Ectoin® is an extremolyte — a chemical that sustains organisms in extreme environments, such as salt or acid lakes and deep-sea heat vents. It’s an amino acid derivative and small molecule that’s recently drawn the attention of dermatologists and aestheticians for its revitalizing properties.
In skin, Ectoin® first binds with water, forming Ectoin®-hydro complexes. These complexes then support, protect, and stabilize skin cell membranes, boosting the skin barrier and its defense and repair mechanisms while calming inflammation and reducing oxidative stress.
What are the benefits of Ectoin®?
Clinical studies have supported Ectoin®’s remarkable benefits in vivo.
Sustained Hydration
Ectoin®-hydro complexes help reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by strengthening the skin barrier. In a clinical study, Ectoin® doubled skin hydration in less than 12 days — and amazingly, skin stayed hydrated for an additional seven days after the last application of Ectoin®.
Alongside hydration, Ectoin® has also been shown to improve brightness, smoothness, and the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Comprehensive Protection
It’s no surprise that Ectoin® has powerful protective benefits, considering that it allows cells to survive in extreme environments.
In clinical studies, Ectoin® demonstrated impressive global protective abilities, including:
- 100% protection of Langerhans cells from UV irradiation. Langerhans cells are highly sensitive cells and a part of the skin’s immune system, recognizing antigens and triggering antibody responses.
- After just five days of application, Ectoin® reduced damage from cigarette smoke pollution by 48%. Ectoin® has also been shown to protect from both PM2.5 and PM0.1 (fine and ultra-fine) particle pollution.
- Ectoin® dramatically reduced damage from UVA, UVB, visible, and IR light sources while protecting Langerhans cells and increasing cell’s heat-shock protective response.
Hydrocortisone-Like Soothing
Ectoin® has anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for soothing skin. 1% Ectoin® showed almost identical soothing properties to 0.25% hydrocortisone over a one-week treatment period. Ectoin® doesn’t have any of hydrocortisone’s side-effects and is a safe and approved treatment for inflamed and atopic skin.
In short, Ectoin® is an extremolyte that offers global skin protection and hydration.