5 best panthenol creams to treat dry skin
We’ve rounded up the best panthenol creams to keep your skin super hydrated, including one a popular influencer calls “really magic”.
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Dry skin is one of the most common skincare complaints, and there are a multitude of products you can choose from to add that much needed moisture to your skin.
If you’re struggling to find the best one for you, look on the back of the product and check for panthenol – if it’s on the ingredients list, you’re onto a winner.
Panthenol is vitamin B5, which is naturally produced in our body. When added to your skincare routine it can increase hydration, seal moisture into the skin and help repair the skin barrier. It’s also safe to use on all skin types and can even be applied to sunburn or nappy rash.
Our favourite panthenol cream is the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm which uses prebiotics alongside the main ingredient to maintain the skin’s pH for great skin barrier repair. If you’re more interested in a serum, we suggest you try Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum. It has a five per cent niacinamide concentration to not only hydrate the skin, but make it appear plumper and reduce the signs of ageing.
Read on to find out more about the best panthenol skincare products on the market and how your skin can benefit by adding it to your beauty regimen.
Best panthenol cream
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ Repairing Balm, $17.39 (down from $24.95) at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It is formulated with prebiotics to maintain the skin’s pH levels and aid in skin barrier repair.
What to consider: For a complete and effective routine, it is recommended to be used in conjunction with other La Roche-Posay products, including a cleanser and facial mist.
Size: 40mL | Skin types: All skin types | Concentration: 5% | Ingredients: Tribioma, madecassoside, spring water, glycerin and shea butter
What You Need To Know
Boasting a “rich nourishing texture,” this non-greasy La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm is dermatologically tested to hydrate, soothe and repair the skin.
On top of the five per cent vitamin B5 concentration, it also has a prebiotic formula called Tribioma. This uses sugar and fermented plant extracts to maintain the skin’s natural pH levels for more effective skin barrier repair while minimising the effects of environmental factors on the skin.
When applied, it absorbs quickly without leaving behind any white marks or streaks. And it’s not just used as a part of your beauty routine, as it is safe to use on baby’s skin from three months old.
Along with hundreds of five-star ratings, one Amazon customer begins their review calling it the “Best moisturiser ever!” They continued, saying “It sort of has the texture of sunscreen but it feels great on skin. It’s perfect under make-up and also helps calm down irritation.”
Another shopper said “This is very gentle on skin – I have crazy sensitive skin and this is lovely, feels calming, no smell, no ickiness at all.”
It’s even endorsed by health and fitness influencer Laura Henshaw, who called it “Really magic” on her TikTok.
Best panthenol serum
Alpha-H vitamin B Serum, $84.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: It has a lower concentration of vitamin B5 so it can be used everyday, even for those with sensitive skin.
What to consider: One shopper said it felt sticky on their skin.
Size: 25mL | Skin types: All skin types | Concentration: 1% | Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, sage seed extract, citric acid, potassium hydroxide, wheat amino acid, caprylyl glycol, hydrolysed gardenia florida extract and copper tripeptide-1
What You Need To Know
The Australian made Alpha-H vitamin B Serum is the perfect panthenol product for those concerned about how their skin looks as they get older.
The formula consists of one per cent panthenol and five per cent niacinamide which evens skin tone to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also uses hyaluronic acid and copper tripeptide to promote collagen build up which makes your skin look younger and glowing.
Even better – it is vegan, cruelty free and completely free from some of the nasties you’d find in some skincare products like sulphates, parabens and mineral oil.
“Needed to jump on Vit B serum bandwagon now I have hit 40,” one Myer customer revealed.
“This product is combined with other age fighting ingredients and has really changed my dry skin and helped to disappear fine lines and rough skin. I like that it is Australian made and well priced for such a quality product.”
Another reviewer at Adore Beauty said it “Helped to visibly reduce the appearance of spots and marks, and I could see an improvement in my overall skin texture within two to three weeks of daily use.
“Such an underrated product. Probably the only serum I can say I’ve used and LOVED because it works.”
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5 Repair Serum, $48.39 (down from $68.95) at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Its deep and rich formula prevents moisture evaporating off the skin to keep it hydrated for longer.
What to consider: This has quite a high concentration of vitamin B5, making it less suitable to those with sensitive skin.
Size: 30mL | Skin types: All skin types | Concentration: 10% | Ingredients: Glycerin, dimethicone, sulfonic acid, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, caprylyl glycol, citric acid and xanthan gum
What You Need To Know
This fragrance free and hypo-allergenic serum by La Roche-Posay is one of the most effective panthenol products on the market thanks to its high concentration and long lasting formulation.
