Ethyl glucoside (alpha-anomer) is a component of rice wine and sake and can be found in human urine after exposure to the compound, which is present in these beverages. Ethyl-alpha-D-glucoside was shown to be involved in the maintenance and improvement of skin homeostasis and moisturizing functions. A topical application of ethanol solution of ethyl-alpha-D-glucoside to mice had a positive effect on the epidermis and increased the intercellular lipid content, thus strengthening the barrier function of the epidermis.