What it is
Pantethine is a biologically active form of pantothenic acid, consisting of two pantetheine units joined by a disulfide bond. In cosmetic formulations it is included as a skin-conditioning agent, often alongside other vitamin B5 derivatives such as panthenol. It is water-soluble and typically used at low concentrations.
Safety & warnings
Pantethine is generally well tolerated on skin at the low levels used in cosmetics, and it is not associated with notable allergenic or comedogenic concerns in topical use.
Origin & sourcing
Pantethine is produced synthetically and is structurally related to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), a member of the B-vitamin family.
Questions everyone asks
How is pantethine related to vitamin B5?
Pantethine is a disulfide dimer derived from pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and is chemically related to panthenol, another common B5 derivative used in skin care.
What does pantethine do in a sunscreen?
It functions as a skin-conditioning agent, contributing to the feel of the formula rather than to UV protection.