Your Expert Guide to Pentavitin

With many big-name hydrators competing for space on our shelves, it’s rare for an outsider to break through, especially when hyaluronic acid and niacinamide dominate our TikTok and FYP. Yet one lesser-known name, Pentavitin, is starting to gain serious attention — and for good reason. To understand its growing appeal, we enlisted the help of three industry experts to unpack what Pentavitin is and how it benefits the skin.

What is Pentavitin?

“Pentavitin is the brand name of a skincare ingredient scientifically known as Saccharide Isomerate, derived from plant-based sugars, typically wheat,” explains Dr. Sophie Shotter.

It’s a sustainable carbohydrate complex that mimics the skin’s natural moisturising factors (NMFs), which are a group of substances found in the upper layer of the skin (the stratum corneum), including amino acids, fatty acids, lactic acid, sugars, minerals, and peptides.

How does Pentavitin benefit the skin?

“Pentavitin is dubbed a ‘moisture magnet’ in the beauty industry,” says Kavitha Murugesan, Technical Director at Tropic Skincare. “It delivers up to 72 hours of deep hydration by binding with the skin’s keratin — something even hyaluronic acid can’t achieve.”

This binding action means Pentavitin doesn’t simply wash away; it remains active on the skin’s surface, helping to maintain hydration long after application. It also supports the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production, making it an ideal ingredient for moisture-depleted complexions.

“Pentavitin strengthens the skin barrier, preventing dehydration and improving overall resilience,” adds Dr. Shereene Idriss, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare. “It also penetrates deeply into the outer skin layers, ensuring long-lasting hydration.”

Dr. Shotter adds that, by helping to repair and reinforce the skin’s barrier function, Pentavitin soothes dry, itchy, and irritated skin, making it a go-to for those prone to sensitivity. She also notes that deep hydration improves elasticity, promoting “firmer, more elastic skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.”

When incorporating Pentavitin into a routine, Dr. Idriss emphasises the importance of the overall formulation. “While Pentavitin is a fantastic addition to a skincare routine, it works best when paired with other targeted ingredients for issues like hyperpigmentation, redness, wrinkles, etc.”

Does Pentavitin have any downsides?

“Pentavitin can feel sticky if not formulated effectively,” explains Murugesan. “Because of this, it requires careful ingredient pairing to ensure a pleasant end user experience without compromising on efficacy.”

Dr. Shotter adds that Pentavitin is humidity-dependent and performs best in environments with moderate to high humidity. “In extremely dry climates, it might not draw enough moisture from the surroundings, potentially making the skin feel temporarily dry unless combined with emollients or occlusives.” She also notes that, although rare, some individuals might experience slight sensitivity due to its plant-derived origin.

Is Pentavitin worth the hype?

Absolutely. The long-lasting hydration and barrier support make Pentavitin a great ingredient for dry or sensitive skin, particularly in well-formulated products. Its ability to bind to skin and remain effective even after rinsing sets it apart from more common hydrators like hyaluronic acid.

Where can I find Pentavitin?

Despite its benefits, Pentavitin isn’t yet as widely used in skincare as some of its more established hydrating counterparts. Fortunately, we’ve done the work to uncover the best Pentavitin-packed products, so you don’t have to.

Dr.Jart+ Vital Hydra Solution Glow Face Mask

This hydration-packed sheet mask drenches skin in moisture, leaving it visibly plumped and glowing. Hyaluronic acid and Pentavitin work together to deliver up to eight hours of hydration while helping to strengthen the skin barrier. It’s a self-care essential for tired, thirsty skin.

Ultra Violette Clean Screen Sensitive Skinscreen SPF30

Looking for a weightless SPF that doesn’t break you out? Meet Clean Screen, Ultra Violette’s bestselling sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays using both physical and chemical UV filters. Designed for sensitive and breakout-prone skin, its fragrance-free formula utilises plant-derived Pentavitin to ensure long-lasting hydration without greasiness or irritation.

Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Vita-Complex Super Moisturiser

Ideal for dry or sensitive skin, this nourishing cream helps rebalance moisture levels and restore comfort. Pentavitin delivers continuous hydration for up to 72 hours, while Revidrate and shea butter replenish and protect the skin barrier. With added antioxidants to combat environmental stress, the rich formula soothes tight, dry skin to leave it feeling soft, supple, and nourished.

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream

This ultra-light, fragrance-free moisturiser floods skin with lasting hydration for the plumpest of complexions. With a 30% hyaluronic acid complex in three molecular sizes, it delivers moisture deep into the skin. Pentavitin boosts hydration for up to 72 hours, while ProHyal+ and ceramides lock it in. Elderberry extract adds antioxidant protection, and silk proteins smooth and soften.

Tropic Skin Feast Nourishing Moisturiser

Loaded with skin-loving nutrients, Skin Feast delivers 72-hour hydration while strengthening the skin barrier and calming irritation. This bestselling, silky cream is enriched with over 20 flower, plant, and seed extracts to nourish all skin types, even the most sensitive. Vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum helps to visibly brighten, while hyaluronic acid provides lasting moisture, and antioxidant-rich berry seed oils protect against environmental damage.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

Restore tired skin overnight with this non-greasy night cream that combines hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides to hydrate and support the skin barrier. Pentavitin works alongside patented MVE delivery technology to deliver prolonged moisture retention, helping skin feel softer, smoother, and more revitalised by morning.