Ingredient glossary

Trehalose

What Trehalose does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.

INCI: Trehalose

Promising, not proven

In short: Trehalose delivers hydration and antioxidant support, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is emerging.

What it does
Hydration, antioxidant support
Best for
Most skin types
Evidence
Emerging
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The molecule

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Chemical structure of Trehalose (Trehalose)

The Glow take

Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.

When your goal is deep, lasting hydration, Trehalose pulls genuine weight, though the proof is still catching up to the excitement. Gentle enough that most skin types can reach for it.

— Maya

What it does

  • hydration
  • antioxidant support

emerging evidenceCosmetic and biochemical literature describe trehalose as a water-structuring sugar that supports moisturization and protection in stress conditions.

On a label: usually effective at 1-5%.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • dry
  • dehydrated
  • all

Approach with care

No specific group flagged to avoid it.

  • Clogs poresLow
  • Irritation riskLow

How it fits each skin type

  • DrySuits
  • CombinationSuits
  • OilySuits
  • SensitiveSuits

Where it fits in your routine

WhenMorning and evening
Where in the orderOn damp skin, before your moisturizer

Plays well with

  • humectants
  • antioxidants

Trehalose, answered

Is Trehalose safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Trehalose is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.

Who should avoid Trehalose?

No specific group is flagged to avoid Trehalose. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.

What concentration of Trehalose actually works?

Trehalose tends to do its job in the 1 to 5% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.

This, for every label you own

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Sources & how we reviewed this

Last reviewed July 2026. Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.