Panthenol (a.k.a. Pantothenol)

This is the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid, and, in live cells, it is quickly oxidized to pantothenic acid, so it’s a provitamin of B5 and used to make Coenzyme A. Panthenol is used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products as a moisturizer and to improve wound healing. Because it binds to the hair shaft readily, it is used in shampoos and conditioners, it coats the hair and seals its surface.