What does vitamin B5 do for skin?

How does vitamin B5 moisturize skin?

Panthenol works in two ways. As a humectant, an ingredient that attracts water, it draws moisture into the skin's upper layer from deeper layers and from the air. As an emollient, an ingredient that softens skin, it smooths dry patches. That makes panthenol particularly useful in a routine for dryness and roughness.1

Does vitamin B5 help the skin barrier?

Yes. Panthenol helps restore and smooth a damaged skin barrier, the outermost layer that protects the more vulnerable cells underneath. Cold temperatures, sun exposure and excessive exfoliation can damage that layer and leave skin dry and rough. Panthenol supports repair, while ingredients that limit water loss help keep the moisture in.1

Look for a moisturizing formula that combines water attracting and softening ingredients with occlusives, ingredients that reduce moisture loss. Examples of occlusives include petrolatum and mineral oil. A separate B5 serum is usually unnecessary if your routine already contains panthenol, so the ingredient does not need a promotion to its own bottle.1

Is vitamin B5 good for sensitive skin?

Panthenol is a useful option for dry, sensitive skin, where adequate moisturization matters. Two tested formulas containing panthenol, niacinamide and palmitoylethanolamide improved facial redness associated with winter dryness in people with self perceived sensitive skin. Both formulas were well tolerated. Those results belong to the combined formulas, rather than B5 used alone.2

What results can you expect, and how long does it take?

The clearest role for topical B5 is hydration, softer skin and support for a damaged barrier. For redness linked to winter dryness, the two combined formulas showed improvement at day 29. That gives a useful example of improvement over about four weeks, not a timetable for every B5 serum. The formulas were tested for redness associated with dryness, not every cause of facial redness.12

How do you use vitamin B5 serum?

First check whether a moisturizer or serum you already use contains panthenol. Panthenol combines well with other skincare ingredients, and adding another step is usually unnecessary. If you choose a new B5 product, test the finished formula before using it across your face. Use the product's directions for the amount, frequency and application order.13

Test a new product before adding it to your routine:

1. 1Choose a spot about the size of a quarter on the underside of your arm or in the bend of your elbow, where the product will not be rubbed or washed away.
2. 2Apply your normal amount and thickness to that spot twice daily for seven to 10 days.
3. 3Leave the product on for its usual contact time. For a product you wash off, follow its directions or leave it on for five minutes.
4. 4If you have no reaction, such as redness, itching or swelling, begin using the product as directed.

If you choose a B5 moisturizer rather than a serum, general emollient guidance is to apply it after bathing or showering, once you have gently dried your skin but it is still moist. Smooth the moisturizer over the skin rather than rubbing vigorously. Moisturizers for very dry skin can need more frequent application; that is not a reason to apply a B5 serum more often than its directions allow.4

Can vitamin B5 irritate skin?

A B5 product can cause a skin reaction, even though panthenol is generally well tolerated. Any ingredient in a cosmetic can cause a contact reaction. Fragrances and preservatives are common culprits, so a reaction to a B5 serum does not automatically identify B5 as the cause. A cosmetic allergy can also develop after years of using a product without problems.5

Watch for burning, itching, tingling, swelling, a rash or scaly patches. Some reactions appear within minutes or hours; others develop after days or weeks of repeated exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis, an immune reaction to an ingredient touching the skin, usually develops more than 12 hours after contact and peaks around 48 hours. Redness can be less obvious on darker skin, so pay attention to discomfort and changes in texture too.5

If fragrance is a known trigger for you, choose products labeled "fragrance free." "Unscented" products can still contain fragrance ingredients used to mask other smells, because apparently even the absence of a smell needs marketing.5

When should you stop using it?

If a new product causes a reaction, gently wash it off and stop using it. A cool compress or petroleum jelly can help relieve the skin. See a dermatologist if the reaction is severe or those measures do not relieve it. If you cannot identify the trigger, medical patch testing can help find the ingredient you need to avoid.3

If you use a prescribed topical corticosteroid for contact dermatitis, keep following your treatment instructions. General guidance is to apply the emollient first and wait around 30 minutes before applying the corticosteroid. A B5 skincare product should not replace prescribed treatment for inflamed skin.4

Should you take vitamin B5 supplements for your skin?

For an otherwise healthy adult, a balanced diet is the best way to get the vitamins skin and the body need. Supplements are useful for a diagnosed deficiency or another condition that requires extra nutrients, rather than an automatic addition to skincare. If a doctor recommends a supplement, ask which brand and dose to use. Check that it is safe with your medicines, because supplements can interact with medications and higher doses can cause harm.6