PuriActives® Sodium Trehalose Sulfate 10%
Beyond Hydration · Barrier Biology
TECHNICAL PRODUCT PRESENTATION
PuriActives® Sodium Trehalose Sulfate 10%
From Hydration to Activation of the Skin’s Own Moisturizing Barrier
Beyond Hydration · Barrier Biology
INCI NAME: SODIUM TREHALOSE SULFATEPuriPharm Co. Ltd.
RETHINKING HYDRATION
Moisturization Is More Than Adding Water to Skin
CLASSICAL MOISTURIZATION: WATER FROM OUTSIDE
Humectant: draws water from the environment or deeper layersEmollient: softens the stratum corneum and improves skin feelOcclusive: forms a film and reduces evaporationAll three add or retain water, but do not directly build the skin’s own moisturizing system.
BARRIER BIOLOGY: HELPING SKIN MANAGE WATER
01 Keratinocyte differentiation and cornification02 Epidermal lipid transport (ABCA12)03 Ceramide barrier organization04 Filaggrin (FLG) metabolism05 Natural moisturizing factor (NMF) production
PuriActives® Sodium Trehalose Sulfate moves from external hydration toward support for the skin’s endogenous moisturizing system.
PRODUCT IDENTITY
PuriActives® Sodium Trehalose Sulfate 10%
Chemical structure of sodium trehalose sulfate, Maeda et al., 2024
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| INCI NAME | SODIUM TREHALOSE SULFATE |
| Ingredient category | Low-molecular-weight sulfated disaccharide active |
| Functional positioning | Moisturizing active · barrier-care active · skin-conditioning active |
| Molecular feature | Mol.Wt. ≈ 694 (tri- or tetra-sulfated) |
Trehalose backbone
↓
Sulfation
↓
Sodium salt
Sulfation differentiates it from ordinary trehalose, transforming a sugar into a barrier-active molecule.
WHY SULFATION
Trehalose Is Only the Starting Point: Sulfation Changes Biological Behavior
Trehalose
Sodium trehalose sulfate
Key comparisons in the Maeda study
- Unsulfated trehalose did not produce the same complete barrier-gene expression response as sodium trehalose sulfate.
- In a 3D epidermal-model TEWL test, the trehalose group did not differ significantly from control, while the sodium trehalose sulfate group showed a significant reduction.
- Low-molecular-weight sulfated disaccharides below 1,000 Da can act on stratum-corneum barrier function.
3D epidermal-model TEWL (g/cm²·h): only the sulfated-sugar group was significantly lower than control, *p<0.05.
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666. Chemical structures reproduced from Figure 2.
THREE PILLARS OF THE BARRIER
An Effective Barrier Depends on Three Coordinated Systems
Cornified Envelope
IVL · TGM1
Intercellular Lipids
ABCA12 · Ceramide
Natural Moisturizing Factors
FLG · CASP14 · CAPN1 · BLMH
Sodium trehalose sulfate is supported by evidence across all three systems.These systems determine the “bricks” of the stratum corneum, the “mortar” between them, and water storage within the bricks.
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666.
MECHANISM OVERVIEW
One Molecule, Multiple Pathways to Strengthen the Moisturizing Barrier
After topical application, sodium trehalose sulfate participates in epidermal biological regulation:
01 IVL / TGM1 ↑
Cornified-envelope formation ↑
02 ABCA12 ↑
Lamellar-granule lipid transport ↑Ceramide-barrier organization ↑
03 FLG / CASP14 / CAPN1 / BLMH ↑
Free amino acids ↑Natural moisturizing factors (NMF) ↑
All three pathways converge on: barrier integrity ↑ · stratum-corneum hydration ↑ · transepidermal water loss (TEWL) ↓
Evidence chain: qPCR gene expression · immunofluorescence protein validation · free-amino-acid measurement · 3D-model TEWL · four-week double-blind human study
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666.
LIPID TRANSPORT · ABCA12
ABCA12 Enables the Skin to Transport Its Own Barrier Lipids
ABCA12 is a key lipid transporter in keratinocytes. This ATP-binding cassette transporter loads intracellular lipids into lamellar granules and delivers them to the stratum corneum.
