Beauty enthusiasts are likely familiar with common hydrating skin care ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, glycerin and more. They’re all tried-and-true, effective ingredients that are found in myriad popular products. But there’s one ingredient that’s rising in the ranks of skin care popularity, and it just might be your winter skin savior: panthenol.There are quite a few brands that have used panthenol in their products for some time now. (It’s especially prevalent in K-beauty.) It’s a lower-profile ingredient that doesn’t generate as much chatter as others, but it’s often the hero active in many hydrating items you know and love. It’s also responsible for my favorite serum that doesn’t break me out — a true rarity when you’re acne-prone.Dr. Jennifer Gordon, a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, told us that panthenol is a form of vitamin B5, which is naturally found in skin and hair, and can be applied topically for hydration. “It is a humectant,” she explained, “which means it can draw water into the top layer of the skin to keep it hydrated and reinforce the skin barrier.” This makes it an absolutely fantastic active ingredient for soothing and repairing compromised skin.Anyone can use panthenol, Gordon noted, but it’s especially beneficial for people who have any kind of barrier compromise. This includes eczema, rosacea or other rashes, since it doesn’t cause skin irritation like other ingredients might. It’s also a great option for mature skin, since it tends to be drier as a result of hormonal changes.You can find panthenol in a variety of different skin care products, from moisturizers and serums to cleansers. Gordon mentioned that “[t]ypically, if you are looking for prolonged activity, using it in a serum or moisturizer that stays on the skin will be more effective than a cleanser.” However, she does think it’s a great gentle ingredient for cleansers. Keep reading for Gordon’s recommendations, as well as a few editors’ picks that can’t be missed. Stock up and save your visage from the winter uglies with a hefty dose of hydration.AmazonA moisturizer designed to leave your skin fresh and glowyDr. Jennifer Gordon, a dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, said, "Cetaphil is one of my favorite brands that utilizes panthenol." This incredibly hydrating cream works wonders on parched skin, thanks in part to the inclusion of panthenol. Its gentle formula is perfect for sensitive, irritated skin. The cream has a lightweight finish that doesn't compromise on hydration, so you can enjoy all the benefits panthenol has to offer without feeling like a slab of greasy bacon. Promising review: "This is an excellent and very inexpensive face cream. After years of using youth serums, my skin rebelled. I developed allergies to just about anything I put on my face. My dermatologist recommended Cetaphil along with two other brands. I ordered this for my day cream. It’s a nice, light moisturizer that does a good job of moisturizing my face without causing any irritation." — Bluesboy MarkSephoraAn editor-beloved serumI've been using this serum since its arrival on the scene a couple of years ago and can attest to its gentle potency. It's deliciously hydrating, thanks to panthenol (without feeling greasy), and has been able to manage and keep my breakouts at bay. I'm thrilled with both the long- and short-term results — my skin feels soft, supple and smooth, and I rarely get breakouts. The longer I use it, the better my skin gets. I don't think I'll be able to quit this serum anytime soon. It's more than earned its place in my regimen. It seems counterintuitive that a hydrating product can also be exfoliating and prevent acne, but the hype is real.Promising review: "I left this review on Sofie’s site but I swear by this product so much and purchase it from Sephora so I wanted to leave it here as well! This serum has truly been life changing for me. I have been using it consistently since October of 2025 and I’ve noticed such a difference in my overall texture and congestion. I use it every morning and it’s become a staple in my routine. After coming off birth control for the first time in 15+ years my skin isn’t what it used to be and has felt all over the place. This product is one of the few things that has truly given me amazing results. It melts into my skin leaving it hydrated and smoother. I think this product is also great for sensitive and reactive skin, it’s just gentle enough while still delivering results. I let it fully drive before doing the rest of my routine and like that it doesn’t have a smell. I also feel like a little bit goes a long way and the bottles last me a while each time. I will forever be repurchasing this serum!!" — robynbirdieDermstoreA hydrating, dermatologist-recommended serumGordon is also partial to this SkinCeuticals serum. It's designed to quench thirsty skin thanks to high concentrations of both panthenol and hyaluronic acid. It's a dream for people with dry skin, and is worth the investment. Think of it as nutrients for your skin that leave it feeling supple, smooth and healthy. It can even help make your moisturizer more effective. Promising review: "I’ve been using SkinCeuticals for a few months, and this hydrator is a must-have. It layers perfectly under a rich moisturizer and has noticeably improved my skin’s overall quality. I never skip this step, and it goes everywhere with me. My skin stays plump and hydrated for hours. Barrier support is key, and the B5 delivers exactly that. Truly worth the investment in medical-grade skincare." — paom4_5251AmazonA highly-rated barrier repair cream from the popular K-beauty brand Round LabRough, dry