What is vitamin B5 and why is it used in skin care?

. vitamin skin care products can help you achieve radiant, youthful skin that feels supple. You must have heard of vitamin A (hello, retinol) and extension vitamin CBut what about vitamin B5? You may have seen vitamin B5, sometimes referred to as provitamin B5, on the label of skin care products. This nourishing ingredient is known to restore elasticity and retain moisture. Ahead we spoke to Dr. DeAnne Davis, Dermatologist and Partner at Skinceuticals., about the ingredients and products she recommends to include in your skincare routine.

What is Vitamin B5?

B5 is a nutrient found naturally in salmon, avocados, sunflower seeds, and other foods. “It is also known as pantothetic acid and is a water-soluble B vitamin,” says Dr. Davis. You may also recognize the ingredient "panthenol" or "provitamin B5" in relation to B5. “Panthenol is a provitamin or precursor that the body converts to vitamin B5 when applied topically to the skin.” 

Why is vitamin B5 important in skin care?

According to Dr. Davis, vitamin B5 is beneficial for surface cell renewal and helps restore skin elasticity. This means that it can help visibly reduce wrinkles, increase skin firmness, and eliminate skin dullness. But the benefits don't end there. "B5 can bind and retain water in the skin to help with moisturizing properties," adds Dr. Davis. This means it can also help skin retain moisture to combat dryness and control redness for a more even, hydrated, and youthful complexion. 

Where can you find vitamin B5 and who should use it?

Vitamin B5 is commonly found in moisturizers and serums. Dr. Davis points out that all skin types can benefit from vitamin B5, but it is especially helpful for those with dry skin as it acts as a moisture magnet. 

How to include B5 in your routine

There are several different ways to incorporate B5 into your skincare routine, whether it be a moisturizer, mask, or serum.

Company SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel is a serum that can be used once or twice a day. It has a silky finish that helps to revitalize and hydrate the skin. To use, apply after cleanser and serum but before moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning. Apply at night before moisturizer.

Try as a mask Skinceuticals Hydrating Mask B5, an intensely hydrating gel formula for dehydrated skin. It contains a mixture of hyaluronic acid and B5, which rehydrate the skin and make it smoother and smoother.

If you want to apply B5 to other areas of skin that feel dry, flaky or irritated, choose La-Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 A soothing, healing multipurpose cream. Formulated with ingredients such as B5 and dimethicone, this cream helps soothe dry, rough skin for firmer, more toned skin. 

Dr. Davis says vitamin B5 works well with most other ingredients and can also be paired with other humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.