Uses of trehalose in cosmetics

"Sweet" ingredients have been successfully used in cosmetology for a long time. In the composition of many cosmetics, you can find ingredients such as fruit acids, plant extracts, cocoa, fruit seeds and many other substances. Everyone loves sweets, and any remedy that has a pleasant chocolate or fruity flavor is highly likely to be a success. Trehalose is one of the sweetest yet little-known ingredients in cosmetics. Estet-portal.com today talks about the beneficial properties of trehalose used in modern cosmetology.

Trehalose – protective component in organisms

Trehalose is a specific sugar found in the body of the microscopic invertebrate Tardigrada. It is about him that some biologists speak of as a living organism that has a chance to survive on our planet in the event of a nuclear explosion. More than 91% of Tardigrada survive after 30 minutes of vacuum, solar radiation and drying to such a state that only 3% of their own mass remains of them. Tardigrada actually have the unique – they know how to resurrect.

It is trehalose, along with specific bodyguard proteins, that is their main protective component and a key survival factor.

Trehalose:

• use of trehalose in cosmetics;
• moisturizing properties of trehalose and their uses;
• protective function of trehalose: implementation in cosmetology.

Trehalose applications in cosmetics

The peculiarity of trehalose is that this specific sugar tends to take on a glassy state at extremely high and low temperatures. At the same time, trehalose envelops each cell, protecting it from damage. Due to the formation of such a "sugar armor" The DNA and RNA of the cell, as well as the cell wall, are not destroyed. In modern medicine, this property of trehalose is used to preserve blood samples and internal organs in transplantology. In cosmetology, the amazing phenomenon of trehalose has found application in facial skin care products. Trehalose in the composition of cosmetics helps protect the skin from exposure to high and low temperatures, eliminate peeling and redness of the skin. In addition, it is trehalose that is a natural alternative to heat-protective silicones,

Moisturizing properties of trehalose and their uses

Trehalose has another amazing and very necessary function in cosmetology – hydration. Studies have shown that when trehalose is added to well-known moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or NMF – the moisturizing effect of the cosmetic is extended up to 48 hours. Thanks to trehalose, cells actively accumulate water, and very slowly allow it to evaporate. As you know, no living organism can live without water, so this property of trehalose – another clue to Tardigrada's amazing survivability. This "sugar" found in almost 80% of highly effective skin moisturizers.

Protective function of trehalose: implementation in cosmetology

Human skin – it is an organ that regenerates beautifully. As one of the building materials, the skin uses linoleic acid, which is why it belongs to the category of vital vitamins. However, temperature changes and ultraviolet rays can destroy it. As scientists have established, if trehalose is mixed with linoleic acid in a ratio of 2: 1 – more than 55% of the latter can be saved from destruction. Even better is the situation with  antioxidant vitamin E, which tends to lose its activity over time.  Trehalose is a way to protect against destruction  at least 75% of this  vitamin A. Trehalose is also widely used in deodorants, because it is the "sugar substance" copes well with unpleasant odors.<

Sweet trehalose is widely used in the confectionery industry: on the shelves of Japanese stores you can find drinks, buns and even ice cream with the addition of trehalose.

Of course, the skin will not refuse such a tasty and extremely healthy treat, the amazing properties of which determined the "fate" of trehaloses in modern cosmetology.