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Profile: Trehalose

Commonly known as: Trehalose, resurrection sugar, α-D-glucopyranosyl α-D-glucopyranoside dihydrate.
I.N.C.I. list name: Trehalose.
Extraction process: Process of enzymatic synthesis from liquefied cassava starch.
Source: Plant-based.
Botanical name: Manihot esculenta.
Family: Euphorbiaceae.
Part of the plant extracted: Roots.
Provenance, origin: Japan.
Chemical characteristics: A disaccharide composed of two glucose units; Molecular weight: 378.3 g/mol; pH: 4.5 - 6.5; Soluble in water.
Characteristics: Emulsion, true aqueous solution, gel.
Dosage required in cosmetic products: Generally used up to 2%.
Function: Humectant, moisturising.
Properties: Antioxidant, healing, humectant, protective, restorative.
Benefits: All skin types, especially dry skin, dehydrated skin and sensitive skin; All hair types.

Details

Properties

  • Antioxidant: Protecting the skin against oxidative damage by reducing free radical levels through the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme expression and those involved in the autophagy pathway;

  • Hair Conditioner: Soften and protect hair fibres from damage caused by environmental factors by forming a protective film on the surface;

  • Moisturising: Keeping the skin hydrated, comfortable and supple by establishing bonds with water molecules to restore and maintain hydration levels, and by creating a protective surface layer to strengthen the natural skin barrier function;

  • Fragrant: Eliminate the body odour associated with ageing by neutralising the breakdown of fatty acids to form unsaturated aldehydes;

  • Protective: Stabilise and prevent damage to cellular components (proteins, lipids, etc.) by preserving their structural and functional integrity through binding to macromolecules;

  • Regenerative: Promote the process of cellular repair by stimulating the proliferation of keratinocytes and the formation of blood capillaries through the secretion of growth factors.

Applications

  • Facial Care (lip peelings, face masks, hydrating serums, moisturising creams, lotions, eye contour treatments, eyebrow gels);

  • Body Care (after-sun care, hand and nail creams, body milks/lotions, deodorants);

  • Haircare (fixing gels, hair creams, styling mousses, shampoos, repairing serums for ends, hair tonics);

  • Makeups (blushes, foundations, mascaras, eyeliners, eyeshadows, eyebrow gels).

Method of Preservation

Store in a dry place at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

Trehalose is regarded as a safe and gentle ingredient for topical application, well tolerated by all skin types. No cases of skin reaction have been recorded to date. Therefore, individuals with sensitive or easily reactive skin can use it. Similarly, pregnant and breastfeeding women can also use it safely. Despite its gentleness and potential high tolerance, it is recommended to perform a skin test before applying it to the entire face.

Find out more

Described as a white, odourless powder in its raw form, trehalose is a type of sugar found in a wide variety of organisms, including plants, fungi, bacteria, and certain invertebrates. The term "trehalose" comes from the substance known as "trehala manna", which is produced by scale insects and was the original source from which trehalose was extracted. In nature, it serves as a vital energy source and protects the integrity of cellular structures against adverse environmental conditions (dehydration, high temperatures, freezing, etc.). Increasingly valued in the skincare sector, trehalose is found in many cosmetic products for its unique qualities. It is believed to provide antioxidant, moisturising, protective, and regenerative benefits for the skin and hair. In addition to its properties, trehalose also acts as a thickening agent and stabiliser. Compatible with a wide range of ingredients, it is also known to enhance the effectiveness of other active ingredients and help optimise their benefits for the skin.