A study published by the University of São Paulo in Brazil has identified the skin moisturising effects of panthenol-based formulations, a key ingredient of Neuropad Foot Repair Foam.
What is Panthenol?
Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is a colorless, odorless, and water-soluble compound derived from pantothenic acid. It is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products for its moisturising, soothing, and healing properties.
When applied to the skin or hair, panthenol attracts and retains moisture, enhances hydration, and improves texture. Its ability to promote skin barrier function and reduce irritation makes it a popular ingredient in formulations for sensitive or damaged skin, as well as in hair care products to strengthen and condition hair.
The report produced these results:
1. Deep‑Moisturizing & Barrier Strengthening
Panthenol acts as a potent humectant, deeply penetrating skin and hair to attract and lock in moisture. Studies show formulations with panthenol significantly reduce transepidermal water loss, improving skin hydration for up to 180 minutes after application. It also supports and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, making skin more resilient to environmental stressors like dry climates or sun exposure .
2. Promotes Healing & Tissue Regeneration
Thanks to its role as a provitamin B5, panthenol is converted in skin to pantothenic acid, which stimulates epithelial cell growth and speeds up wound healing. Clinical data indicate that creams containing 5 % panthenol can accelerate superficial wound repair by approximately 30 % compared to controls.
3. Soothing & Anti‑Inflammatory Effects
Panthenol helps calm irritated or inflamed skin through its anti‑inflammatory activity. It’s particularly beneficial for sensitive, reddened, or inflamed conditions like eczema or sunburn. One recent clinical trial showed 100 % of participants with facial sensitive skin reported improved comfort, reduced erythema, and better barrier function after 28 days of using a panthenol‑enriched cream.
4. Enhancing Hair & Nail Health
Panthenol contributes to stronger, shinier, and more elastic hair by penetrating the hair shaft, reducing breakage and boosting lustre—even after rinse‑off conditioners. It also supports improved hydration and flexibility in nails, reducing brittleness and breakage.
5. Versatility, Safety & Cosmetic Appeal
Panthenol is easy to formulate as it’s soluble in water-based cosmetic systems. It’s widely recognized as safe and non-irritating, even at higher concentrations up to about 5 %. Its multifunctional benefits—moisturisation, soothing, barrier repair, and aesthetic enhancements—make it a staple ingredient in skin, hair, baby, and corrective care products illustrated by its growth in usage across diverse formulations.