In the cosmetics industry, proven active ingredients with comprehensive effects and high skin compatibility are among the cornerstones of modern product development. Calcium pantothenate belongs to this group. This vitamin B5 derivative is no longer an insider tip, but a proven active ingredient in skin and hair care products. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the physical and chemical properties, proven effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages, and optimal use of calcium pantothenate.
What is calcium pantothenate?
Calcium pantothenate is the calcium salt form of pantothenic acid, better known as vitamin B5. It is a water-soluble substance that is considered an essential component for the normal function of skin cells. Calcium pantothenate is particularly popular in cosmetic formulations because it is more stable than pure pantothenic acid and has similar beneficial effects.
Physicochemical properties
The substance is characterized by the following features:
INCI name: Calcium pantothenate
Molecular formula: (C₉H₁₇NO₅)₂Ca
Molecular weight: 476.53 g/mol
CAS number: 137-08-6
EINECS: 205-278-9
Appearance: White, crystalline powder
Odor: Characteristic
Solubility: Water-soluble
Loss on drying: Max. 0.2%
Heavy metal content: < 10 ppm
Arsenic, mercury, lead: Very low levels (≤ 2 ppm or ≤ 1 ppm)
Microbiological quality: Low bacterial contamination (e.g., total plate count ≤ 1000 cfu/g)
Its high purity and low contamination with harmful substances make calcium pantothenate an excellent raw material for cosmetic formulations.
Effect and effective concentrations
Calcium pantothenate has a positive effect on skin and hair on several levels. Its biological functions include:
- Promotion of skin regeneration
- Anti-inflammatory
- Moisture retention
- Strengthening of the skin barrier
- Stimulation of hair growth
Cosmetic studies have shown that a concentration of 0.5 to 2% calcium pantothenate in skin care products can significantly improve skin elasticity and reduce minor lesions. Similar concentrations have been used successfully in hair care products to reduce hair breakage and improve combability.
Advantages of calcium pantothenate in cosmetics
The advantages of calcium pantothenate are clear:
- Multifunctional active ingredient
Calcium pantothenate has regenerating, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and hair-strengthening properties—a rare combination in a single ingredient.
- High skin compatibility
The substance is non-irritating and is very well tolerated even by sensitive skin.
- Stable form
Unlike pure pantothenic acid, calcium pantothenate is more stable when exposed to heat and light – a clear advantage when formulating cosmetics with a long shelf life.
- Water solubility
Thanks to its good water solubility, the active ingredient is easy to incorporate into aqueous and gel-like formulations.
Possible disadvantages and limitations
As versatile as calcium pantothenate is, there are also some aspects that need to be considered:
- Limited lipophilicity
Since calcium pantothenate is water-soluble, it is difficult to incorporate into lipid-based formulations. It is therefore not suitable for pure oil serums.
- No immediate effect
The effect unfolds over the long term – visible improvements usually only become apparent after several applications over a period of days to weeks.
- Not a standalone solution for problem skin
Despite its versatile properties, calcium pantothenate alone is often not sufficient to treat severe acne or deep wrinkles. In these cases, it must be combined with other active ingredients.
Product ideas with calcium pantothenate
Thanks to its broad spectrum of activity, calcium pantothenate offers great potential for a wide range of cosmetic product innovations. Here are some specific ideas:
- Repair cream for stressed skin
An intensive care cream with 2% calcium pantothenate, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides—ideal for regenerating stressed skin after sun exposure or cold weather.
- Moisturizing facial toner
A light, alcohol-free facial toner with 0.5% calcium pantothenate, niacinamide and panthenol – for daily use on sensitive skin.
- Serum against redness
A serum for skin prone to couperose with 1% calcium pantothenate and soothing green tea extract to reduce redness.
- Strengthening shampoo
A sulfate-free shampoo with 1% calcium pantothenate, biotin, and plant proteins to strengthen brittle hair and care for the scalp.
- Hand mask with repair effect
A rich mask with 2% calcium pantothenate and shea butter to repair cracked and dry skin on the hands – ideal in winter.
Conclusion: An active ingredient with a profile
Calcium pantothenate is a highly effective and versatile ingredient for modern cosmetic products. Its moisturizing, regenerating, and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for formulations designed to care for, repair, and protect both skin and hair. Its high stability, good skin tolerance, and flexibility in use ensure that calcium pantothenate remains not only a proven but also a future-proof ingredient in innovative care products.
We use the active ingredient “calcium pantothenate” described above in our high-quality private label products, which meet the highest standards of effectiveness, skin tolerance, and innovation. We combine proven ingredients with modern biotechnological developments to create tailor-made formulations that meet the individual needs of your target group. Our focus is on quality, transparency, and the optimal synergy of all ingredients – for visible results and a compelling brand experience.
Tojo Cosmetics Private Label – your brand, our passion for effectiveness and quality.
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Literature:
Siavash M, Tavakoli F, Mokhtari F.J Res Pharm Pract. 2017 Apr-Jun;6(2):89-93.
Huth S, Huth L, Marquardt Y, Cheremkhina M, Heise R, Baron JM.Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Mar;37(2):887-894.