Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Vitamin B5 taken by mouth is safe at normal doses and almost nobody is deficient, so the useful forms are topical: dexpanthenol, the provitamin the skin converts to pantothenic acid, has a real evidence base for repairing the skin barrier, minor wounds and nappy rash.
The oral acne and hair-loss claims are weaker: there is one small, company-sponsored acne trial and only small studies of hair loss, none showing B5 alone works. Very high oral doses (10 to 20 g a day) cause diarrhoea.
At a glance
Last reviewed 10 October 2026What it's used for
Evidence is rated per use. The same ingredient can be strong for one thing and traditional for another.
| Use | Evidence | What the research shows |
|---|---|---|
| Skin barrier repair and dryness, topical dexpanthenolCompare remedies for skin → | Moderate | Dexpanthenol is converted in the skin to pantothenic acid, a component of coenzyme A needed for the skin's lipid barrier. In a controlled irritation model, a dexpanthenol cream repaired the barrier faster than vehicle, improved hydration and reduced redness. A 2017 review of the topical evidence calls it a moisturiser and barrier restorer; it is a narrative review of manufacturer-associated work, and we could not verify its authors' funding, so read it as supportive, not independent.2,3 |
| Minor wounds and post-procedure skin, topical dexpanthenol | Moderate | A 2020 review of clinical and laboratory studies concluded that topical dexpanthenol speeds superficial and post-procedure wound healing, with quicker re-epithelialisation and barrier restoration, especially when applied early. Its authors include employees of and consultants to the manufacturer (Bayer), and it is a narrative review, not a meta-analysis.4 |
| Nappy (diaper) rash, topical dexpanthenol | Moderate | A 2025 systematic review of 13 studies (2,935 children) found that emollients with zinc oxide or dexpanthenol were highly effective with minimal side effects, alongside good diaper hygiene and barrier creams. The review does not separate dexpanthenol from zinc oxide, so it cannot tell you which works better.5 |
| Acne, oral supplement | Limited | In the one randomised trial, 48 adults with mild to moderate facial acne (41 evaluable) took a pantothenic acid-based supplement or placebo for 12 weeks; total lesions fell more with the supplement (P = 0.0197), as did inflammatory lesions. It was small, short, sponsored by a marketing company, and tested a proprietary 'pantothenic acid-based' product rather than plain B5, so it cannot show that B5 alone works. The Linus Pauling Institute says the evidence does not support acne claims.1,7 |
| Hair loss, oral or injectedCompare remedies for hair & nails → | Traditional | The Linus Pauling Institute says evidence that pantothenic acid supplements prevent or restore hair colour is lacking, and that small studies suggest a possible benefit for hair loss but controlled trials are needed. The one randomised trial we read gave 50 people six weekly injections of biotin plus dexpanthenol; hair fall improved in both brands, but it had no placebo arm and used two active combinations, so B5's own effect is unknown.6,7 |
| Correcting deficiency | Moderate | Deficiency is very rare and has mainly been seen in severe malnutrition; experimental deficiency causes headache, fatigue, insomnia and tingling. The recommended intake is 5 mg a day, easily met from food. This is rated on established physiology and the review text, not on a modern trial.7 |
How much
Ranges below are what studies used and what supplements commonly contain. They are not a recommendation for you. Start at the low end.
How people take it
Safety
Who should avoid
- Broken or very sensitive skin reactions — stop if the cream irritates
- Doses above about 10 g a day — diarrhoea
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding — needs are 6 to 7 mg; avoid high-dose supplements
- Nappy rash that is severe, blistered or not improving — see a clinician
Known interactions
Questions people ask
What are the benefits of vitamin B5?
Taken as food, it prevents the very rare deficiency. The benefits with evidence are topical: dexpanthenol cream repairs the skin barrier, helps minor wounds heal and treats nappy rash. Oral claims for acne and hair loss are not well supported.
Is vitamin B5 good for skin?
As a cream, yes, for dryness, irritation and minor wounds, though much of the research is linked to manufacturers. By mouth, one small sponsored trial found fewer acne lesions over 12 weeks with a proprietary supplement, which does not prove plain B5 works.
Does vitamin B5 help hair?
Not proven. The Linus Pauling Institute says there is no good evidence that it restores hair colour, and only small studies hint at benefit for hair loss. The one randomised trial we read used injected biotin plus dexpanthenol with no placebo group.
What are the side effects of vitamin B5?
Normal amounts have none documented. Doses of 10 to 20 g a day cause diarrhoea, and no upper limit has been set. Creams rarely cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis.
Sources (7)
- Randomised controlled trial Yang M, Moclair B, Hatcher V, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a novel pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2014.
- Randomised controlled trial Proksch E, Nissen HP. Dexpanthenol enhances skin barrier repair and reduces inflammation after sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritation. J Dermatolog Treat. 2002.
- Review Proksch E, de Bony R, Trapp S, Boudon S. Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017.
- Review Gorski J, Proksch E, Baron JM, Schmid D, Zhang L. Dexpanthenol in Wound Healing after Medical and Cosmetic Interventions (Postprocedure Wound Healing). Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2020.
- Systematic review Octarica SG, Ellistasari EY, Dewi AK, et al. Preventive and curative approaches to diaper dermatitis in children: a systematic review. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2025.
- Randomised controlled trial Samadi A, Ketabi Y, Firooz R, Firooz A. Efficacy of intramuscular injections of biotin and dexpanthenol in the treatment of diffuse hair loss: A randomized, double-blind controlled study comparing two brands. Dermatol Ther. 2022.
- Review Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Pantothenic acid. Micronutrient Information Center.
Last reviewed 10 October 2026 · Next review April 2027 · How we rate evidence
Reader notes
Experiences and questions from readers, read by an editor before they appear. They are personal accounts, not evidence, and are not medical advice.