• Pentavitin® or "Saccharide Isomerate"—The ultimate Quencher of Thirst is a 100% natural complex of vegetable-derived carbohydrates (DSM., 2025) 

• It is a master of disguise! Formed through the process of isomerization of the D-Glucose, derived from plant ingredients, it mimics the carbohydrate complex found in human skin (Oxychemicals.com, 2017)

• The low-molecular-weight humectants of Pentavitin® help regulate your skin’s moisture by improving epidermal cell hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier

• Approved by ECOCERT and COSMOS while being certified by NATRUE, the humectant is safe for use—So, you need not worry! (Oxychemicals.com, 2017)

• The primary active ingredient of PENTAVITIN® is Saccharide Isomerate, formed by isomerizing the corn sugars, i.e. glucose and fructose (Oxychemicals.com, 2017)

• AQUA, the solvent and carrier, is the most common ingredient with a composition ranging between 25-50%, along with Citric Acid and Sodium Citrate, contributing to the solution with 0.1-1% (Oxychemicals.com, 2017)

• Pentavitin® acts as a moisture magnet! It binds water to your skin surface for a long time at a stretch (Polaskova et al., 2013)

• It helps in improving the degree of your skin hydration by 50% within just 2 hours of usage while retaining the moisture content for up to 72 hours (DSM.com, 2020)

• Rich in anti-inflammatory properties Pentavitin® works miraculously in reinforcing your skin barriers and reducing redness, irritation, itchiness, inflammation, and discomfort—A Youthful You! (Vlorensia et al., 2020)

• It balances the skin’s microbiome, reducing the degree of inflammation in the skin

• The emollient properties of Pentavitin® help it to get quickly absorbed into your skin for keeping the scalp well hydrated while you’re not burdened!

• With unique structure, like the carbohydrate complex, found on the outermost layers of your skin, makes Pentavitin® readily acceptable by the epidermis (Martin, Zhang and Campiche, 2023)

• It binds with your hair cuticles while moisturizing, soothing and calming the scalp and tresses to combat dryness and flakiness (Anveya, 2025)

• The conditioning effects of the ingredient eliminate dryness and frizz conditions of your hair while keeping them moisturized, shiny, frizz-free and easily manageable

• Compliance of Pentavitin® with different safety standards reflects that it is mostly harmless—You Need Not Worry about Side Effects Anymore! (DSM, 2011)

PENTAVITIN® Information

INCI Name: Saccharide Isomerate 

All Functions: Hair conditioning, Smoothing, Barrier enhancer, Humectant 

Description: PENTAVITIN® is derived from the conversion of edible corn kernel sugars into a type of sugar complex that is identical to the carbohydrate complex found in the outermost layers of human skin (stratum corneum).

Pentavitin®, scientifically known as Saccharide Isomerate, is a 100% natural, plant-derived skincare ingredient (DSM., 2025). It is known for its long-lasting hydration properties. The saccharide mimics the carbohydrate complex found in the human skin, making it highly effective in binding moisture and reinforcing the skin barrier.

This ingredient is formed through the isomerization of D-Glucose, ensuring deep hydration for up to 72 hours. It is widely used in skin and hair care products, including moisturizers, shampoos, and hand sanitizers. Additionally, it holds certifications from ECOCERT, COSMOS, and NATRUE, confirming its safety and sustainability (Oxychemicals.com, 2017). 

Properties:

• PENTAVITIN® binds with e-amino group of lysine in the keratin leading to subtle moisturization.

• PENTAVITIN® can only be removed by the natural process of desquamation.

• PENTAVITIN® regulates and retains moisture in the skin under any conditions. (Source: DSM., 2025)

Skin issues have been a growing concern with an imbalance in oil and moisture content-resulting in dryness or excess oiliness. Dry skin condition is often characterized by a lack of hydration in the upper scaly layers (stratum corneum). 

The underlying layers are normally moisturized with the skin’s internal hydrating mechanism. However, the wear, tear, and dryness of the scaly upper layers cause irritation and flaking. Here is where this deep hydrating agent Pentavitin® comes to the rescue. 

Table 1: Specifications 

(Source: Oxychemicals.com, 2017).