skin is no match for this intensely hydrating cream from Round Lab. Like the brand's popular sunscreens, this moisturizer is full of nourishing ingredients that support skin's overall health. It has a silky, soft and smooth finish that is great for everyday use, won't feel heavy and is gentle on sensitive skin. Promising review: "First time user, and I love it. I have very sensitive and dry skin. However, it is even drier in a cold winter weather. This cream is very helpful for my skin. It doesn't clog the pores but delivers long lasting hydration. Its rich consistency is ideal for dry winter times. Moreover, it also helps calm the skin. My skin was recently very inflamed after being outside in the wind and sun. It helped to calm the skin down. I definitely recommend this cream for those who have very dry and sensitive skin. And I will continue buying it myself." — Sergii AleksieievSephoraA Tatcha water cream alternative that won't break the bankThis Laneige cream is a deliciously hydrating yet surprisingly lightweight cream packed with ingredients that have anti-aging benefits. If you’ve been eyeing the Tatcha moisturizer but are reluctant to drop the cash, consider giving the cloud-like Laneige cream a whirl.It uses ingredients like panthenol, blue hyaluronic acid, squalane and ceramides to drench the skin in long-lasting, nourishing hydration that can help to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier and replenish dry, parched skin. It can even help to even out skin tone and texture, revitalizing dull or irritated skin. The texture of the cream itself is silky smooth and light, so you get all the benefits of a rich, sumptuous cream without a greasy or heavy feeling. Like the Tatcha moisturizer, this one also contains deep-sea algae, which can lead to a more radiant complexion.Promising review: "Love this whole line. I have really dry skin in the winter especially! This has helped my skin so much. I have sensitive skin and rosacea and this product does not cause me any issues." — AngelSephoraA deliciously rich cream beloved by a longtime style iconWe're majorly into the price point of this Jenna Lyons-beloved cream from Dr. Jart+. It's perfect for dry skin, using the power of ceramides and panthenol that deeply hydrate, support elasticity and strengthen the skin's barrier.Promising review: "i've tried a LOT of korean skin care products and this is the BEST barrier cream ive ever used. my skin has never been more moisturized and plump. barrier creams dont dry down and leave your skin wanting more, they leave your skin so full of moisture. i use this cream on my face twice a day and i never see a single dry spot on my face. this barrier cream is really pricey, but its WELL worth it. i've bought this product a few times now and i will continue to buy it." — LAIKAAmazonA soothing, affordable cleanserPer Gordon's recommendations, this panthenol-rich cleanser (also Cetaphil) leaves skin feeling and smelling clean without stripping the natural moisture barrier. Along with panthenol, it is formulated with aloe vera and other nourishing moisturizers to leave your skin revitalized, soft, calm and smooth. Promising review: "My girlfriend bought this for herself. She has very dry skin. She says it's like washing with " a lotion that makes you clean." She loves it. Very faint but pleasant soap scent. If you have dry skin but want to still do a full body wash, this is for you. Oh ! Also, because of the lactic acid she lets it sit on her arms and chest, anywhere she can, in the bath for a bit before rinsing like a little beauty treatment . Very good for sensitive skin too." — Zach Attack!UltaA repairing cream with a near-perfect rating at UltaThis lightweight cream is made with peptides, panthenol and allantoin, so not only are you getting that wonderful hydration and barrier repair, but it's helping to stimulate cell production and promote wound healing. It can help even the driest skin heal without clogging pores, leaving it bouncy, smooth and soft. Promising review: "I brought this because Panthenol is known for repairing skin barrier. This cream is more on the lightweight side which is great since its summer right now and my skin gets oily. I also noticed no pilling with this. I have used this cream both in the AM and PM!! I prefer using it at night since thats when i use more harsh actives like retinol. Sometimes when my skin is irritated/red I apply this cream in my routine and i notice an instant soothing affect. This cream is good enough that i will reconsider repurchasing it. If you have sensitive skin(due to outside factors) i really recommend trying this cream out!! By the way, no problems underneath sunscreen/makeup!" — Yumi K.AmazonA thoughtfully formulated cream with a blend of ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol and panthenolIdeal for sensitive, irritation-prone, dry skin, this delectable cream can help to restore and replenish the moisture barrier and provide long-lasting hydration. It's practically healthy food for your skin and made by a more under-the-radar K-beauty that has quite a few products with panthenol. Promising review: "The Aestura Cream is heavenly! The cream is soft, non-greasy, nourishing and it’s completely unscented, which is a huge plus for my sensitive, eczema-prone skin—no irritation at all. I had some stubborn dry patches along my forehead, and within just a few days of applying this cream, the difference was incredible. My skin felt calm, hydrated, and so much smoother. It’s the perfect moisturizer for the winter months when my skin needs extra nourishment. It may feel a bit heavy for summer, but for colder weather, it’s absolutely perfect. Highly recommend!" — Reba