The Index · Sugar humectant

Glycosyl Trehalose

Trehalose-derived carbohydrate humectant used for moisture retention and film feel.

EmergingHumectant role plausible; outcome RCTs on this exact INCI are sparse.

Written byTheSkindex Desk

Reviewed byNot yet reviewed

Last updated5 Oct 2026

Sources2 cited

Trehalose-derived carbohydrate humectant used for moisture retention and film feel.

What it does

Often co-listed with hydrogenated starch hydrolysate in Japanese/Korean moisturizing systems.

The evidence

Evidence grade emerging: Humectant role plausible; outcome RCTs on this exact INCI are sparse. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].

How to use it

Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.

Evidence by claim

Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim

Trehalose-derived carbohydrate humectant used for moisture retention and film feel.[1]

Emerging

Safety & limits

Source and region, always

all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK

Sources · 2

Numbered as cited in the text

[1]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Glycosyl Trehalose. SpecialChem (2024)other
[2]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Carbohydrate humectants context. CIR (2014)regulator

Revision history

18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk