The 6 things to know about vitamin B5, according to a beauty writer.

We all have our own go-to skincare ingredients. The ones we go for when our skin needs some love, when we are too lazy to do a full routine, or when we are on-the-go. For me, it’s vitamin B5. 

La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream is a cult product online, and has been my go-to vitamin B5 product of the last few years. Recently it's actually been reformulated – now powered by microbiome science for better skin moisture barrier repair. 

If you've not gotten your own hands on it before, it's a dermatologically-tested, multi-repairing hydrating balm which can be used for pretty much... anything. Whether it's to nourish extreme dryness from the changing of season, soothe post-procedure skin, or soothe rough skin after being in the garden all day, it will work for you.

Plus, with its 5 per cent vitamin B5, it also has a unique prebiotic complex called tribioma, and an intense hydrating formula enriched with madecassoside, an ingrediemt which helps to reduce inflammation, reduce redness and itching.

Vitamin B5 is having a bit of a *moment* again, so here's my guide on what exactly you need to know about it.

What actually is vitamin B5?

A solid place to start. Found in a variety of food sources, vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble essential nutrient. In basic terms, it’s a great in holding water in the skin, moisturising and leaving it soft, smooth and supple (goals, right? Right).

But to get the benefits of it through food, you’d have to eat a lot of it. Luckily, the ingredient is used in a number of skincare products, so it’s easier to get the benefits than you might think.

The thing I love about vitamin B5 is that as it is both a humectant and emollient: it binds to and holds water, moisturising the skin and helping it maintain softness and elasticity. Humectants attract to and bind water to the skin, while emollients seal in the cracks in the skin, keeping that water locked in. 

Meaning? You're not only going to be adding hydration to the skin, but also keeping it locked in for maximum benefits.

What's vitamin B5 best used for?

Oh, let us count the ways. There are SO many reasons. Here are my top six.

1. It works for everyone's skin type. Dry, flaky skin? Yes! Chafing skin? Yes! Cracked skin? Yes! Body, face and lips? Yes, yes and yes! Vitamin B5 is an ingredient that is generally suitable for all skin types to help repair and hydrate. Vitamin B5 plays well alongside other skincare ingredients, and it generally well-tolerated by dry and sensitive skin types due to its hydrating and soothing benefits. 

2. It can even be used on newborns. Remember when I said the ingredient can be multi-purpose? Yes, really – not at all a sweeping statement! The Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream can be used on the whole family: adults, children and babies. Vitamin B5 is also often found in after-sun lotions, as well as products for minor skin irritations such as insect bites and nappy rash. So whether you have a little one whose skin needs some gentle TLC, or maybe you’ve just treated yourself to a new tattoo (how exciting! Send pics?), everyone under your roof can be sharing this tube around.

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3. It has anti-inflammatory benefits. Whether your skin has general sensitivities, or maybe you went to hard on the exfoliants (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), vitamin B5 can be a useful option because of its many anti-inflammatory benefits. It's a great ingredient to help soothe skin irritation or to use if your skin is sensitive to other ingredients.

4. It improves the skin's moisture retention. As we covered off, it's a moisturising powerhouse that promotes soft, supple and comfortable skin. Because vitamin B5 is a humectant, it's able to attract and hold moisture in the skin and also known to reduce trans-epidermal water loss. It basically just helps water to penetrate deep into the skin, for maximum, long-term hydration. 

5. It can help to stimulate the healing process. If you have a minor ‘skin injury’, such as acne, or you've had a recent minor skin procedure such as skin needling, laser or an LED treatment, using a product containing vitamin B5 can help to reduce any redness and irritation. I often use La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream on nights when I use retinol or an exfoliation treatment, as at times, my skin can mildly flare up – and I know vitamin B5 will help soothe it. 

6. It can be used alongside other powerhouse ingredients. The beauty of vitamin B5 is being able to use it as a standalone, or using it in conjunction with other skincare ingredients and products. It works amazingly well when combined with other humectants and ceramides, but also be combined in formulation with retinol, niacinamide, vitamin C, as well as AHAs and BHAs. It’s a great hydrating option when you want to be adding other ingredients or products to your routine while also maintaining hydration and balance in the skin. 

Shop La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5+ Balm Cream, the multi-repairing hydrating balm for dry skin. Order it online or find it locally in-store.

Feature Image: Instagram/@the.life.of.laura