Glycerin, Panthenol & Allantoin: The Complete Guide

Written by the Osmotics team · Reviewed by Elena Hart, MD, dermatologist · Last updated

The short answer

Glycerin, panthenol and allantoin are gentle humectants and soothing agents that hydrate, calm and support the barrier, keeping skin soft and comfortable.

Quick answer: Glycerin, panthenol and allantoin are three of skincare’s most reliable comfort ingredients. Glycerin hydrates, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) soothes and repairs, and allantoin calms and softens — together they keep skin hydrated, comfortable and calm, and suit every skin type.

What are they?

Glycerin is a humectant that draws and holds water in the skin — one of the most proven hydrators there is. Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) is a humectant and skin conditioner known for soothing and supporting repair. Allantoin is a gentle calming and softening agent that helps smooth and comfort the skin. This trio appears in countless well-made formulas because it simply works.

What do they do for skin?

  • Hydrate — glycerin and panthenol draw in and hold moisture.
  • Soothe and calm — panthenol and allantoin help reduce the look of redness and irritation.
  • Soften and smooth — allantoin leaves skin feeling comfortable and supple.
  • Support recovery — panthenol helps skin feel repaired and resilient.

How to use them

These come built into cleansers, toners, serums and moisturisers rather than as a standalone step, for daily morning and night use. They’re some of the safest ingredients to layer with anything and are especially helpful alongside stronger actives, where their soothing, hydrating action keeps skin comfortable.

Are they safe?

Glycerin, panthenol and allantoin are among the gentlest, most universally tolerated ingredients in skincare, suitable for sensitive skin. This guide is general education, not medical advice; individual results vary.

See how they support the wider routine in the Ingredient Glossary, or find your match with the skin quiz.

Frequently asked questions

What does panthenol do for skin?

Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) hydrates, soothes and helps support the skin’s repair, leaving it calm and comfortable.

Is glycerin good for all skin types?

Yes — glycerin is a lightweight, non-greasy humectant that hydrates every skin type, including oily and sensitive.

What does allantoin do?

Allantoin calms and softens the skin, helping to smooth and comfort it and reduce the look of irritation.

Can I use them with active ingredients?

Yes — they’re gentle, layer with anything, and help keep skin comfortable alongside stronger actives.

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Osmotics formulas that contain these ingredients.

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Osmotics formulas that feature this active.

Blue Copper 5 PRIME® Volumizing Conditioner Blue Copper 5 PRIME® Volumizing Conditioner Blue Copper 5 PRIME® Volumizing Conditioner is a lightweight copper peptide conditioner with rice prot... $80.00 Cream Extreme Intensive Repair Cream Extreme Intensive Repair Cream Extreme Intensive Repair is a rich ceramide barrier and lipid repair cream for very dry, parched... $86.00 Eye Lash Enhancing Serum Eye Lash Enhancing Serum Eye Lash Enhancing Serum is a prostaglandin-free peptide and biotin lash serum for sparse, brittle las... $48.00

References

  1. Proksch E, de Bony R, Trapp S, Boudon S. Topical use of dexpanthenol: a 70th anniversary article. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 2017;28(8):766–773.
  2. Fluhr JW, Darlenski R, Surber C. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions. British Journal of Dermatology. 2008;159(1):23–34.

This guide describes the appearance of skin and is general education, not medical advice; individual results may vary.