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Trehalose

What Trehalose is & what it does

A plant-derived sugar humectant that binds water and helps protect skin components from dehydration and environmental stress. It leaves skin smooth and comfortable.

What is Trehalose and what does it do in sunscreen?

Trehalose is a humectant, a plant-derived sugar that binds water. In a sunscreen it draws and holds moisture in the surface of the skin, which keeps the formula feeling hydrated and comfortable rather than tight. It also helps protect skin components against drying and environmental stress, leaving skin smooth.

Is Trehalose safe?

Yes. It is a naturally occurring sugar used as a gentle hydrating ingredient, and it is well tolerated even by sensitive skin. Trehalose is also a recognized food ingredient, which speaks to its low-risk profile when applied to skin at the small levels used in sunscreens.

Does Trehalose clog pores?

Generally no. It is a water-soluble sugar humectant, not an oil or wax, so it is not considered a pore-clogging ingredient. It is a common choice in lightweight, hydrating sunscreens because it adds moisture without any heaviness.

Is Trehalose natural?

Yes. Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar found in many plants, fungi, and other organisms, and the cosmetic-grade form is typically derived from plant starch. It is one of the more natural-leaning humectants, which is part of why it appears in gentler, hydration-focused formulas.

What is Trehalose on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Trehalose" is the INCI name printed on the label, and it usually sits in the water-phase part of the list among the other humectants like glycerin. It is there purely to hold water and keep skin hydrated, not as an active or a preservative.

Sunscreens with Trehalose

We rate 252 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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