Ectoine: Natural moisturizing, repairing damaged skin barrier

Barrier Repair & Protection· Anti-Aging & Anti-Pollution · Universal Compatibility

Scientific Background & Mechanism

Origin: Natural amino acid derivative (tetrahydropyrimidine) produced via microbial fermentation by extremophiles (Halomonas elongata) to survive extreme environments (high salinity, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations) .

Molecular Action:

Forms a "hydration shield" by binding 4–5 water molecules per Ectoin molecule, structuring cellular water to prevent dehydration .

Protects proteins, DNA, and cell membranes from environmental stressors (UV, pollution, infrared/blue light) by stabilizing lipid bilayers and reducing oxidative stress

Ectoin's effects on the skin include protecting, repairing, and moisturizing.

1. Skin Protection: Ectoin binds water molecules near the skin membrane, forming a stable protective shell. This protects the skin from external irritation and damage, nourishes and stabilizes the skin, and enhances its ability to withstand UV radiation and environmental pollution.

2. Skin Repair: Ectoin is an amino acid derivative and an extremase component that promotes skin repair and regeneration.

Ectoin can soothe and calm the skin, especially when experiencing skin sensitivity, acne, damaged skin barrier, or stinging and redness after sun exposure. It can also be used to treat atopic dermatitis and allergic skin conditions.

3. Moisturizing: One reason Ectoin can survive high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong UV radiation is its ability to regulate osmotic pressure. Its strong hydrophilicity allows it to bind water molecules near the skin membrane, forming a stable protective shell around cells and proteins, helping the skin retain moisture and reduce water loss.

4. Other effects: Ectoin also has anti-aging and spot-lightening effects.

 Ectoin originates from a halophilic bacterium (Halomonas elongata) that thrives in desert salt lakes. High-purity ectoine is obtained through fermentation and purification.

II. Applications:

Ectoin is used in the healthcare, life science, and cosmetics industries. It has a wide range of applications in daily chemical products. Because it is mild, non-irritating, moisturizing, and non-greasy, it can be added to a variety of skincare products, such as toners, sunscreens, creams, face masks, sprays, repair lotions, and lotions.

III. Benefits

Ectoin: Moisturizing, Repairing, and Regenerating

1) Powerful UV Protection and Repair Agent

It provides comprehensive protection across the entire solar spectrum at the cellular level. It protects the epidermal melanocytes in UV-exposed skin from UV-induced damage, thereby preventing photoaging.

2) Powerful Heat Protectant

Ectoin accelerates the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs), preventing and repairing skin cell damage caused by high temperatures.

3) Powerful Inflammation Blocker

Ectoin effectively inhibits the degradation of IκB-α and the expression of related inflammatory factors, thereby suppressing the inflammatory response induced by LPS (bacterial lipopolysaccharide).

4) Protects Cell Membranes from Surfactant Damage

Ectoin enhances cell membrane stability; reduces damage to skin cells caused by surfactants in cleansing and care products; strengthens the stratum corneum barrier function, and reduces TEWL (transepidermal water loss).

5) Long-Lasting Moisturization and Prevents Premature Aging

The dense charge distribution on the ectoin molecule gives it excellent hydrophilicity and the ability to promote the formation of water structures. This effectively reduces water activity and promotes the formation of ice-crystal-like water structures. This strengthens the water structure and provides long-lasting moisturization, resulting in frozen skin and a farewell to premature aging.

Core Functions

Barrier Repair & Protection:

• Strengthens skin immunity (Langerhans cells), reduces DNA damage from UV, and inhibits inflammatory cytokines .
  
• Decreases TEWL (transepidermal water loss) by 25–30% and improves long-term hydration .

Anti-Aging & Anti-Pollution:

• Inhibits MMPs, protein glycation, and infrared-induced collagen degradation .
  
• Reduces wrinkles/roughness by 20% in clinical use (patented at 0.3–0.5% concentration) .

Universal Compatibility:

pH-stable (1–9), water/solvent-soluble, non-irritating, and suitable for sensitive/acne-prone skin

Efficacy by Concentration

Formulation Guidelines

Recommended Applications

Sunscreens & After-Sun:Use 0.5–1% to boost SPF efficacy and repair UV damage 

Repair Serums:0.5% Ectoin + 5% niacinamide for barrier synergy .

Anti-Pollution Creams:1–2% in moisturizers to combat urban stressors .

Stability & Compatibility

• Heat/Light Stability: Retains efficacy up to 45°C; store at 15–25°C .
  
• Preservative-Free: Self-stabilizing due to high osmolyte activity

• Heat/Light Stability: Retains efficacy up to 45°C; store at 15–25°C 
• Preservative-Free: Self-stabilizing due to high osmolyte activity

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