What Is Trehalose?
Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar made of two glucose molecules linked together. It appears in nature in plants, fungi and certain insects where it helps them retain water and survive in dry or freezing conditions. Chemists first isolated it from rye ergot in the 19th century and later from the desert plant Selaginella lepidophylla, often called the resurrection plant. Inspired by its ability to protect living cells from dehydration, researchers began exploring trehalose for skincare in the late twentieth century.
Commercially, trehalose is produced through an enzymatic process that converts starch or sucrose from sources like corn or tapioca into this stable disaccharide. The result is a white, odor-free powder that dissolves easily in water and holds moisture without becoming sticky.
Because of its strong water-binding talent and gentle profile, trehalose shows up in a range of cosmetic products. You may spot it in hydrating sheet masks, gel-based moisturizers, soothing eye creams, anti-aging serums and leave-on treatments designed for sensitive or post-procedure skin. Formulators like it for both face and body care whenever long-lasting hydration is needed.
Trehalose’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, trehalose serves two key roles that translate into real skin benefits:
- Humectant – draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface, helping skin look plumper and feel softer while reducing the appearance of fine lines
- Moisturising agent – forms a lightweight protective film that slows water loss and supports the skin barrier so skin stays hydrated for longer periods
Who Can Use Trehalose
Trehalose is gentle and well tolerated so it suits most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its water-holding talent makes it especially helpful for dehydrated or mature skin that needs extra moisture. Because it is non greasy and non acidic, even sensitive or redness-prone skin usually handles it without trouble. There are no known reasons for eczema-prone or acne-prone users to avoid it, but as with any ingredient results can vary by individual.
The sugar is made through plant-based fermentation, not animal sources, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Current data shows no issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when trehalose is applied to the skin. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products, just to be safe.
Trehalose does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and has no known interactions with common actives like retinol, vitamin C or alpha hydroxy acids. It is also odorless which makes it a good pick for people who avoid fragrance.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical trehalose differ from person to person. The points below list potential reactions, though most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild redness or warmth
- Itching or slight stinging right after application
- Rare allergic rash in people who are sensitive to sugars
- Temporary tight feeling if used in a very high concentration without other moisturizers
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 (non-comedogenic)
Trehalose is a small, water-soluble sugar that has no oil content and does not leave a residue that could block pores. Because it draws in moisture rather than sitting on the skin surface, there is virtually no mechanism for it to create or trap sebum that leads to comedones. This makes it suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Formulators often pair trehalose with lightweight gels and oil-free lotions aimed at blemish-prone skin, so its presence in a product is rarely a red flag for congestion.
Summary
Trehalose acts mainly as a humectant and moisturizing agent. It pulls water into the upper layers of skin and forms a thin, invisible shield that slows moisture loss, supporting a smoother, plumper feel. Its sugar structure also helps stabilize proteins and lipids in the formula, which can improve product shelf life and performance.
While not as spotlight-grabbing as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, trehalose has carved out a steady fan base in hydrating serums, sheet masks and soothing treatments thanks to its gentle nature and reliable results.
Overall safety is high; irritation or allergy is rare and there are no known long-term concerns. As with any new skincare product though, patch testing is wise to make sure your skin agrees with the full formula.