Panthenol vs. Alcohol — What's the Difference?

A derivative of vitamin B5, used as a moisturizer in cosmetics.

Can act as an antiseptic in sanitizing products.

An agent that helps to strengthen hair and reduce breakage.

May cause dryness or irritation, especially in higher concentrations.

A substance that improves skin hydration and elasticity.

Sometimes used to enhance the texture and feel of skincare products.

Known for its role in skin healing and regeneration.

Includes varieties that are beneficial, like cetyl and stearyl alcohol, which are fatty alcohols.

Commonly used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics for its beneficial properties.

A volatile liquid used as a solvent and preservative in cosmetics.

Panthenol (also called pantothenol) is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), and is thus a provitamin of B5. In organisms, it is quickly oxidized to pantothenic acid.

In chemistry, alcohol is an organic compound that carries at least one hydroxyl functional group (−OH) bound to a saturated carbon atom. The term alcohol originally referred to the primary alcohol ethanol (ethyl alcohol), which is used as a drug and is the main alcohol present in alcoholic drinks.

(organic compound) The alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid, which is quickly oxidized to pantothenate in organisms.

A colourless volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars and is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel

Any of a series of hydroxyl compounds, the simplest of which are derived from saturated hydrocarbons, have the general formula CnH2n+1OH, and include ethanol and methanol.

A colorless volatile flammable liquid, C2H5OH, synthesized or obtained by fermentation of sugars and starches and widely used, either pure or denatured, as a solvent and in drugs, cleaning solutions, explosives, and intoxicating beverages. Also called ethanol, ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol.

Intoxicating beverages containing ethanol considered as a group

Any of a class of organic compounds (such as ethanol) containing a hydroxyl functional group (-OH).

(colloquial) Ethanol.

(uncountable) Beverages containing ethanol, collectively.

(obsolete) Any very fine powder.

An impalpable powder.

The fluid essence or pure spirit obtained by distillation.

Pure spirit of wine; pure or highly rectified spirit (called also ethyl alcohol or ethanol, CH3.CH2.OH); the spirituous or intoxicating element of fermented or distilled liquors, or more loosely a liquid containing it in considerable quantity. It is extracted by simple distillation from various vegetable juices and infusions of a saccharine nature, which have undergone vinous fermentation.

A class of compounds analogous to vinic alcohol in constitution. Chemically speaking, they are hydroxides of certain organic radicals; as, the radical ethyl forms common or ethyl alcohol (C2H5.OH); methyl forms methyl alcohol (CH3.OH) or wood spirit; amyl forms amyl alcohol (C5H11.OH) or fusel oil, etc.

A liquor or brew containing alcohol as the active agent;

Any of a series of volatile hydroxyl compounds that are made from hydrocarbons by distillation

Panthenol is generally well-tolerated and is known for its soothing properties.

Yes, fatty alcohols like cetyl and stearyl alcohol are moisturizing and beneficial for the skin.

Some types of alcohol, like denatured alcohol, can be drying and irritating, particularly to sensitive skin.

Alcohols can thin the product and decrease the surface tension, allowing it to spread and absorb more easily.

Panthenol helps to moisturize hair, reduce breakage, and improve texture.

Panthenol is used to hydrate and heal the skin and hair.

Yes, panthenol is used for hydration and strengthening, while alcohols can be used for cleansing and quick-drying effects.

Alcohol acts as a solvent, preservative, and can improve product texture.

Panthenol is a derivative of vitamin B5 and converts into it upon application to the skin.

Panthenol is commonly found in moisturizers, conditioners, and wound-healing formulations.

Yes, there are many alcohol-free options available that use alternative solvents and preservatives.

Long-term use of high alcohol content products can lead to chronic dryness, irritation, and potential disruption of the skin barrier.

Look for terms like 'alcohol-free' or 'non-drying' on the product label, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin.

Signs include redness, dryness, and a tightening sensation in the skin.

Yes, panthenol is safe and beneficial for all skin types, especially for dry and damaged skin.