• PENTAVITIN® gives 72 Hours long lasting deep hydration 

• It promotes extensive hydration, smoothness and improve appearance by removing flakiness and skin discomfort 

• PENTAVITIN® boosts 3 HOURS hydration to increasingly dry skin areas 

• It provides 28 DAYS true hydration to all facial areas (Source: DSM.com, 2020) 

The secret to resolving the dry skin problem is to balance the moisture content of the skin. This yellowish to slightly amber colored viscous liquid is best known for its long-lasting hydration properties, keeping the skin smooth and subtle for a longer period. Pentavitin® acquires its humectant property from its unique structure (DSM., 2025). It helps improve the barrier function of the skin while protecting it against environmental stressors.

Additionally, Pentavitin® boosts and retains moisture in the scalp, adding strength to the hair shafts and follicles for the long run. It is a boon for dry, dull, and damaged hair while relieving scaly and flaky scalp, reducing split ends, and deeply hydrating the scalp (Martin, Zhang and Campiche, 2023). Hence, it has proved to be a trustworthy ingredient used in different hair and skin care products for long-lasting hydration. 

Composition:

Table 2: INCI Composition

(Source: Oxychemicals.com, 2017) 

Table 3: Composition

(Source: DSM, 2025) 

The primary active ingredient of PENTAVITIN® is Saccharide Isomerate, which constitutes over 50% of the formulation (Oxychemicals.com, 2017). It is a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that replicates the upper scaly layers of the skin (stratum corneum). 

It is specifically formed by isomerizing the corn sugars, i.e. glucose (CAS No. 50-99-7, EINECS No. 200-075-1) and fructose (CAS No. 57-48-7, EINECS No. 200-333-3) (Oxychemicals.com, 2017). 

Water or AQUA is the most common ingredient of PENTAVITIN®, with a composition ranging between 25-50%. It acts as a solvent and carrier for the other ingredients. Other ingredients of PENTAVITIN® are Citric Acid and Sodium Citrate, contributing to the solution with 0.1-1% (Oxychemicals.com, 2017). Sodium Citrate regulates the pH level of skin for retaining skin’s barrier function, whereas Citric Acid acts as an antioxidant that prevents irritations and inflammations.

The sugars present in Pentavitin® bind with the free E-amino groups of lysine present in keratin of the upper Epidermis layers (stratum corneum) (DSM.com, 2020). This process is known as the Maillard reaction. The Maillard reaction involves a chemical reaction between the sugars and proteins while forming brown pigments. The sugars remain bound to the skin surface and cannot be washed off easily, while their removal requires the natural desquamation process. 

1. Benefits of Pentavitin® for Hair:

• The scalp skin 

The scalp is the thickest skin on the body, which can extend up to 8 mm. It is the natural shield in the form of a hydrolipidic film that protects against the external stressors and regulates the moisture level (Seppic.com, 2025). As compared to the rest of the skin on the body, the scalp has more blood vessels and hair follicles, along with an environment of microbiota (Seppic.com, 2025).

Each of the hair follicles is associated with a sebaceous gland that is responsible for producing sebum. The lipids help in creating a protective shield on the scalp, shielding against the environmental stressors (Anveya, 2025). Furthermore, the sebum helps in lubricating the hair fibres and prevents water loss. However, dry skin types are often exposed to a multitude of scalp challenges that often aggravate the rate of itchiness, inflammation, discomfort, and other severe scalp issues.

• Scalp skin issues

Dry skin on the scalp, the most common issue, triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more oils (Sebum), which often mixes with the dead, dry skin cells, clogging the pores and resulting in breakouts (Martin, Zhang and Campiche, 2023). Breakouts on the scalp are referred to as Scalp folliculitis. It is a type of acne that happens on the scalp because of excessive production of sebum. The aggravation of the scaling dry skin and acne problem results in increased inflammation and susceptibility to breakouts or scalp folliculitis (Lugović-Mihić et al., 2011).

