Ingredient dictionary

Trehalose

A plant-derived sugar, made of two glucose units, that holds water and helps keep formulas smooth and stable. It is on the label of 20 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Trehalose does

Draws and holds water in the skin
Keeps skin and hair feeling soft
Helps stabilize other formula ingredients

Trehalose is a simple sugar found in nature, in yeasts, fungi, some plants and even certain insects. Most cosmetic trehalose is made from plant starch using enzymes, which gives a consistent, stable ingredient. It is built from two glucose units joined together.

Formulators use trehalose because it attracts and holds water, so it helps skin and hair feel hydrated. It also helps stabilize some sensitive ingredients, such as certain proteins, during storage. It dissolves easily and feels smooth rather than sticky, which is why it turns up in creams, cleansers and sprays.

Good for

Suits most skin and hair types, especially people who want hydration without a heavy or greasy feel.

Frequently asked questions

Is trehalose the same as regular sugar?

Not quite. Trehalose and table sugar are both sugars, but trehalose has a different molecular shape and is generally less sweet. In skincare, it works mainly as a water-holding ingredient, not as a sweetener.

Is trehalose safe for sensitive skin?

It is generally well tolerated and is often used in gentle formulas. As with any ingredient, a reaction is possible for some people, so patch testing a new product first is a sensible habit.