DL-Panthenol Powder (Provitamin B5) — Cosmetic Grade

DL-Panthenol Powder (Provitamin B5) — Cosmetic Grade Hydrating & Repairing Active

DL-Panthenol is the racemic form of panthenol — a 50/50 mixture of the D and L isomers of Provitamin B5. The D-isomer converts to pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) in the skin and hair, delivering deep hydration, barrier repair, and conditioning benefits. DL-Panthenol in crystalline powder form is 100% pure with no added water, making it a cost-effective and versatile active for a wide range of cosmetic formulations.

Widely used in professional and DIY skincare and haircare, DL-Panthenol powder dissolves cleanly in the water phase and is compatible with virtually every formulation system.

DL-Panthenol vs. D-Panthenol — What’s the Difference?

• DL-Panthenol (this product) — CAS 16485-10-2 — racemic 50/50 mixture of D and L isomers. The D-isomer is biologically active; the L-isomer has no known activity in skin. Sold as a 100% pure crystalline powder — solid at room temperature. Cost-effective and widely used in mass-market and professional cosmetics.
• D-Panthenol — CAS 81-13-0 — pure D-isomer only; the biologically active form. A thick, viscous liquid at 100% concentration. Delivers twice the active D-isomer per gram compared to DL-Panthenol. Available as our D-Panthenol Liquid 100% for formulators who want maximum active concentration.

Practical note: At a 1% usage rate in a 100g batch, DL-Panthenol powder delivers 0.5g of active D-panthenol. D-Panthenol liquid at the same rate delivers 1g of active D-panthenol. Both are effective and widely used — the choice depends on your formulation goals and budget.

Key Benefits

• Deep, lasting hydration — humectant that attracts and binds water in the stratum corneum; improves skin moisture content measurably at concentrations as low as 1%
• Barrier repair & skin regeneration — supports keratinocyte proliferation and tissue repair; accelerates barrier recovery in dry or compromised skin
• Anti-inflammatory & soothing — reduces erythema and irritation; suitable for sensitive, reactive, and eczema-prone skin
• Hair conditioning & strengthening — improves hair shine, strength, suppleness, and moisture retention; standard active in professional haircare
• 100% pure powder — no water, no carrier — precise dosing; no hidden water content affecting your water phase calculations
• Broad formulation compatibility — water-soluble, pH-stable across 4–7, compatible with most actives, surfactants, and preservative systems

How to Use

• Incorporation: Dissolve in the water phase. Can also be added at cool-down (below 40°C). Do not exceed 70°C during processing
• Recommended Usage Rate: 0.5–5% in finished formulations (1–3% most common; up to 5% in intensive repair or haircare products)
• Solubility: Freely water-soluble; dissolves readily in warm water
• pH Compatibility: Stable across pH 4.0–7.0
• Pre-dispersion tip: If clumping occurs, pre-disperse in a small amount of glycerin before adding to the water phase

Formulation Details

Suggested Formulas & Pairings

DL-Panthenol Powder works synergistically with:

• Hyaluronic Acid — combine with Hyaluronic Acid Powder LMW in the water phase for a multi-mechanism hydration system targeting both surface moisture and barrier repair
• Niacinamide — pair with Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Powder for a barrier-strengthening, pore-refining, anti-inflammatory serum base; both are water-soluble and fully compatible
• Hydrolyzed Keratin — combine with Hydrolyzed Keratin Protein Powder in haircare for a dual protein-vitamin conditioning system targeting structural repair and moisture retention
• Hydrolyzed Oat Protein — layer with Hydrolyzed Oat Protein Powder for enhanced soothing and film-forming performance in sensitive skin or scalp formulations
• Urea — combine with Urea Powder for a dual-action hydration + exfoliation body lotion; panthenol repairs the barrier while urea draws water in and smooths rough skin

Example formula: A 3% DL-Panthenol + 2% Niacinamide + 1% Hyaluronic Acid LMW hydrating serum in a water/glycerin base, preserved with 0.8% Euxyl PE 9010, pH adjusted to 5.5. Dissolve all powders in warm water phase; add preservative at cool-down.

Formulation Guide

Explore the full science of panthenol — how it works in skin and hair, clinical evidence for barrier repair and hydration, D vs. DL isomer comparison, and formulation strategies for serums, creams, and haircare.

→ Panthenol for Skin, Hair, and Nails: The Unsung Hero Your Routine Needs

All products sold are cosmetic grade. For external use only. Intended for cosmetic and personal care formulations.