• Pentavitin® for scalp

Pentavitin® plays a vital role in rebalancing the scalp’s moisture content while preventing different issues associated with dry scalp, like flaking, itching, and irritations, resulting in discomfort. Listed are a variety of ways in which the scalp and hair benefit from using this natural humectant:

1. Moisture booster for Scalp: Pentavitin®, rich in its emollient properties, gets readily absorbed into the skin and keeps the scalp well hydrated. Its unique structure, resembling the carbohydrate complex found on the outermost layers of the skin, makes it readily acceptable by the epidermis (Martin, Zhang and Campiche, 2023). The structure helps it to bind flawlessly with the skin’s keratin while preventing moisture from leaving the skin. It helps the skin to remain moisturized up to 72 hours from a single application. The ingredient instantly binds with the hair cuticles while moisturizing the tresses reducing trans-epidermal water loss (Anveya, 2025).

2. Soothes and calms itchy scalp: Dry skin on the scalp often results in irritation, itchiness, and flakiness. Pentavitin® soothes and calms an itchy scalp by rebalancing the level of hydration by providing instant relief from a dry and itchy scalp. The micro-sized molecules of Pentavitin®, as compared to molecules of other hydrating ingredients, get easily absorbed into the scalp (DSM., 2025). Hence, easy and fast absorption of the ingredient provides an instant and long-lasting relief to the itchy sensations and scalp discomfort.

3. Fortifies and strengthens hair: Pentavitin® forms a thin film of protection coating on the hair strands while fortifying the strands against the different environmental stressors and damages left by styling products (Anveya, 2025). Furthermore, it keeps the scalp well-nourished, hydrated, and improves the elasticity of the strands. A well-nourished scalp helps in reducing hair breakage.

4. Reduces Frizz and Makes the Hair Manageable: Pentavitin® eliminates dryness and frizz conditions of the hair. The ingredient is well known for binding water and moisture on the scalp, which lasts longer than other traditional conditioning agents (Anveya, 2025). So, the moisture-binding feature of Pentavitin® helps in keeping the strands moisturized, shiny, and frizz-free, making it easily manageable.

2. Benefits of Pentavitin® for Skin:

Saccharide Isomerate works as a powerful humectant that provides long-lasting hydration for the skin (DSM., 2025). Being a water-binding agent, it extensively contributes towards improving the skin barrier function, reducing water loss from the skin, and enhancing the skin softness for plump, youthful skin.

Imbued with a variety of vitamins and a range of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, Pentavitin® contributes extensively to skin health and replenishes the natural barrier of the skin. It also contributes to boosting the skin's natural defence mechanisms. 

The natural defence mechanism of the skin protects against environmental stressors like pollution, UV radiation, and harsh weather conditions, preventing premature aging (Polaskova et al., 2013). So, it is particularly beneficial for moisturizing and softening dry, sensitive, or irritated skin even in dry or harsh conditions.

This Star Humectant acts miraculously in treating dry skin problems while simultaneously reducing the chances of acne breakouts by regulating the sebum production. According to several studies, 0.3% of Pentavitin® helps to improve skin barrier, and 1% boosts skin hydration and reduces the signs of dry skin by 30% (Zenbotanics, 2021).

Some of the most common ways in which the non-comedogenic Pentavitin® benefits the skin are:

• Intense hydration:

Pentavitin® acts as a long-lasting moisture magnet while binding water to the skin surface (Polaskova et al., 2013).

Furthermore, it has proven to be an effective agent, promoting hydration by reducing dryness and irritation that is often caused using AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). Several studies have identified that it acts phenomenally in improving the degree of skin hydration by 50% within just 2 hours of usage while retaining the moisture content for up to 72 hours (DSM.com, 2020). Hence, the USP of Pentavitin® lies in the fact that it continues to moisturize and retain skin hydration even to that point where all other traditional moisturizing agents and humectants lose their effectiveness.

• Anti-Inflammatory:

 Pentavitin®, rich in anti-inflammatory properties, helps reduce inflammation in the skin by soothing and calming irritated skin (Vlorensia et al., 2020). It works miraculously in reinforcing the skin barriers by retaining moisture content for longer periods of time while reducing inflammation and discomfort. 

