The ingredient, explained

Trehalose

Trehalose has direct laboratory research on skin barrier responses.

HumectantMoisturising

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

alpha-D-Glucopyranoside, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Humectant: Helps attract and retain moisture.
Moisturising: A technical role associated with increasing skin water content.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Laboratory research

Trehalose restored several barrier-associated markers and barrier function disrupted by IL-4 and IL-13 in laboratory models.

What this does not tell us

The study provides no human clinical evidence that topical trehalose treats atopic dermatitis; sulfated trehalose is a separate derivative.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 39384017 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of supplied local candidates (3 candidate records), selective exact-name title/abstract screening, and targeted indexed primary-source searches. Not a systematic review or a claim of exhaustive coverage.