Ingredient · Disaccharide Humectant
Trehalose
INCI · Trehalose
Related names and forms: α,α-Trehalose · Mycose. This list does not indicate synonyms or exact ingredient matches.
Trehalose is a disaccharide used as a humectant in skin care. A concrete raw-material example is NAGASE TREHALOSE 100, whose product record lists Trehalose as the INCI name, distinguishing the trade name from the label name. Its presence does not automatically make a moisturiser an anti-ageing or sensitive-skin product. The glycerin page and moisturiser-selection guide below help place different ingredients in the context of the same hydration need.
i. Cosmetic Functions
Frequently Discussed Effects
The following headings summarise areas of effect frequently discussed in the literature; visible results in each area require regular use and a suitable formula.
Humectancy
It can be one of the formula's moisture-retaining ingredients.
Skin and Hair Care
Supplier information identifies uses in skin and hair care.
Research Context
Cell-protection research is distinct from finished-product effects in people.
Mechanism
What Happens Within the Skin?
The following points summarise mechanisms from dermocosmetic literature in plain English. Klaris presents them as background information to help readers understand the context, not as medical claims.
Step 1
Sugar Structure
Disaccharide describes a structure consisting of two sugar units.
Step 2
Hydration Support
The basic cosmetic interpretation is a humectant contribution to the formula.
Step 3
Laboratory Boundary
A biological response in a cell model does not establish the same result in people.
ii. Role in the Formula
How Is It Read on a Label?
Trehalose in a serum or cream suggests a humectant role. Appearing alongside glycerin or sodium PCA does not reveal which is more effective; texture and hydration outcomes depend on the formula.
A Closer Look · pH, Stability, Synergy
An in vitro study in human keratinocytes investigated trehalose in barrier changes induced by IL-4/IL-13. It did not test a cosmetic cream on users. That cell response cannot establish eczema treatment, reversal of ageing or superiority over glycerin. Evaluate the intended use, accompanying humectants and hydration data for the finished product together.
Typical Concentration Range
Depends on the raw material and formula purpose
Ingredient Family
Humectants
iii. Sensitivity Advisory
A Note on Extra Care in Context
Hydration support does not treat a skin condition. This ingredient name alone cannot predict sensitivity; observe your response to the finished product.
A sensitivity advisory is not an instruction for use; where individual health circumstances, pregnancy or known sensitivities are involved, discussing the decision with your doctor may be a more contextual approach.
Common Misconceptions
Frequently Confused Points
Common Belief
Cell protection means a cream has the same effect.
A More Contextual Reading
Cell experiments and finished-product tests in people are different kinds of evidence.
Common Belief
An expensive trehalose product moisturises better.
A More Contextual Reading
Price and one ingredient name are not comparative hydration evidence.
Scientific Basis
Sources and Their Scope
The following headings indicate areas of research; they are not citations of a specific publication or confirmation that every statement on this page has been verified. The links provided should be read with their individual scope in mind.
- International INCI / CosIng Database
- Dermocosmetic Research Publications
- Formulation Chemistry Guides
Source Links
- Database RecordNAGASE · TREHALOSE 100 Raw-Material Record (Supplier)
- ResearchTrehalose and the Barrier · Human Keratinocyte In Vitro Study (2024)
Database records provide ingredient identity and registration information; on their own, they do not establish the effect of a finished product or its suitability for a profile. Search links are not specific research papers.
v. Humectants Family
Other Ingredients in the Same Family
Explore ingredients in the same functional family to deepen your reading of formulas.
vi. Academy · Related Reading
For a Closer Look
7 Min Read
How to Choose a Moisturiser: Ingredients and Texture
Humectants, emollients and occlusives, matching texture to your Identity, and reading a moisturiser's INCI list.
6 Min Read
What Is Skin Barrier Function?
The skin's protective structure, barrier-friendly ingredients and the context of sensitivity.
5 Min Read
How to Read an INCI List
What the Latin names on a label mean, how ingredients are ordered and what they can tell you about proportions.
Klaris · Example Analyses
How Does Trehalose Feature
in Your Products?
Explore product examples to see the ingredient list, general assessment and match score that changes with the example profile together.
Masked products and example profiles, not a personal analysis. Profile matching in the app is part of Klaris Premium. The app is currently available in Turkish. An English version is in preparation.