Prices for Panthenol in China rose 0.27% in September 2025, largely remaining firm following a greater rise in August. Prices were supported by firm aldehyde feedstock costs and a two-month decline in Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) prices which reduced manufacturing costs for Panthenol manufacturers. Sustained production of chemicals and APIs across China kept supplies predictable while manufacturers retained prudent stocks prior to the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Production activity was less demanding than in August (September sees the traditionally dull period of the Golden Week) but such stocks restricted any major impact of demand upon supply. Domestically and internationally demand for Panthenol remained steady from both cosmetic and pharmaceutical buyers, precautionary building of stocks prior to the holiday led to satisfactory order flows. Logistics remained habitual whilst distributors sustained buffer stocks to mitigate the impact of the holiday upon supply. Market experts noted that Panthenol pricing was sensitive to changes in both feedstock and Vitamin B5 prices, but such continued to align together to leave the market calm in September. It was generally thought by experts that prices would rise in October as holiday production halts, stock drawdowns take place and stronger seasonal demand from the cosmetics sector tightened availability.
Panthenol prices in China remained flat in September 2025, up 0.3% from the previous month. Panthenol suppliers said the market was stable as input costs were balanced and output was steady, with manufacturers managing their inventories ahead of the October long holidays. Panthenol market participants said feedstock movements and finished goods flows were the main factors behind the small price adjustment.
Supply and market dynamics kept flows smooth in September. Panthenol producers attributed the stability to unchanged aldehyde feedstock prices and a two-month decline in Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) costs, which together reduced manufacturing costs. China’s chemical and API production was continuous throughout the month, with factories running normally until they stopped production for the holidays. Panthenol inventories were deliberately kept at normal levels as manufacturers prepared for the production halt for National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival. Manufacturing activity was slower than August and that slow down had a limited impact on Panthenol supply given the stock held by suppliers.
On the demand side, consumption was steady in September for both domestic and export markets. Panthenol buyers were sourcing for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications and traders said orders were steady. With October holidays approaching, some suppliers bought more to top up their inventories to avoid shortages during the production hiatus; that precautionary buying supported Panthenol demand. Downstream cosmetic sector requirements for Panthenol were an important driver as formulators were buying raw material ahead of the seasonal peak in demand later in the year. Panthenol shipments to overseas customers also continued, keeping trade volumes moderate.
Logistics and inventory management played a big role in the Panthenol market. Distributors balanced their warehouse stocks against the reduced factory output during the 8-day holiday period and many kept buffer stocks to ensure order fulfillment. Panthenol supply chains had normal transit times and market contacts reported no major disruptions that would have otherwise pushed Panthenol prices up. The combination of sufficient inventories and slow buying after August’s rise kept the price movement small.
Sources said Panthenol prices were still sensitive to feedstock and Vitamin B5 supply but the two had aligned in September to make the market calm. Panthenol producers were watching cost inputs and adjusting shipment schedules to navigate the holiday. Buyers, especially in the cosmetics industry, were looking out for supply tightness but overall were following normal procurement.
Looking forward, market expects Panthenol prices to pick up in October. Analysts said the 8-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday would cut production and draw down inventory gradually, and the seasonal demand from downstream cosmetic manufacturers before winter would add to the upward pressure. So Panthenol market expects prices to go up in the coming weeks as production pauses and downstream demand tightens supply.
