Ready to meet the skincare ingredient superstar of your dreams? Introducing Ectoin, a protective, hydrating multi-tasker with an extreme origin story. In the same family as peptides, which stimulate the growth of collagen, Ectoin is poised to become one of the most powerful natural skincare ingredients in recent memory.
Interested in our favourite skincare picks for the year? Check out our guide to the top eight trending skincare ingredients of 2024 (and why you should include them in your skincare line).
Ectoin: an extreme discovery
In 1985, scientists made a groundbreaking discovery in an Egyptian salt lake, an ultra-dry environment with constant exposure to UV rays. They discovered Ectoin, a salt-loving amino acid that thrives in extreme environments (think volcanoes, the deepest parts of the ocean, and the frozen tundra). In other words, this powerful stress-protecting molecule does an amazing job when it comes to protecting itself from environmental damage.
How does Ectoin benefit the skin?
Think of all the extreme environmental stressors that Ectoin is able to protect itself from—now think of how that could translate as a skincare product. One of Ectoin’s most impressive properties is its ability to bind with water molecules, making it beneficial to the skin in several different ways:
- It protects and soothes a damaged barrier by forming a protective shield across the surface of your skin.
- Ectoin has been shown to reduce UVA, UVB, and visible light damage on a cellular level.
- It can reduce stress-induced inflammation, such as dryness and redness.
- Thanks to its potent antioxidant properties, Ectoin improves skin elasticity by neutralizing collagen-damaging free radicals.
- Because Ectoin is such a magnet for water, it hydrates and plumps the skin (reducing the appearance of fine lines).
- Ectoin improves the appearance of dull, uneven skin tone without irritating the skin’s natural barrier.
A natural skincare ingredient for every skin type
The good news on top of even more good news? Ectoin is well-tolerated by almost all skin types, which means products containing this ingredient can be marketed towards a large audience with a variety of skin types and concerns.
Can Ectoin be paired with other active skincare ingredients?
When it comes to trending skincare ingredients, Ectoin is one of the most formalation-friendly ingredients you can choose. It pairs perfectly with other on-trend, highly effective beauty ingredients while actually increasing their efficacy. For example, Ectoin enhances the moisturizing properties of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, Ectoin works particularly well when paired with known irritants such as AHA, BHA, and even retinoids.
Does Ectoin count as sun protection?
Although Ectoin does protect skin from UVA, UVB, and visible light, it isn’t considered a replacement for sunscreen. UV filter sun protection should always be worn in addition to any products containing Ectoin.
What types of beauty products contain Ectoin?
Ectoin works well with water-based formulas for cleansers, moisturizers, and serums that are intended to moisturize and protect the skin. Some of our favourite new products to draw inspiration from are Skinfix Barrier+Ceramide+Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser and Biossance’s Squalane+Ectoin Rescue Deep Repair Night Cream.
Can Ectoin be used in hair care products?
The same protective and moisturizing properties found in ectoin skincare products translate into incredible hair care products. As an example, Kerasilk Activating Scalp Foundation is one product out of an entire line of hair products that include ectoin for its ability to protect from environmental stressors and prevent dehydration.
Interested in adding a product with Ectoin to your beauty brand?
Now that you’re familiar with Ectoin, it’s time to incorporate this superstar ingredient into your next formulation. At Blanka Labs, our team of experts can help you quickly and easily formulate custom-made products that are unique to your beauty brand.
Conclusion
All signs point to Ectoin enjoying a long life as a skincare ingredient. With its ability to protect skin against environmental stressors while hydrating and improving the skin barrier, Ectoin is an effective-yet-gentle addition to creams, lotions, serums, cleansers, and hair products.
At Blanka, we make it easy to start your own beauty brand. From product research to fulfilment services, we can bring your vision to life. With no MOQs and zero commitment, Blanka is a risk-free way to launch your e-commerce business.
Whether you choose to create your own custom formulation with Blanka Labs or opt for any of our hundreds of pre-formulated unbranded products, one thing is for certain: we’re here to support your journey the entire way.
