. 3Use sunscreen during the day. A moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher can combine moisturizing and sun protection.

How long does it take to help?

Think in terms of hydration and comfort, not an overnight end to shine. The oily skin mask was assessed over 14 days. A facial cream containing panthenol improved hydration, redness and barrier measures after 28 days in people with sensitive skin. A separate formula containing panthenol, niacinamide and dipotassium glycyrrhizate improved hydration and reduced water loss on dry legs at seven and 28 days. There is no single timetable for every panthenol product.345

What if oiliness or breakouts are still a problem?

For clogged pores, salicylic acid can help; panthenol belongs in the moisturizing part of the routine. If an oil control product irritates your skin, stop using it or use it less often. Harsh cleansers can irritate skin and trigger increased oil production. See a dermatologist if excess oil, blackheads or acne remain difficult to manage.26