What Is Pantothenic Acid And Why Should It Be In Your Skincare Routine?

Pantothenic acid is a B vitamin that allows animals to metabolize proteins, carbs, and fats, per The Skin Chemist. In fact, this type of acid literally translates to "found everywhere" and small traces of the acid are in so many things we eat, like eggs, whole grain cereals, and mushrooms. With this in mind, you may be wondering why, exactly, your new favorite skincare product is boasting about having pantothenic acid in their ingredients.

According to Byrdie, not only is pantothenic acid found in foods, it is also found in a ton of our beauty products. In addition to helping our inner bodies break down what we eat, it is also a great agent for our skin, working as a moisturizer and smoothing the skin. But pantothenic acid, while known to scientists and skin chemists for years, is fairly new to the world of commercial skincare. So you may be wondering if it's not only safe to use, but essential to your skincare routine.

Whether you have perfected your skincare routine or are still searching for the best products, everyone can benefit by adding pantothenic acid to the lineup. According to Byrdie, this acid, which is also referred to as Vitamin B5, works for all skin types, can be used every single day, and gets along with all ingredients, meaning it's a simple addition to your daily skincare lineup.

To put it simply, pantothenic acid works to hold water onto the skin, helping it absorb moisture and leave our skin looking fresh and hydrated. But it also has a calming effect, making it a must-have for those dealing with dry skin or irritation on the face, per Today. But even more than just a simple addition to your skincare routine, pantothenic acid is also said to help relieve certain skin conditions, specifically eczema, and can also help the irritation that comes from bug bites and poison ivy. If you are looking to add pantothenic acid to your routine, here's what to buy.

While you likely already have something with hyaluronic acid on your bathroom counter, the benefits of adding pantothenic acid are just as, if not more, vast. According to StyleCraze, adding pantothenic acid to your skincare routine can help your skin feel refreshed and moisturized and help it look younger with anti-aging agents and less inflammation. I

If you're on the hunt for the ultimate product containing pantothenic acid, they recommend The THE ORDINARY Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This cream is hydrating and vegan and comes in at under $10, making it a must-have skincare product. If you have dry skin, they recommend the 1004 Laboratory Panthenol V-shield Cream, which contains a gentle formula perfect for sensitive skin and a hydrating and calming agent perfect for dryer faces.

If you are looking for a drugstore product, Today recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum, which is ideal for winter and great to use alongside your current creams and moisturizers. If you want something to add to your nighttime routine, consider the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Night Cream, which not only provides the benefits of pantothenic acid but also contains retinol, making it a well-rounded product that will have you feeling refreshed every morning.