Could This Wonder Ingredient From Australia be the New Hyaluronic Acid?

It is easy to become a bit nonchalant about the latest beauty buzzword said to transform your skincare. But rarely is one tipped to change your skincare routine by replacing one of the most common and loved ingredients on the market. Yep, hyaluronic acid, has long been hailed as the ultimate hydration boosting ingredient we all need to include if we want glowing, moisturised skin – so why are experts claiming pentavitin could replace it entirely in the future? I thought that might grab your attention.

I recently attended a launch with Three Warriors, an Australian, certified organic tanning brand which uses ingredients from Tasmania to ensure all its products are suitable for sensitive skin and will not cause irritation. The launch was for its new radiant serum and as the brand founders were describing the ingredients, they asked me if I had heard of pentavitin. When I answered no, they were shocked. Apparently this is the must-have ingredient down under and one I should definitely be looking into incorporating into my skincare routine.

As a beauty editor for the last 15 years, I obviously left the meeting and spent the next three hours googling everything I could find out about this new wonder ingredient. I also couldn’t help but notice how my skin felt after applying the Three Warriors Radiant Serum (£70) a few hours before. Not only did it have a hint of colour, it felt hydrated, smooth and glowed like I had spent several hours in the spa, the type of natural flush you long for especially as you hit your 30s and beyond.

But what is this wonder ingredient? Read on to find out.

What is Pentavitin?

Pentavitin is a plant-based humectant made of hydrating corn-derived sugars, you may have seen it listed on skincare ingredients as saccharide isomerate. It is known to restore the skin’s barrier function and provide instant hydration that lasts for up to 72 hours. As it strengthens the skin’s natural defences and prevents dehydration, it leaves skin looking luminous and feeling deeply moisturised.

What Is the Difference Between Pentavitin and Hyaluronic Acid?

The reason it is being considered as a better alternative for hyaluronic acid is due to its longevity. It is said to retain moisture for hours after application and this is the key point of difference to HA. This is why lots of these products which are designed to be applied at night, like the Three Warriors Radiant Serum, tend to chose pentavitin over HA to provide hydration. It is also used in other Aussie brands like Ultra Violette Clean Screen SPF (£32). It was also added to lots of hand sanitiser to prevent skin from drying out from the alcohol – a common side affect of using them.

In the UK we aren’t seeing a great deal of brands switching from HA to pentavitin yet, however I predict over the next few years we will see a lot more brands using it and may find that it does kick our current hydration go-to off the holy grail spot.

Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.