Calcium pantothenate is present in cosmetics and may cause allergic contact dermatitis

Contact Dermatitis. 2021 Mar;84(3):201-203. doi: 10.1111/cod.13709. Epub 2020 Oct 20.

Abstract

Calcium pantothenate (CAS no. 137-08-6) is the calcium salt of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It is used in cosmetics due to its anti-static and hair conditioning properties. A 53-year-old female nurse's aide presented with intermittent facial eruptions (Figure S1). Patch tests were positive to calcium pantothenate, an ingredient of two of her products (a cleansing milk and a facial tonic). To our knowledge, no previous cases of sensitization from calcium pantothenate have been reported except for one case of systemic dermatitis from a nutritional supplement in a dexpanthenol-sensitized patient.

Keywords: (CAS no. 137-08-6); (CAS no. 667-83-4); (CAS no. 79-83-4); (CAS no. 81-13-0); Pantholin; allergic contact dermatitis; calcium pantothenate; calpanate; case report; cosmetics; panthenol; panthenyl ethyl ether; pantothenic acid; vitamin B5.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cosmetics / adverse effects*
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology*
  • Facial Dermatoses / chemically induced*
  • Facial Dermatoses / diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pantothenic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Patch Tests
  • Vitamin B Complex / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Cosmetics
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Pantothenic Acid