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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Panthenol (provitamin B5) wins 1 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Likely helps
5 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
4-12mg
With a meal containing fat
Softgels from Haematococcus pluvialis algae
Topical cosmetic only. Panthenol/dexpanthenol is used at roughly 1-5% in moisturizers, soothing creams, and after-procedure ointments, applied to the skin as directed. There is no oral, injectable, or systemic dose in this context — oral vitamin B5 is separate. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.
any
Leave-on moisturizer or soothing/repair cream containing panthenol (≈1-5%)
6-12 weeks
4 weeks
2-4 weeks
Throughout
1-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
Throughout
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing
Nutrients (2021) · Meta analysis
Ingestion and/or topical usages of ASX may be effective in reducing skin ageing and have promising cosmetical potential, as it improves moisture content and elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on female fertility and reproductive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and animal studies
Journal of ovarian research (2024) · Meta analysis
This systematic review shows that AST supplementation may improve assisted reproductive technology outcomes by enhancing oocyte quality and reducing OS in the reproductive organs.
Astaxanthin supplementation mildly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.) (2022) · Meta analysis · n=380
Compared with placebo, astaxanthin significantly reduced blood malondialdehyde concentration (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.95; 95% CI, -1.67 to -0.23; P = .01).
A new topical panthenol-containing emollient: Results from two randomized controlled studies assessing its skin moisturization and barrier restoration potential, and the effect on skin microflora.
J Dermatolog Treat (2017) · Rct · n=23
3-week intra-individual RCT (n=23): a panthenol-containing emollient vs control on SDS-challenged skin
Dexpanthenol enhances skin barrier repair and reduces inflammation after sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritation.
J Dermatolog Treat (2002) · Rct
In an SLS-irritation model, dexpanthenol cream twice daily accelerated barrier repair significantly more than vehicle or untreated skin
Accelerated wound healing with a dexpanthenol-containing ointment after fractional ablative CO2 laser resurfacing of photo-damaged skin in a randomized prospective clinical trial.
Cutan Ocul Toxicol (2019) · Rct · n=38
Split-area trial (n=38) after fractional CO2 laser: dexpanthenol ointment vs petroleum jelly
Based on limited meta-analysis data showing cosmetic benefits. Conservative effectiveness estimate due to cosmetic nature of outcomes and limited study population. Higher doses may cause orange skin tint.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Panthenol (provitamin B5) has a higher evidence score (6/10 vs 5/10) and wins in 1 of 3 categories.
Both Astaxanthin and Panthenol (provitamin B5) score equally (60) for skin hydration & glow.
No known interactions between Astaxanthin and Panthenol (provitamin B5) have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.