Intracellular lipid synthesis
↓
Loading into lamellar granules
↓
Release of intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum
↓
Formation of a complete barrier-lipid structure
This supports the endogenous epidermal lipid-transport system rather than merely adding lipids from outside.
Relative ABCA12 mRNA expression in a 3D epidermal model, *p<0.05 vs. control.
ABCA12 immunofluorescence: stronger signal in the sodium trehalose sulfate group, 3D epidermal model.
Sources: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666; Sakai K, et al. Exp Dermatol. 2007;16:920–926.
CERAMIDE-RICH BARRIER
From ABCA12 to a Ceramide-Rich Barrier
ABCA12 ↑
↓
Lipid loading and transport ↑
↓
Lamellar granules
↓
Intercellular lipids
↓
Ceramide-rich barrier
Immunofluorescence validation: stronger ceramide signal
Control, left; sodium trehalose sulfate treatment, right
In a 3D epidermal model, the sodium trehalose sulfate group showed stronger ceramide immunofluorescence than the vehicle control, suggesting support for the organization of intercellular barrier lipids in the stratum corneum.
Why it matters: Ceramides are core components of stratum-corneum intercellular lipids and determine barrier density. When ABCA12 function is impaired, lamellar-granule lipids decline and structural barrier defects emerge. Supporting ABCA12 supports the skin’s own lipid supply chain.
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666, Figure 5C.
FILAGGRIN · NMF PATHWAY
Activating the Skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor Pathway
Pathway by which FLG is degraded in the granular layer and stratum corneum to generate NMF, Maeda et al., 2024, Figure 1.
Profilaggrin in the granular layer
↓
Filaggrin (FLG)
↓
FLG processing and degradation: CASP14 / CAPN1 / BLMH
↓
Free amino acids
↓
Natural moisturizing factors (NMF)
↓
Stratum-corneum hydration
This is the skin’s own moisturizing system, not water supplied from outside.
Sources: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666; Hoste E, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2011;131:2233–2241.
MULTI-GENE BARRIER RESPONSE
One Intervention Activates Seven Barrier-Related Pathways
3D epidermal-model qPCR: all seven mRNA markers were significantly upregulated by sodium trehalose sulfate, *p<0.05, **p<0.01 vs. control; n=3.
IVL Involucrin ↑
TGM1 Transglutaminase 1 ↑
ABCA12 Lipid transport ↑
FLG Filaggrin ↑
CASP14 ↑
CAPN1 ↑
BLMH ↑
The response covers cornified-envelope formation, lipid transport and NMF production rather than a single target.
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666, Figure 4.
PROTEIN-LEVEL EVIDENCE
From Gene Expression to Barrier Structure
TGM1
Control, left; STS treatment, right
ABCA12
Control, left; STS treatment, right
Ceramide
Control, left; STS treatment, right
FLG
Control, left; STS treatment, right
In 3D epidermal-model immunofluorescence, the sodium trehalose sulfate group showed greater fluorescence intensity and distribution area for TGM1, ABCA12, ceramide and FLG than the vehicle control. The evidence therefore extends beyond mRNA changes to proteins and barrier structure.
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666, Figure 5.
FREE AMINO ACIDS · NMF SOURCE
Increasing the Source Materials for Natural Moisturizing Factors
Free amino acids / total amino acids, %, 3D epidermal model, n=4; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 vs. control.
Significant increases from 0.05% to 0.20%: the 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20% STS solution groups were all higher than control.
Free amino acids are core components of natural moisturizing factors and arise from filaggrin degradation. After sodium trehalose sulfate treatment, the free-amino-acid ratio in the 3D epidermal model was significantly higher than control.
It not only attracts water, but also supports the skin in producing its own natural moisturizing factors.
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666, Figure 6.
IMMEDIATE HYDRATION
Visible Improvement in Stratum-Corneum Water Content from 15 Minutes
Short-term human forearm test: change in stratum-corneum water content, ΔμS, 15 / 30 min; n=5; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 vs. control.
15 min
An increase in water content was already observed.
30 min
The improvement persisted and remained significant.
After treatment with 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% sodium trehalose sulfate solutions, stratum-corneum water content was significantly higher than with the water control. The comparison 0.3% heparinoid emulsion was significant only at 15 minutes and no longer differed significantly from control at 30 minutes.
