Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide found in plants, fungi, and desert organisms that survive extreme dehydration. In skincare, it acts as a superior humectant and cellular protectant, shielding cell membranes and proteins from dehydration and environmental stress.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Superior moisture-binding capacity
+ Protects cell membranes from dehydration
+ Acts as an antioxidant and environmental stress shield
+ Prevents protein denaturation during drying
Pros
+ Found in nature — desert resurrection plants use it
+ Non-sticky hydration unlike glycerin
+ Extremely well-tolerated, no irritation
+ Heat-stable for hot-process formulations
Cons
− Higher cost than glycerin or propylene glycol
− Can crystallize at very high concentrations in cold temps
− Less occlusive than film-forming humectants
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Plant (starch fermentation) / Synthetic
Natural Level
Natural-derived
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
0/5 (none)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed — GRAS
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Moisturizer / Serum
1 - 5%
Toner / Mist
1 - 3%
Hair conditioner
0.5 - 2%
References
Jain NK & Roy I (2009) — Trehalose in protein stability. PMID: 19083153