It provides up to 24 hours of hydration while minimising transepidermal water loss (the reduction of moisture on you skin as it evaporates into the air). It also uses HEPES (hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid) which buffers and smoothes rough and bumpy skin for an even skin texture.
After cleansing your skin, apply three to four drops and massage it into your face and neck, and you should be seeing more moist and less flaky skin in as little as an hour.
“Whenever my skin feels dry, irritated, or red, this serum saves the day. It’s so soothing, and I love how quickly it calms flare ups without feeling heavy” one Adore Beauty shopper raved.
A second agreed, saying “Whenever my skin is feeling irritated I go back to the basics and just use this and the cicaplast Baume and the next day my skin feels so fresh and healthy. Still I will use this everyday to maintain my skins health.”
Best panthenol cream for sensitive skin
COSRX Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream, $35.33 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: It feels cool when applied, which is ideal for those suffering with red and inflamed skin.
What to consider: The jar is rather large, so some shoppers were disappointed with the amount inside.
Size: 50mL | Skin types: All skin types | Concentration: N/A | Ingredients: Camellia leaf extract, glycerin, pentylene glycol, aloe leaf extract, hydrolysed hibiscus esculentus extract, lupinus albus seed extract, moringa oleifera seed extract, melia azadirachta leaf extract and melia azadirachta flower extract
What You Need To Know
COSRX has become a popular brand recently thanks to their range of snail mucin skincare products. With a similar gel-like consistency, their Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream is also a great, moisturising option.
It has a cooling effect thanks to the gentle aloe vera and green tea extract which targets redness, oil and dry skin. This works alongside the panthenol to make it even more soothing and calming while adding some much needed moisture and nourishment to the skin.
To top it off, it is vegan and paraben, phthalate, sulphate, mineral oil and fragrance free, so you know you’re only applying the best ingredients.
Its five-star rating on Adore Beauty is what really sets it apart from the competition, and the reviews speak for themselves.
“Rich but not greasy, this moisturiser keeps my skin soft and plump all day long,” one shopper said. Another added “It’s so cooling on the skin and it leaves the most amazing glow.”
Best panthenol cream for acne prone skin
numbuzin No.1 Cream Pantothenic B5 Active Soothing Cream, $27.70 at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Inside is a huge concoction of natural ingredients, making it gentle on skin while effectively moisturising and preventing clogged pores.
What to consider: One shopper their skin felt itchy after a couple of days of constant use.
Size: 80mL | Skin types: All skin types | Concentration: 1% | Ingredients: Butylene glycol, glycerin, niacinamide, centella asiatica extract, chlorella vulgaris extract, sophora angustifolia root extract, melia azadirachta leaf extract, melia azadirachta flower extract, turmeric root extract, eggplant extract, willow bark extract, coffee seed extract, bergamot leaf extract, sesame seed oil, licorice root extract, silica and xanthan gum
What You Need To Know
The three main goals of this lightweight, waterlike numbuzin No.1 Cream are to prevent acne, control oil build-up and clear the skin. This is achieved through the combination of panthenol and its compound pantothenic acid which adds deep levels of moisture and hydration.
It also uses four per cent niacinamide to brighten skin and ease hyperpigmentation, one per cent centella asiatica for added strength to the skin barrier and silica to maintain collagen production.
This formula is perfect for sensitive skin, with a plentiful amount of natural ingredients including turmeric root extract, coffee seed extract, willow bark extract, licorice root extract and sesame seed oil. It’s also completely non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.
One parent said in their review that this cream was recommended for their 14-year-old son’s acneic skin, and remarked “His skin has cleared up in just over three weeks.”
Another shopper raved about the natural ingredients, saying “It spreads very easily and all the ingredients on the list are good. For example, the glycerin and niacinamide are gold without any useless irritant ingredients.”
How we choose our products
Our dedicated team scours through thousands of reviews, ratings and articles to find the best items and determine how you can get the best bang for your buck. When it comes to panthenol creams, we considered their size, price, ingredients and suitability for different skin types.
What to consider before buying panthenol cream
Skin type: Most panthenol creams are suitable for all skin types, though some are formulated to target specific skin concerns like sensitive skin, ageing skin and those who are acne prone. If you fall into one of these categories, check if it is the best option or if there are other creams that will suit you better.
Concentration: The panthenol concentration determines what percentage of the ingredient is included, typically ranging from one to 10 per cent. The lower the percentage, the more gentle it is on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a lower concentration, but if your main concern is dryness, then look for products with a concentration around the five per cent mark.
Beauty routine: Some panthenol creams can be used at any time of the day, others for specific times and a couple that should only be used every couple of days. See what the product recommends in terms of application and if it will fit into your schedule.
