Why Ectoin is the Cutting-Edge Skincare Ingredient You Need to Try
Ectoin in skincare is having a moment. And it’s much deserved. Although chemists have known about this molecule since 1985, it’s only now getting its due as the powerhouse ingredient that it is.
We love ectoin for its unmatched ability to protect as well as strengthen and hydrate your skin. (In fact, we use it in our Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serumand our Ectoin Overnight Rescue!) Join us for an ingredient deep dive to learn how ectoin can benefit your skin. You’ll learn what is ectoin, how ectoin benefits the skin, and how to use ectoin in your skincare routine.
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What is Ectoin?
Think of ectoin as a bodyguard for your skin protecting it from environmental stressors such as blue light and pollution on a cellular level. And not only does ectoin protect your skin from physical and chemical damage, it can also shield it from the effects of stress and inflammation.
Ectoin is a type of short-chain amino acid called an “extremolyte.” Extremolytes are small organic molecules that protect cells under extreme conditions. Ectoin does this by binding with water to create a protective, nourishing hydration shield around cells. These protective properties enable ectoin to shield cells from chemical and physical damage, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
How Does Ectoin Benefit the Skin?
Because it works by binding with water, ectoin benefits the skin in multiple ways:
- Protects skin from physical and chemical stressors
- Strengthens and regulates the skin’s moisture barrier
- Improves elasticity
- Reduces inflammation
- Smooths rough and scaly skin
- Plumps fine lines and wrinkles
- Provides deep, lasting hydration
How to Use Ectoin in Your Skincare Routine
Ectoin is a non-irritating ingredient suitable for every skin type. But as a moisture binder and barrier strengthener, people with dry and sensitive skin types and those with frequent sun exposure will experience its most dramatic benefits.
In addition, it’s a vast understatement to say that ectoin plays well with other skincare ingredients. The way this ingredient works in tandem with others is a skincare scientist’s dream. Not only does it enhance the efficacy of many moisturizers, it also shields the skin against irritation from active ingredients such as retinol, protecting against redness and irritation.
When choosing a skincare product with ectoin, look to serums, moisturizers and sunscreens. Their water-based delivery systems will enable the ectoin to properly adhere to your skin cells.
Which Biossance Products Contain Ectoin?
Our new Ectoin Overnight Rescue pairs ectoin with squalane to help repair daytime damage and strengthen skin’s barrier while you sleep, leaving skin feeling stronger and more supple after just one overnight treatment. Sleep-promoting magnesium and peptides help calm stress-inducing neurotransmitters to optimize skin’s capacity for repair.
In addition, our bestselling Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum instantly plumps and quenches thanks in part to the water-binding properties of ectoin. We’ve paired this powerful, protective hydrator with our rapid plumping complex to deliver instant, long-lasting hydration alongside a dramatic improvement in elasticity thanks to copper peptides.
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An Ectoin Skincare Layering Guide
Here’s how to use ectoin in your daily routine using Biossance products.
Step One: Deeply cleanse without overstripping with our Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser. Pat Dry.
Step Two: Balance and prep by spritzing your skin with our Squalane + Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mist.
Step Three: Using your ring finger, tap a small amount of Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream onto the ocular bone beneath your eye to instantly lift while delivering deep and lasting hydration.
Step Four: Instantly plump and hydrate while protecting against environmental stressors with our ectoin-rich Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum.
Step Five AM: Deeply moisturize and boost elasticity with our Squalane + Omega Barrier Repair Cream.
Step Five PM: Strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and repair daytime damage while you sleep with Ectoin Overnight Rescue.
Step Six: Lock in moisture and instantly brighten with our Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil.
Step Seven (AM): Protect, hydrate and prime for makeup with our Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen.
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As a lifestyle writer and journalist, I love sharing my passion for ocean conservation and obsession with clean beauty. I’ve tried almost every trend and ingredient, and Biossance’s science-backed formulas are the only ones that consistently calm my reactive skin and make it smoother, clearer, and healthier. I’m so excited to be on this journey of skincare innovation with Biossance, and to share it with you!
