Odds are that you've seen Ectoin pop up in the ingredients lists of more skincare products recently. If you've ever wondered what it is and why it's good for your skin, this is the right place to be.
What is Ectoin?
Ectoin, also spelled "ectoine," is a resilient amino acid found in several species of bacteria that have evolved to survive in extreme environments. Ectoin plays an important protective role in these bacteria, helping them survive temperature extremes, sun damage, and fighting free radicals.
What does Ectoin do in Skincare?
You've probably already guessed how ectoin might be helpful for your skin, thanks to its protective properties. In skincare, ectoin helps to stabilize the proteins in your skin, improve its resilience, and even retain moisture.
Because it's an amino acid, ectoin works well with many other skincare ingredients, and some experts even believe it works better in tandem with ingredients like retinol and vitamin c.
That's why you'll see it in a variety of products like moisturizers, retinol serums, and more, as it can help skin defend itself against damage.
[You can read more about ectoin in skincare at NBC News and Refinery 29.]
Best Products with Ectoin
Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum
One of the buzziest products on the market at the moment, this is one of the very best ectoin products too.
With a naturally deep blue color from its copper peptides, and a silky smooth formulation, this powerhouse serum is as fun to apply as it is powerful.
The dynamic duo of copper peptides and ection help heal skin damage, then protect skin from future damage, leading to overall improvement in the appearance of skin and signs of aging.
Alastin Skincare C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum
Alastin packed 15 antioxidants into this formula, so it's more well-rounded than your average Vitamin C serum.
Speaking of vitamin C, this formula includes encapsulated Sodium Ascorbate for improved absorption and efficacy.
Ectoin rounds it all out, adding bonus protection against damage from the sun and free radicals.
iS Clinical Retinol Emulsion 0.3
At this point, everyone knows that retinol can provide incredible benefits to your skin, as it increases the rate of your skin cell turnover, leading to fewer blemishes, and fresher, younger-appearing skin.
But, those benefits come at a cost, as retinol often causes irritation and makes skin more susceptible to sun damage. That's why new retinol formulas look for ways to reduce irritation and boost protection from the sun.
To that end, iS Clinical's Retinol Emulsion uses an encapsulated form of retinol for improved absorption at a lower concentration, supported by antioxidants and ectoin to help soothe and protect skin from environmental damage.
One of our best-selling moisturizers, this is a great pick for people with dry, mature skin.
It's got a well-rounded formula with ceramides, peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, designed to work with your skin's natural process to maintain hydration.
The addition of ectoin creates an added benefit of protection from UV light, separating it from most moisturizers on the market.
