Dexpanthenol: Effects, Uses & Risks

Dexpanthenol is a precursor of vitamin B5. Colloquially, the active ingredient is also called “skin vitamin“. As an active ingredient in ointments and other topically applied medicines, dexpanthenol increases the moisture content of the skin and supports the healing process in cases of inflammation, after injuries and burns.

What is dexpanthenol?

As an active ingredient in ointments and other topical medicines, dexpanthenol increases the moisture content of the skin and supports the healing process in inflammation. Other names for dexpanthenol are panthenol or provitamin B5. The substance is converted into pantothenic acid – which is vitamin B5 – in the body’s cells. Pantothenic acid and its precursor dexpanthenol increase the water-binding capacity of the skin, stimulate the regeneration of injured tissue, have an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect. Pantothenic acid is also a component of coenzyme A. The cofactor binds and transports intermediate products of the breakdown of glucose, fats and amino acids and in this capacity is indispensable in the energy and synthesis metabolism of the cells.

Pharmacological action

Dexpanthenol stimulates the synthesis of lipids and their incorporation into cell membranes. Thus, it supports the barrier function of the skin, which is significant for protection against dehydration, mechanical damage, infections, UV radiation or allergens, among other things. In the case of injuries and other skin damage, dexpanthenol thus ensures that the intact skin barrier is quickly restored. Furthermore, dexpanthenol stimulates the formation of new skin cells, promotes their migration into the injured tissue and regulates the inflammatory process at the site of the injury. This occurs through activation of numerous genes which are responsible, among other things, for the formation of cellular messenger substances such as cytokines and interleukins. Dexpanthenol has also been shown to have an anti-oxidative effect. This means that the substance can bind and render harmless so-called free radicals, highly reactive compounds that are released by UV radiation or during inflammatory processes and have a damaging effect on tissue. Ointments containing dexpanthenol thus ensure orderly healing of wounds, dry and cracked skin, burns and scalds. For injuries, dexpanthenol reduces scarring, decreases wound contraction and relieves pain.

Medical use and application

Dexpanthenol is found in ointments and creams, foam sprays, nasal and eye drops, lozenges, and ampoules. In addition to medicines, it is also used in cosmetic products such as creams, shampoos and hair treatments. Dexpanthenol is a component of topically applied ointments for treating superficial skin damage such as injuries, inflammations or very dry, cracked skin. Such ointments include the well-known Bepanthen wound and healing ointment or Panthenol Ratiopharm wound balm. They are applied to the affected skin areas, promote wound healing and provide moisture. Skin redness and roughness are significantly reduced by dexpanthenol. Foam spray containing dexpanthenol (for example Panthenol Spray) cools and soothes sunburn and minor burns and also accelerates the healing process. Dexpanthenol is also a component of nasal sprays and eye drops, which moisturize and soothe irritated, dry mucous membranes in the nose and eye. Eye drops containing dexpanthenol treat dry eyes and are used in the supportive therapy of conjunctivitis. Dexpanthenol is also used in the form of lozenges. The lozenges are used to care for the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat in cases of sore, painful areas in the mouth or non-bacterial pharyngitis. Dexpanthenol tablets can also correct a general pantothenic acid deficiency, such as can occur in dialysis patients or in people with chronic intestinal inflammation. There are no strict guidelines for the dosage of dexpanthenol. Ointments, sprays and drops may be used liberally, provided the application is pleasant and brings relief. Lozenges should dissolve gradually in the mouth. Again, several tablets may be used throughout the day.

Risks and side effects

Allergic reactions, occurring in about one in 10000 users, are the only known side effects of superficial or oral use of dexpanthenol.In the event of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, redness and irritation occur on the skin areas that have come into contact with dexpanthenol. An allergy test can show whether such hypersensitivity exists. The use of dexpanthenol in children is also problem-free. There are also no known adverse effects during pregnancy and lactation. Nevertheless, the recommended maximum amount of dexpanthenol for oral intake for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 10 milligrams daily.