Immediate hydration and support for endogenous moisturization can be achieved together.
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666, Figure 7A.
TEWL · BARRIER EFFICIENCY
Reducing Water Loss and Improving Barrier Efficiency
3D epidermal-model TEWL, g/cm²·h, three days after treatment; n=3; *p<0.05 vs. control.
Transepidermal water loss is a core measure of skin-barrier integrity. Lower TEWL indicates a stronger ability to retain water. All three sodium trehalose sulfate concentration groups had significantly lower TEWL than control.
ABCA12 + ceramide + TGM1 / IVL
↓
Barrier integrity ↑
↓
Water loss ↓
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666, Figure 7B.
HUMAN STUDY DESIGN
Four-Week Randomized Double-Blind Human Study
Randomized
Random allocation
Double-blind
Double-blind design
Placebo-controlled
Placebo control
4 Weeks
Continuous facial use
| Item | Study information |
|---|---|
| Participants | Included in statistical analysis: active group n=13; placebo group n=11 |
| Test formulations | Active group: toner and emulsion containing 0.05% sodium trehalose sulfate; placebo group: visually matched blank formulations |
| Use | Twice daily, morning and evening, for four weeks |
| Primary endpoints | TEWL and stratum-corneum water content |
| Ethics and enrollment | Conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by an ethics committee, protocol HENM21083001, 1 October 2021; 26 women aged 33–59 enrolled |
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666.
4-WEEK CLINICAL RESULTS
Four Weeks of Use Improved Hydration and Barrier Function Together
TEWL, g/m²·h: active-group mean W0→W4, 17.3→16.1; between-group comparison of ΔTEWL, p<0.01.
Stratum-corneum water content, μS: active group 81.3→105.5, p<0.01; between-group comparison of change, p<0.05.
Significant TEWL improvement
Active group Δ −1.2 vs placebo group Δ +3.2
Significant increase in stratum-corneum water content
Active group Δ +24.2 vs placebo group Δ +4.2
Significant between-group differences
Both core endpoints favored the active group
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666, Figures 8A and 8B; n=13 active / n=11 placebo.
HYDRATION + CLARITY
A Healthy Barrier Can Also Improve the Look of Skin
Blood oxygenation index: increased after four weeks in the active group; between-group comparison of change, p<0.05.
Melanin index: decreased after four weeks in the active group; between-group comparison of change, p<0.05.
The paper also observed improvements in tone-related measures: blood oxygenation index ↑ and melanin index ↓.
These were accompanying observational endpoints in the four-week human study and do not support a strong whitening claim.
Suggested marketing language: improves dry, dull appearance · enhances a hydrated, translucent look · supports a more even, healthy-looking skin tone · provides barrier and hydration support for brightening products
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666, Figures 8C and 8D.
DRY & SENSITIVE SKIN
Breaking the Barrier Damage–Dryness–Sensitivity Cycle
Barrier disruption
↓
TEWL ↑
↓
Dehydration
↓
Roughness and tightness
↓
Environmental sensitivity
↓
Further barrier disruption
Where sodium trehalose sulfate acts
Barrier: supports the cornified envelope and barrier integrityLipids: supports endogenous lipid transport and ceramide organizationNMF: supports natural moisturizing factor productionHydration: increases stratum-corneum water content and reduces TEWL
Suitable product concepts
Dry-skin care · sensitive-skin barrier care · seasonal-transition careMature dry skin · companion care for high-activity products such as retinoids and acidsPost-cleansing tightness care
SCALP IS SKIN
The Scalp Also Needs an Intact Barrier
The scalp is an extension of the skin and similarly depends on:
- Stratum-corneum structure and the cornified envelope
- Intercellular lipids and ceramides
- Natural moisturizing factors and water balance
When the scalp barrier is impaired: dryness · tightness · discomfort · flaking · reduced quality of hair appearance
PuriActives® Sodium Trehalose Sulfate can extend to: scalp serum · hair tonic · shampoo · conditioner · scalp mask · leave-on scalp essence
SULFATED SACCHARIDES PLATFORM
Sulfated Saccharides: an Emerging Scalp and Hair Research Platform
This page concerns platform research on sulfated saccharides. It is not human hair-growth clinical evidence for sodium trehalose sulfate.
