What is the Difference Between Panthenol and Dexpanthenol?

Panthenol and dexpanthenol are both forms of vitamin B5, but they have different biological activities. The key difference between the two is that dexpanthenol is a biologically active form, while panthenol is not always biologically active. Some key points about panthenol and dexpanthenol include:

• Enantiomers: Panthenol comes in two enantiomers, D and L. Only D-panthenol is biologically active. Both forms have moisturizing properties.
• Chemical Formula: Panthenol has the chemical formula C9H19NO4. Dexpanthenol is the D enantiomer of panthenol.
• Oxidation: Panthenol is converted to pantothenic acid upon oxidation. Dexpanthenol is a more stable alcohol form of pantothenic acid.
• Topical Use: Both panthenol and dexpanthenol are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products as moisturizers and humectants. They are included in ointments, gels, creams, and hydrogels. Dexpanthenol is particularly effective in treating skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.
• Safety: Panthenols are generally well-tolerated and have very low toxicity. Dexpanthenol has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission.

In summary, panthenol and dexpanthenol are both forms of vitamin B5, but dexpanthenol is a biologically active form, whereas panthenol is not always biologically active. Both forms have moisturizing properties and are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, with dexpanthenol showing particular effectiveness in treating skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

Comparative Table: Panthenol vs Dexpanthenol

Here is a table comparing the differences between Panthenol and Dexpanthenol:

Panthenol and Dexpanthenol have the same chemical formula, C9H19NO4, and similar physical properties, such as molar mass, melting point, and boiling point. They both have moisturizing properties and are used in the cosmetic industry. However, the key difference between the two is that Panthenol is not always biologically active, while Dexpanthenol is a biologically active form. Panthenol exists as a racemic mixture containing both the dextrorotatory form (Dexpanthenol) and the levorotatory form (Levopanthenol). Dexpanthenol is more common compared to the L form and is popular in the treatment of various skin conditions.