Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Trehalose – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide (sugar) renowned for its remarkable ability to mimic the "Anhydrobiosis" process—the survival mechanism used by desert plants to endure extreme drought. In skincare, Trehalose acts as a high-performance humectant that goes beyond simple hydration. It forms a protective complex that stabilizes cell membranes and proteins, effectively "locking" the skin’s structure in place when faced with dehydration, heat, or cold. This makes it an essential ingredient for environmental protection, ensuring that skin remains flexible and "cushioned" even in harsh conditions like dry air conditioning or winter winds.