Size: These products often come in small tubes and bottles. While it may not seem like a lot, you don’t normally need to apply a lot to get an amazing result.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS PANTHENOL?
Panthenol is an ingredient you’ll find in many skincare products. Rachel McAdam, L’Oréal Australia Head of Medical Relations explains, “Panthenol is a molecule within the B vitamin family – vitamin B5 to be exact.
“It exists naturally in our body and plays a role in many functions including healthy skin.”
In skincare it acts as a humectant, which hydrates and moisturises the skin as part of a regular beauty and skincare routine by drawing and attracting moisture to the skin and sealing it in.
Many panthenol creams and beauty products work alongside other beneficial ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides to aid in the skin’s appearance, like reducing fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It also promotes the production of lipids in the skin to maintain the skin barrier while creating a smoother and more supple skin texture.
Panthenol is also included in healing gels and creams to treat sunburns, nappy rash and minor skin injuries as it helps with skin repair and regeneration.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING PANTHENOL CREAM IN MY BEAUTY ROUTINE?
There are plenty of benefits to using panthenol that will help to retain moisture, soothe irritated skin, promote skin repair and make you love the way you look.
- Increased moisture and hydration: Panthenol is considered a humectant. This binds water to the skin to maintain a high water content. This will lead to well hydrated skin and retain moisture to improve dryness and minimise flaky skin.
- Soothing the skin: McAdam says “When we apply it to the skin directly, it has been shown to provide calming and regenerative properties.” Those with redness, swelling or acne marks will find panthenol will soothe their skin to reduce these concerns.
- Aiding skin barrier: With the added moisture, panthenol can restore the skin’s natural barrier to minimise water loss and maintain constant hydration. This can cause less irritability and sensitivity to environmental factors like smoke or car fumes.
- Minimising irritated skin: Panthenol is known to be gentle on the skin and face in comparison to other skincare options available. McAdam adds that “Using it as part of a routine will help reduce low-level skin inflammation, which in turn has anti-ageing and skin barrier benefits.”
- Improving appearance: Along with the added moisture benefits, many panthenol creams are known to promote cell regeneration, which will make the skin look plump and fresh while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Heals skin concerns: Vitamin B5 is known to aid in skin repair and is often found in nappy rash and sunburn creams. When an appropriate amount is applied to your body, it can also minimise the appearance of scars or cuts.
WHAT SKIN TYPES WOULD BENEFIT BEST FROM USING PANTHENOL CREAMS?
Panthenol is suitable for all skin types, with McAdam saying “Everyone will benefit as it has all-rounder properties.”
Dry and dehydrated skin: You will see your flaky skin and rough spots minimise as moisture is locked in for longer.
Sensitive skin: Panthenol is gentle and has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and irritation.
Ageing skin: Those concerned about their fine lines are suited to panthenol products as they promote cell regeneration while retaining moisture to help minimise the appearance of fine lines.
Acne-prone skin: As it soothes skin and reduces inflammation, those with acne scars and regular outbreaks will benefit from panthenol as it adds the much needed moisture to the skin without clogging pores.
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF PANTHENOL SHOULD I BE USING?
Panthenol creams come in different concentrations. McAdam says that a five per cent concentration is the baseline for “active healing properties,” but goes on to say “any formula with 1% or more will have benefits.”
HOW MUCH PANTHENOL SHOULD I APPLY TO MY SKIN?
There is no one answer to this, and it will depend on your skin type, dryness and sensitivity. A general rule of thumb is to use a pea-sized amount and apply evenly around the entire face.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE USING PANTHENOL CREAM?
“If we are looking to keep the skin calm and soothed daily, then panthenol can be used as part of an ongoing routine,” says McAdam.
Small concentrations of panthenol cream can be used once or twice daily, however those with specific skin concerns or using a larger concentration should see what the recommended amount is for their product of choice and stick to those guidelines.
IS PANTHENOL BETTER THE HYALURONIC ACID?
Panthenol and hyaluronic acid are both highly regarded in the skincare world, and it’s tricky to say which one is better than the other.
McAdam says “Both work differently but have a place of their own for healthy looking skin!”
Hyaluronic acid is best used as a quick hydration boost to the skin, with McAdam noting it “holds water within the epidermis and that gives instant, but temporary plumpness.” Those with mature skin will also benefit from hyaluronic acid as the plumping minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Panthenol is ideal for sealing in moisture for long periods of time, rather than for a quick fix. McAdam adds that “Panthenol works at a deeper level to help restore the epidermal balance.” It is also the preferred choice when it comes to soothing irritated skin and healing damaged skin.
Both ingredients together will be the ideal compromise between getting an instant glow and keeping your skin healthy and hydrated in the long term, with McAdam saying “They are magic together!”
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