D-Panthenol is a widely used cosmetic ingredient and the dextrorotatory form of Panthenol, commonly known as Dexpanthenol or Provitamin B5. It is the alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid and is widely incorporated into skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulations.
D-Panthenol has the INCI name PANTHENOL, CAS Number 81-13-0, molecular formula C₉H₁₉NO₄, and molecular weight 205.25 g/mol. It is generally supplied as a clear, colourless to slightly yellow, viscous liquid in concentrated grades, although crystallisation or solidification can occur depending on temperature and grade.
D-Panthenol is particularly valued for its humectant, skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning properties. It is therefore an important ingredient for moisturising and conditioning formulations.
D-Panthenol is the D-isomer of Panthenol, distinguished by its positive optical rotation. Its chemical name is (R)-2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethylbutanamide. The molecule contains several hydroxyl groups together with an amide functional group, contributing to its water compatibility and moisturising characteristics.
D-Panthenol has a molecular weight of 205.25 g/mol. Commercial material may be supplied as approximately 98% or higher active D-Panthenol, or as an aqueous 75% D-Panthenol grade. These grades should not be treated as interchangeable because their active content, water content and physical properties differ.
A characteristic quality parameter for D-Panthenol is specific optical rotation. A commonly referenced specification is approximately +29.0° to +32.0° at 20°C, c=5 in water, calculated on the appropriate basis. This parameter helps distinguish the D-form from other Panthenol stereochemical forms.
D-Panthenol is primarily valued as a humectant and conditioning ingredient. Its water-attracting characteristics allow it to support moisture management in cosmetic formulations.
In skin-care products, D-Panthenol can contribute to a moisturised, smooth and conditioned skin feel. It is commonly incorporated into creams, lotions, serums, gels and other products where hydration and skin conditioning are formulation objectives.
In hair care, D-Panthenol is used in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, leave-on treatments and styling products. Its conditioning characteristics can contribute to improved hair feel and manageability. It is also frequently associated with formulations designed to improve the appearance and feel of dry or damaged-looking hair.
D-Panthenol Cosmetic Ingredient can be used across numerous skin-care, hair-care and personal-care applications. Typical product categories include moisturising creams, facial lotions, body lotions, hand creams, serums, gels, shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, hair treatments, styling products and other conditioning formulations.
In skin-care systems, D-Panthenol can be combined with humectants, emollients, occlusive materials and other skin-conditioning ingredients. Its water compatibility makes it particularly useful in aqueous and emulsion-based formulations.
For hair-care applications, it can be incorporated into cleansing and conditioning systems where moisture management and conditioning are desired. Aqueous D-Panthenol grades, such as 75% solutions, can provide convenient handling and incorporation into water-based formulations. A referenced 75% grade contains 75.0–78.5% D-Panthenol with controlled pH and optical rotation.
D-Panthenol is highly compatible with water and is freely soluble in water, alcohol and methanol. It can therefore be incorporated into many aqueous cosmetic formulations.
The grade and concentration must be considered carefully. An approximately 98% D-Panthenol grade is substantially different from a 75% aqueous solution. The latter contains water as part of the supplied material and therefore requires a different formulation calculation.
D-Panthenol is hygroscopic, and suitable packaging and storage conditions are important. Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures should also be avoided during formulation development because extended heating can affect stereochemical stability. The finished product should undergo appropriate stability, pH, appearance and compatibility testing.
For commercial procurement, the actual Certificate of Analysis should determine assay, water, optical rotation, aminopropanol, residue on ignition and other quality parameters.
As a D-Panthenol Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulation requirements.
D-Panthenol is suitable for manufacturers seeking a multifunctional ingredient for moisturising and conditioning applications. Bulk procurement should be based on the selected grade, active concentration and agreed product specification.
Important quality parameters include identity, D-Panthenol assay, water content, specific optical rotation, aminopropanol, residue on ignition, refractive index and appearance.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0–102.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.10% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 20 ppm |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 1.0% |
| Specific Rotation | +29.0° to +32.0° |