Ectoin in K-Beauty
It's one of the hottest trending ingredients in Korean skincare right now and we're only going to be seeing more of it in 2025.
But what exactly is Ectoin and why is Korean beauty obsessed with it?
Let's take a look.
What is Ectoin?
Ectoin is a surprisingly well-researched, multi-functional active skincare ingredient. Discovered in an Egyptian desert in 1985 it is what's known as an extremolyte, that is a small organic molecule that protect cells under extreme, virtually inhabitable conditions.
You'll find extremolytes in places like hot springs, arctic ice, the deep sea and deserts.
So how did it make its way to skincare and what exactly does it do for our skin?
What does Ectoin Do in Skincare
Scientists were the first to discover that Ectoin has the ability to stabilize enzymes, proteins and nucleic acids. That means it is able to protect bacteria from damage caused by environmental stressors.
When used in skin care, it also has low-molecular, water-binding properties. Topical application to human skin has been shown to improve hydration as well as skin barrier function.
Further studies revealed that Ectoin can also protect skin from pollution and light, has skin soothing benefits and in some cases even offers improvement to those with skin conditions like dermatitis.
In addition, it is an excellent ingredient for preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) because of its ability to decrease stressors in the skin's outermost layer.
How is Ectoin Different from Hyaluronic Acid and Niacianamide?
You might be wondering how Ectoin differs from other trending skin care ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid. Well, while both function as water-binding ingredients, Ectoin offers additional benefits on top of Hyaluronic Acid. Much like Niacinamide, it is a skin-protective ingredient that works to soothe and nourish skin. And similarly to Panthenol and Ceramides, it also improves the skin's barrier function. That makes it something of a skincare superstar, combining multiple functions in one.
Try Ectoin in K-Beauty
If you're thinking you need to try this superstar ingredient for yourself then we don't blame you.
In fact, we love Ectoin so much we decided to formulate with it in the newly upgraded version of our Best of Beauty Award winning Sleeping Mask.
In addition to Ectoin, our Cherry Blossom Sleeping Mask contains a buffet of other skin-loving ingredients, including Cherry Blossom, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Betaine and Adenosine. With its unique melting-jelly texture it is ideal for all skin types and won't weigh your skin down. You'll wake up to bouncy, soft jelly skin the next morning!
