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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.

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