Uses of Pentavitin®:

Pentavitin® is one of the most versatile humectants that is used in a wide range of skincare products. It is added to moisturizers, cleansers, toners, essences, and even body washes to provide long-lasting hydration while rejuvenating the skin-barrier function. Furthermore, it is widely used in a variety of shampoos, conditioners, hair serums, and hair masks for improving the hair's texture and maintaining healthy scalp, for long-lasting moisturization.

Side Effects of Pentavitin®:

No evidence has been found on the adverse effects of Pentavitin®. It complies with the NATRUE criteria (including 2% Natural, 48% Water, and 50% Derived Natural) along with COSMOS Standard Approved (with 100% Natural origin, 67.1% Chemically Processed Agro-Ingredient) (Oxychemicals.com, 2017). The compliance of Pentavitin® with different standards reflects that it is mostly harmless (DSM, 2011). However, for people with sensitive skin conditions, a patch test must be conducted prior to its wider application on skin or hair. 

The remarkable hydrating and moisturizing properties of the ingredient have made it popular among beauty enthusiasts, making it safe for topical applications. It gradually helps improve the texture and appearance of the skin with its long-lasting hydrating property. The hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties of the saccharide helps manage frizz and rebalance the scalp’s moisture content. Most hair and skin care products currently use Pentavitin® as their active ingredient with the aim of securing long-lasting hydration with a single application. 

Further Readings:

• Castillo, W.V., Encendencia, H.M.U. and Faco, H.A.L., Utilizing Nanotechnology in Basic Skincare Regimen Cosmeceuticals: A Review. Journal homepage: www. ijrpr. com ISSN, 2582, p.7421. Click Here
• Dewi, D.A.R. and Pangkahila, W., 2022. Addition of 5% Saccharide Isomerates in Moisturizing Formulation Increases Skin Hydration Higher than Regular Moisturizers. Eduvest-Journal of Universal Studies, 2(8), pp.1-536. Click Here
• Harding, C.R. and Rawlings, A.V., 2000. 18 Effects of Natural Moisturizing Factor and Lactic Acid Isomers on Skin Function. Dry skin and moisturizers, p.187. Click Here
• Voegeli, R., Gierschendorf, J., Summers, B. and Rawlings, A.V., 2019. Facial skin mapping: from single point bio‐instrumental evaluation to continuous visualization of skin hydration, barrier function, skin surface pH, and sebum in different ethnic skin types. International journal of cosmetic science, 41(5), pp.411-424. Click Here  

• Anveya., 2025. Pentavitin In Haircare: An Award-Winning 100% Natural Ingredient. Anveya. Click Here
• DSM., 2011. Pentavitin-Safety Data Sheet. Gracefruit. Click Here
• DSM., 2025. PENTAVITIN® Binds to Keratin in skin To keep the moisture balance. CosmeticsOnline. Click Here
• DSM.com., 2020. PENTAVITIN® No more skin dryness after cleansing! DSM. Click Here
• EWG., 2025. Pentavitin ®. Ewg. Click Here
• INCI., 2025. PENTAVITIN®. Inci.Guide. Click Here
• Lugović-Mihić, L., Barisić, F., Bulat, V., Buljan, M., Situm, M., Bradić, L. and Mihić, J., 2011. Differential diagnosis of the scalp hair folliculitis. Acta Clin Croat, 50(3), pp.395-402. Click Here
• Martin, E., Zhang, A. and Campiche, R., 2023. Saccharide isomerate ameliorates cosmetic scalp conditions in a Chinese study population. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(1), pp.262-266. Click Here
• Oxychemicals.com., 2017. PENTAVITIN® Product Information/Product Data Sheet. OxyChemicals. Click Here
• Polaskova, J., Pavlackova, J., Vltavska, P., Mokrejs, P. and Janis, R., 2013. Moisturizing effect of topical cosmetic products applied to dry skin. J Cosmet Sci, 64(5), pp.329-340. Click Here
• Seppic.com., 2025. What are the differences and similarities between scalp and skin? Seppic. Click Here
• Vlorensia, H.H., Abdullah, H., Martinus, A.R. and Ikhtiari, R., 2020. The Effect of a Moisturizing Cream with Saccharide Isomerate and Ceramide on Increasing Skin Hydration. Click Here
• Zenbotanics., 2021. What does Pentavitin® do? ZenBotanics. Click Here