Ectoin Skin Care: Benefits Explained by a Professional

No matter how many videos come across your “For You Page” boasting next-level skin-care collections, there’s nothing quite like understanding the ingredients that actually make up some of your favorite products. Over the years, a few superstars have dominated the beauty industry (see: ferulic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, for starters), but the spotlight has slowly been shifting to ectoin.

A smaller molecule, ectoin has been hailed for its ability to protect and hydrate the skin, which makes it an ideal ingredient for some of the most moisturizing skin-care products on the market. Read ahead to learn more about what exactly ectoin is, as well as how you can incorporate it into your beauty routine.

What Is Ectoin?

Known as a stress-protecting molecule, ectoin has powerful benefits when used topically. “It prevents cell damage and inflammation caused by external aggressors, like air pollution and UV Rays,” McKenzie Rose, global education manager at Biossance tells POPSUGAR. It can typically be found in cream or serum format and is the star of the brand’s new Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Cream ($68), but it’s also been spotted in other products, like Dr. Jart’s Ceramidin Ectoin-Infused Face Cream ($65).

Ectoin Skin Benefits

The best feature of ectoin is that it is incredibly hydrating. “Ectoin draws in water to the skin and prevents trans-epidermal water loss,” Rose says. “It helps to reduce irritation by strengthening the delicate moisture barrier of the skin that experiences adverse effects from everything from lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and more.” Thanks to these properties, ectoin can also be an incredible anti-aging ingredient that aids in skin elasticity and firmness.

Using Ectoin in Skin Care

Ectoin is a relatively safe ingredient for any skin type to use, as there are no known or proven side effects that have come from utilizing it topically. Still, some skin types may find it a bit more useful than others. “Ectoin is perfect to use for dry, dehydrated, or stressed-out skin,” Rose says. “It acts as a natural hydrator and will soothe rough, dry patches and irritation.”

One of the biggest things to remember when using your skin-care products is that people tend to forget that the skin is an organ that covers the entire body. Even if you have combination or oily skin, ectoin would still be an incredible ingredient to use on rougher areas like the elbows, knees, or heels of the feet to encourage moisture and hydration in the area and therefore give it a softer, smoother texture and appearance. You will likely see it paired with other compounds like hyaluronic acid or peptides, so don’t be afraid to make your own hydrating skin cocktails to slather onto your entire body as needed.