Trehalose #CAS99-20-7

Trehalose #CAS99-20-7

Trehalose is a non‑reducing disaccharide composed of two glucose units linked by α,α‑1,1 glycosidic bond. It is readily soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in ether and most non‑polar organic solvents. It has no free aldehyde group, so it does not undergo Maillard browning reaction with amino compounds under mild heating conditions, which distinguishes it from reducing sugars such as glucose and maltose. It exhibits excellent thermal stability and acid stability. It can resist hydrolysis in weakly acidic and neutral aqueous solutions even under heating. It will hydrolyze into two molecules of glucose only under strong acidic environment combined with high temperature for a long time. It has strong water‑binding capacity and remarkable glass‑transition property. It can form a stable vitreous protective film on the surface of biological substances when water evaporates, protecting proteins, enzymes, cell tissues and active substances from denaturation and inactivation caused by dehydration, freezing or drying. It is not easily fermented by common microorganisms rapidly. It is compatible with most cosmetic raw materials, humectants, surfactants, plant extracts and active ingredients. It is slightly hygroscopic at high humidity, and its hygroscopicity is much lower than that of glycerin and sorbitol.

Application of Trehalose

Trehalose is a natural non‑reducing disaccharide widely found in fungi, seaweed and many plants. It is famous for its unique bio‑protective effect besides moisturizing function. It has moderate water‑locking capacity and can form a thin, uniform vitreous protective film on skin surface after moisture evaporation. This film reduces transepidermal water loss, relieves dryness and tightness, and helps maintain the soft and smooth touch of skin. Different from conventional humectants that only absorb water from surroundings, trehalose can stabilize protein and biomolecular structures. It protects skin cells, enzymes and active peptides from damage caused by dehydration, freeze‑thaw, ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress. Therefore, it is widely used in moisturizing toner, facial essence, facial mask, cream, lotion, after‑sun repair products and barrier‑repair skincare formulas. It can soothe skin discomfort induced by sun exposure and dry environment, and reduce the loss of activity of heat‑sensitive cosmetic actives during production and storage.

In hair care products, trehalose adheres to hair cuticles to retain moisture, reduce dryness and brittleness, and improve hair elasticity and luster. It is commonly added to shampoo, conditioner and hair mask for dry and damaged hair.

In food industry, it serves as humectant, stabilizer, texture modifier and anti‑discoloration agent. It is used in baked goods, confectionery, frozen desserts, dried seafood and fruit products to preserve texture, inhibit protein denaturation and slow down browning. In biotech fields, it is used as protective agent for probiotics, vaccines, enzymes and biological reagents during freeze‑drying and storage. It is also applied in eye drops to relieve eye dryness and protect corneal epithelial cells. It has good compatibility with panthenol, allantoin, sodium hyaluronate and most surfactants, and it will not easily cause sticky skin feel.

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