What Is Ectoin in Skin Care?

If you follow skin care trends, you may have noticed ectoin popping up in everything from moisturizers to serums to sunscreen. It’s been called the new “It” ingredient, following other buzzy actives such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. But what exactly is ectoin, and is it really the game-changer it’s touted to be?

“[Ectoin is] a great multifunctional ingredient. It helps protect against UVA light, UVB, as well as blue light,” dermatologist Dr. Munir Somji explained on TikTok. “But more than that, it creates what I call ‘hydration complexes’ within your cell membrane. This essentially draws water to the area and keeps it there.” These hydrating properties are part of why Amy Gordinier, founder of the skin care brand Skinfix, is so excited about the ingredient.     

“Ectoin is a bit of a skin care superhero, especially for sensitive or reactive skin with a disrupted barrier,” she says. “It forms a protective shield around skin cells, defending against environmental stressors, and soothing the skin with its antioxidant properties.”

In addition, medical experts say that ectoin is safe to use. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ectoin is widely tolerated as an alternative therapy or in addition to pharmacological treatments for inflammatory skin diseases in most people, including infants and children. 

Gordinier says that products containing ectoin can be gentler on skin, and are definitely worth using in your daily skin care ritual. “The ectoin ingredient in our new cleanser actually binds to the lipids in your skin and keeps them intact so your skin barrier stays protected and nourished during the cleansing process,” she says.

Bottom line: Keep an eye on ingredient lists and look for ectoin “if you’re dealing with dryness, sensitivity, or other skin issues,” Gordinier recommends. “It can be a fantastic addition to your skin care routine.”