US 5,618,798: hair and scalp applications of sulfated saccharides
The patent covers topical use of sulfated monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides in hair and scalp applications, including shampoo, hair tonic, hair conditioner, gel, emulsion and lotion formats.
Positioning of this page: scalp moisture + barrier + hair environment. The focus is scalp moisturization and barrier care, not pharmaceutical hair-growth promotion.
Supporting studies on sulfated saccharides:
- US 4,912,093: synthetic sulfated saccharides and wound care
- WO 1989/05646: sulfated saccharides and inflammatory skin care
- US 5,605,938: sulfated anionic polymers and cellular mechanisms
- FR 2877565: dextran sulfate and soothing applications
- Toyama S, et al. 2025: topical OJI-204 for skin dryness and dryness-induced itching, Biomedicines. 2025;13:556
FORMULATION APPLICATIONS
Highly Flexible Applications from Serums to Scalp Care
SKIN CARE
TonerEssence / serumAmpouleLotion / creamMaskEye careSensitive-skin care
HAIR & SCALP
ShampooConditionerScalp serumHair tonicScalp sprayHair mask
As a water-soluble, low-molecular-weight active, it is suitable for aqueous products, serums, emulsions, rinse-off scalp products and leave-on scalp products.
FORMULATION DESIGN
Building the Next Generation of Barrier-Moisturizing Systems
STS + Hyaluronic Acid
Immediate water retention + support for the endogenous moisturizing system
STS + Ceramide
Endogenous lipid transport + exogenous lipid supplementation
STS + Panthenol
Barrier support + soothing care
STS + Ectoin
Environmental-stress care
STS + Niacinamide
Multidimensional barrier care
STS + Amino Acid / NMF Complex
Endogenous NMF generation + exogenous NMF supplementation
These formulation-design suggestions are based on complementary mechanisms. Actual performance of each combination requires validation in the specific formulation.
DOSE TRANSLATION
A 10% Active System Connected to the Published Human-Study Dose
PuriActives® Sodium Trehalose Sulfate 10%: 10% active content in the ingredient
↓
Recommended finished-formula addition: 0.50%
↓
Actual sodium trehalose sulfate concentration in the formula: 0.05%
This directly corresponds to the 0.05% active concentration used in the human study by Maeda et al.
Studies at this concentration included a four-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled human trial showing improvements in TEWL and stratum-corneum water content, a short-term human hydration test, and validation of genes, proteins and free amino acids in a 3D epidermal model.
Source: Maeda K, et al. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666.
WHY PURIACTIVES®
PuriActives® Sodium Trehalose Sulfate 10%
01 Barrier biology
ABCA12 / TGM1 / IVLSupports the cornified envelope and endogenous lipid transport
02 Endogenous moisturization
FLG / NMF / free amino acidsSupports the skin in producing its own moisturizing factors
03 Human validation
Four-week randomized double-blind studyTEWL ↓ · stratum-corneum water content ↑
04 Dual-scenario application
Skin + scalpOne platform for skin and scalp care
Lasting moisturization means more than bringing water into the skin. It also means helping the skin manage its own water.
REFERENCESMaeda K, Zhou Z, Guo M, Zhang J, Chen L, Yang F. Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate. Skin Res Technol. 2024;30:e13666. doi:10.1111/srt.13666Hoste E, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2011;131:2233–2241. · Denecker G, et al. Nat Cell Biol. 2007;9:666–674. · Sakai K, et al. Exp Dermatol. 2007;16:920–926.Supporting platform research on sulfated saccharides: US 4,912,093 · US 5,618,798 · WO 1989/05646 · US 5,605,938 · FR 2877565 · Toyama S, et al. Biomedicines. 2025;13:556.
PuriPharm Co. Ltd.www.puriactives.com · service@puripharm.com+86-572-2745768 · Building 6, No. 1366 Hongfeng Road, Huzhou, Zhejiang, ChinaPuriActives® is a registered trademark of PuriPharm Co., Ltd. This material introduces a cosmetic ingredient.