Pantothenic acid is widely distributed in numerous foodstuffs and it is
essential for normal epithelial function and as a component of coenzyme A, which
serves as a cofactor for a variety of enzyme-catalyzed reactions highly important in the
metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins, steroid hormones, and many others.
However, panthotenic acid is chemically unstable, thus the stereoisomer of the
alcoholic analog, dexpathenol is truly used in cosmetics or multivitamins. Although it
is a hydrosoluble vitamin, its derivatives are largely used in cosmetics, moistures, hair
products and regenerative emulsions for skincare, for that reason the risk of skin
irritancy or sensitization is stronger than other hydrosoluble vitamins and allergic
contact dermatitis to panthotenic acid and its derivatives are described in literature,
whereas immediate-type reactions like anaphylaxis and contact urticaria occur less
frequently.
Keywords: Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Anaphylaxis, Cosmetics, Delayed-type
Reaction, Dexpanthenol, Immediate-type Reaction, Pantothenate, Pantothenic
Acid, Urticaria, Vitamin B5.
