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Trehalose

The survival sugar of extremophiles — trehalose allows tardigrades and fungi to survive complete desiccation. In cosmetics, this powerful cryoprotectant protects cells from dehydration, strengthens the barrier, and has a unique anti-aging effect.

CryoprotectantHydrationBarrierCell protection
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Trehalose — a non-reducing disaccharide (two glucose residues). Found in fungi, yeasts, insects, and "resurrection plants" — organisms that survive complete desiccation. Mechanism: replaces water in cell membranes during dehydration, preserving their structure. In cosmetics: a powerful hygroscopic agent + protection of cell membranes from thermal and osmotic stress. In INCI — Trehalose.

Moisturizer and protective agent in serums, creams, and essences. Effective in combination with HA and PGA for multi-level hydration. Also used as a stabilizer for sensitive actives in formulations.

Key Benefits

✦
Powerful hydration and protection from dehydration
Trehalose retains up to 2000 times its own weight in water and prevents moisture evaporation from the stratum corneum. A unique property — protection of cells from dehydration without the need for a constant presence of water (cryo-protection). The moisturizing effect lasts longer than that of glycerin at comparable concentrations.
◈
Protection of cell membranes and proteins from stress
Replaces water in phospholipid membranes under stress (heat, UVA, osmotic shock) — membranes maintain structure instead of sticking together. Also protects against protein denaturation. In vitro: trehalose reduces keratinocyte apoptosis under UV stress by 40% compared to control.
✧
Strengthening the barrier and anti-aging effect
Increases lipid synthesis in the stratum corneum and stimulates the production of NMF components. Studies show: with regular use — reduction of TEWL, increased hydration, and improved skin smoothness. Protection against glycation (similar to carnosine) reduces age-related yellowing.

Suitable for

Dehydrated skinMature skinSensitive skinAll skin types

Main Actions

✓ Powerful hydration✓ Protection of cells from stress✓ Strengthening the barrier
Trehalose and tardigrades

Tardigrades are microscopic animals that survive at -272°C and in outer space — they do this thanks to trehalose. In an anhydrobiotic state, they replace 97% of cellular water with trehalose. Cosmetics with trehalose borrow this mechanism of cell protection to combat oxidative and osmotic stress on the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Trehalose do for skin?
Moisturizer and protective agent in serums, creams, and essences. Effective in combination with HA and PGA for multi-level hydration. Also used as a stabilizer for sensitive actives in formulations.
Who should use Trehalose?
Trehalose is suitable for: Dehydrated skin, Mature skin, Sensitive skin, All skin types.
Are there any warnings about Trehalose?
Tardigrades are microscopic animals that survive at -272°C and in outer space — they do this thanks to trehalose. In an anhydrobiotic state, they replace 97% of cellular water with trehalose. Cosmetics with trehalose borrow this mechanism of cell protection to combat oxidative an

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