Ectoin

What is ectoin?

Ectoin is a natural protective molecule that certain bacteria produce to survive extreme conditions – such as salt lakes, deserts or intense sunlight. Such substances are called extremolytes. For cosmetics, ectoin is produced biotechnologically using the bacterium Halomonas elongata. It is also used in medical devices, such as nasal sprays, eye drops and creams for eczema.

How does ectoin work on the skin?

• Hydration: ectoin binds water molecules and forms a kind of water shell around cell structures and proteins.
• Soothing: it eases redness and tightness in irritated skin.
• Protection: ectoin stabilises the skin barrier and protects cells from stress caused by UV light, pollution and dryness.

Which skin types is ectoin suitable for?

• sensitive and irritated skin – see skincare for sensitive skin
• dry skin and a weakened skin barrier
• stressed skin during a course of retinol or acids
• redness-prone skin – see skincare for redness

How to use ectoin

1. Ectoin usually comes in serums, creams and sunscreens – apply them as usual, morning and evening.
2. Ectoin is very well tolerated and can be combined with almost any active.
3. In your morning routine it complements sunscreen but doesn’t replace it.

What can you combine ectoin with?

• Panthenol and centella asiatica for extra soothing
• Ceramides strengthen the skin barrier
• Hyaluronic acid for even more hydration
• Retinol and acids: ectoin helps cushion irritation

Ectoin in Korean skincare

Korean brands like to combine ectoin with panthenol or hyaluronic acid. From our range: the Double Up Cream Ectoin & Panthenol by epii, the Hyaltoin Flooding Serum by EQQUALBERRY, the Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Serum and the Hydro Wave Deep Sea Serum by Purito, the Retinal Booster Shot by Arencia, the Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield by Haruharu Wonder and the Beta-Glucan 3X Barrier Cream by iUNIK.

What does the research say?

In lab and skin tests, ectoin protected skin cells from damage caused by UVA light, which contributes to premature skin ageing (Buenger & Driller, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2004). Further studies show that ectoin can improve skin hydration and relieve symptoms of dry, eczema-prone skin.