panthenol

Panthenol comes in two enantiomers, D and L. Only D -panthenol (//dexpanthenol//) is biologically active, however both forms have moisturizing properties. For cosmetic use, panthenol comes either in D form, or as a racemic mixture of D and L ( DL -panthenol). Panthenol's expanded chemical formula is: HO-CH2-C(CH3)2-CH(OH)-CONH-CH2CH2CH2-OH. In cosmetics, panthenol is a humectant, emollient and moisturizer. It binds to the hair shaft readily and is a frequent component of shampoos and hair conditioners (in concentrations of 0.1-1%). It coats the hair and seals its surface[//citation needed//], lubricating the hair shaft and making strands appear shiny. It is also recommended by many tattoo artists as a moisturising cream for new tattoos. In ointments, panthenol has good skin penetration.[1home] It is sometimes mixed with allantoin, in concentrations of up to 2-5%, and is used for treatment of sunburns, mild burns and minor skin disorders.[//citation needed//] It improves hydration, reduces itching and inflammation of the skin and accelerates and improves healing of epidermal wounds.[1home] If ingested, panthenol is metabolized to pantothenic acid.
 * Panthenol** is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and is thus a provitamin of B5. In organisms it is quickly oxidized to pantothenate. Panthenol is a highly viscous transparent liquid at room temperature, but salts of pantothenic acid (for example sodium pantothenate) are powders (typically white). It is soluble in water, alcohol and propylene glycol, soluble in ether and chloroform, and slightly soluble in glycerin.

Uses
Because panthenol binds well to hair follicles, and attracts moisture from the air, it is a moisturizing agent used in shampoos and conditioners. It lubricates the hair without feeling greasy. It smoothes roughened hair surfaces, making them shiny and easier to comb. Panthenol does not "nourish" hair. It coats it to make it slippery.