Panthenol

Provitamin B5: the quiet reason hair stops snapping.

Also known as: Provitamin B5 · D-panthenol

What it is

The alcohol form of vitamin B5. Once absorbed it converts to pantothenic acid, which your skin and hair already use.

Why it's in the formula

It is a humectant that penetrates rather than sitting on top, improving elasticity, reducing breakage over repeat washes, and calming a scalp that charcoal just cleaned hard.

Where it comes from

Synthesized to cosmetic grade because the plant-extracted version is neither cleaner nor more effective; identical molecule, less waste.

What to know

One of the best-tolerated actives in cosmetics; safe on scalp, skin, and around the hairline.