CAS Number 96702-03-3
INCI Name Ectoin
Ectoin is a powerful hydrating and skin-conditioning agent with protective, antioxidant properties. It helps maintain the skin’s moisture balance, keeping it supple and radiant. By neutralizing free radicals, Ectoin reduces visible signs of aging and dark spots. Ectoin skincare also soothes irritation and supports overall skin health. In its raw form, Ectoin is a white, non-greasy, non-comedogenic crystalline powder, with the chemical formula C6H10N2O2.
Purpose
Ectoin is a versatile skincare ingredient that acts as an antioxidant to protect against environmental damage, a humectant to attract moisture, and a moisturizer to keep skin soft and hydrated. It conditions the skin by improving texture, smooths roughness, and soothes irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Origin
Ectoin is a natural compound produced by extremophilic microorganisms such as Halomonas elongata. It is synthesized as a protective response to harsh environmental conditions like high salt levels and temperature. The production starts with the microbial conversion of amino acids, mainly L-aspartic acid, into ectoine through a series of enzymatic reactions involving condensation, cyclization, and oxidation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Ectoin |
| Type | Natural Amino Acid Derivative / Compatible Humectant and Protective Agent |
| Source | Synthesized by extremophilic microorganisms such as Halomonas elongata |
| pH | Typically neutral to slightly acidic (around 6.0 – 7.0 in aqueous solutions) |
| Color | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless or very faint, neutral odor |
| Boiling Point | 381.5 ± 35.0 °C |
| Concentration | Commonly used in skincare formulations at 0.5% to 5% depending on product and purpose |
| Physical State | Solid (white crystalline powder) |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water; insoluble in oils and non-polar solvents |
Extreme Environmental Protection
Ectoin is naturally produced by extremophilic microorganisms that survive in harsh environments such as high salinity, intense heat, and UV radiation. This ability to protect cells under extreme conditions translates directly to skincare, where Ectoin helps shield human skin cells from environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations. This protection reduces skin damage and supports overall skin health.
Cellular Stabilization and Hydration
One of Ectoin’s most remarkable features is its ability to stabilize proteins and cellular membranes. It forms a protective hydration shell around skin cells, helping maintain an optimal water balance even under dry or extreme environmental conditions. This deep hydration effect keeps the skin supple, smooth, and resilient, preventing dryness and roughness.
Powerful Antioxidant Properties
Ectoin functions as a potent antioxidant that neutralizes harmful free radicals generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other oxidative stressors. By reducing oxidative damage, it helps prevent premature skin aging, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and protects against dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
Humectant and Moisturizing Action
As a natural humectant, Ectoin attracts moisture from the environment and binds it to the skin’s surface. This ensures long-lasting hydration that enhances skin elasticity, softness, and smoothness. It helps prevent dryness, flakiness, and tightness, leaving skin feeling comfortable and well-moisturized.
Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing Effects
Ectoin modulates the skin’s inflammatory responses, making it highly effective in calming irritated, sensitive, or reactive skin. It reduces redness, itching, and discomfort, promoting faster recovery and enhanced skin comfort. This makes Ectoin an excellent ingredient for sensitive or damaged skin types.
Skin Barrier Strengthening
By reinforcing the skin’s natural protective barrier, Ectoin helps prevent moisture loss and shields the skin from harmful external aggressors such as allergens, pollutants, and harsh weather. A stronger skin barrier improves overall skin resilience, reducing sensitivity and vulnerability to damage.
Non-Comedogenic and Lightweight
Ectoin is non-greasy and does not clog pores, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight texture allows it to be easily absorbed without leaving a heavy or sticky residue, ensuring a comfortable feel on the skin.
Compatibility with Other Ingredients
Ectoin is highly compatible with a wide variety of cosmetic ingredients, which makes it easy to incorporate into different skincare formulations such as creams, serums, sunscreens, and lotions. It does not interfere with the stability or effectiveness of other active ingredients, allowing formulators flexibility in product development.
Heat and UV Resistance
Unlike many skincare actives that degrade when exposed to heat or UV light, Ectoin remains stable and effective under such conditions. This resilience ensures that products containing Ectoin maintain their protective and moisturizing benefits even when exposed to sunlight or elevated temperatures.
Supports Skin Repair
Ectoin helps protect cellular DNA and proteins from damage caused by environmental stress, aiding in skin repair and regeneration. This function supports faster healing of minor wounds and overall skin renewal, contributing to healthier and more youthful-looking skin.
Suitable for Sensitive and Atopic Skin
Due to its soothing, protective, and barrier-strengthening properties, Ectoin is often used in skincare formulations for sensitive, eczema-prone, or atopic skin. It reduces irritation and inflammation, helping to improve skin tolerance and comfort over time.
Shelf Life and Storage
Applications of Ectoin in Skincare
Hydrating and Moisturizing Products
Ectoin’s strong humectant properties make it an excellent ingredient in moisturizers, creams, and serums. It attracts and retains moisture in the skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration and helping to maintain a smooth, supple complexion. Products containing Ectoin are ideal for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin types that need gentle yet effective hydration.
Anti-Aging Formulations
Thanks to its antioxidant capabilities, Ectoin is widely used in anti-aging skincare products. It protects skin cells from oxidative damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants, which are major contributors to premature aging. Ectoin helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, supporting firmer and more youthful-looking skin.
Sensitive and Reactive Skin Care
Ectoin’s soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for calming irritated, sensitive, or inflamed skin. It is commonly included in formulations for sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, or atopic dermatitis. By strengthening the skin barrier and reducing inflammation, Ectoin helps improve skin comfort and tolerance to external aggressors.
Sun Protection Products
Ectoin is often incorporated into sunscreens and after-sun care products because of its ability to protect skin cells from UV damage and aid in skin repair. It enhances the skin’s natural defenses and supports recovery from sun exposure, making it a valuable addition to broad-spectrum sun protection formulations.
Repair and Regeneration Products
Because Ectoin supports cellular repair mechanisms and protects DNA from damage, it is used in products aimed at healing and regenerating the skin. This includes post-procedure skincare (such as after laser treatments or chemical peels) and products designed for skin recovery from wounds or irritation.
Anti-Pollution Skincare
In urban environments with high pollution levels, Ectoin’s protective effects against environmental stressors are especially beneficial. Skincare products containing Ectoin help shield the skin from pollutants, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent premature skin aging caused by pollution-related free radicals.
Eye Care Products
Due to its gentle, non-irritating nature, Ectoin is an excellent ingredient in eye creams and treatments. It helps soothe the delicate skin around the eyes, reduces puffiness and redness, and provides hydration without causing sensitivity or irritation.
