Ingredients

Trehalose

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Trehalose — a naturally occurring sugar that acts as a humectant and helps protect skin cells against dehydration and environmental stress. It is used in skincare to draw in moisture and support the skin barrier, particularly under dry or harsh conditions.

Key points

  • It is a disaccharide sugar found in many plants and organisms known for surviving extreme dryness, reflecting its water-retaining ability.
  • As a humectant, it attracts and holds moisture to help keep skin hydrated and comfortable.
  • It has protective properties that can help shield skin cells and other ingredients from dehydration and oxidative stress.
  • It is gentle and well tolerated, making it suitable for sensitive and dehydrated skin types.

Frequently asked

What does trehalose do in skincare?

It works as a humectant that attracts and retains moisture while helping protect skin cells from dehydration and environmental stress.

Is trehalose suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it is generally considered gentle and well tolerated, making it a good option for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Bioactivity profiling of the extremolyte ectoine as a promising protectant and its heterologous production PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Intracellular Protective Functions and Therapeutical Potential of Trehalose PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. The Influence of Ectoine on the Skin Parameters Damaged by UV Radiation PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Ectoin: an effective natural substance to prevent UVA ... PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Organic osmolytes increase expression of specific tight junction proteins in skin and alter barrier function in keratinocytes PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.