Everything you need to know about ectoine in cosmetics.

Theectoine can be used in topical application or hair care, found in care products such as creams, shampoos, masks or serums. Included in these cosmetics at a rate of 0.3 to 3%, it would present various benefits for the skin and hair.

• Ectoine protects against photoaging.

  Ectoine works against photoaging by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes, which are responsible for trapping free radicals produced by UVA rays in particular, and thus limiting the damage related to oxidative stress such as the alteration of dermal fibres like collagen and elastin.

  Indeed, one of the primary causes of skin ageing is oxidative degradation, ectoine could therefore protect the skin from this damage and simultaneously improve skin elasticity. This is why it is included in anti-ageing skincare products and sun protection products.

• Ectoine as an anti-inflammatory agent.

  Studies have shown that the topical use of ectoine can reduce the inflammatory symptoms of skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. Specifically, ectoine could maintain the stability of the membrane structures of epithelial cells. In this way, it blocks pro-inflammatory signal cascades, which are essential for regulating the increase of inflammatory molecules like ICAM-1, associated with the development of topical diseases such as psoriasis. Overall, it is apparent that ectoine has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Ectoine to accelerate skin healing.

  The application of ectoine on burns could enhance the healing process. Although the associated mechanisms have not yet been discovered, hypotheses have been proposed. Indeed, ectoine is thought to stimulate cell proliferation by lymphocytes, which promotes better skin repair. Lymphocytes produce growth factors and cytokines that enable the migration of cells associated with tissue repair, such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells. This could therefore contribute to the improvement of healing following the topical application of ectoine.

• Ectoine enhances skin hydration.

  Ectoine is believed to have the ability to bind with water molecules. Indeed, water molecules cluster around ectoine and establish hydrogen bonds with it. Consequently, water is retained within the skin. This ensures that the skin's hydration is maintained and the skin's water content is increased. This ability can help combat skin dryness.

• Ectoine possesses depigmenting properties.

  Through its action on tyrosinase and the melanotropin hormone (α-MSH), both involved in the synthesis of melanin, which is a skin pigment, ectoine could reduce melanin production and thus prevent and reduce areas of skin hyperpigmentation.

• Ectoine could potentially act on the hair and scalp.

  No study has proven the effect of ectoine on hair. However, it is assumed that it acts in the same way as it does on the skin in terms of photoprotection. Hair pigments provide photochemical protection for hair proteins by absorbing and filtering radiation. However, when they act to preserve these proteins, they themselves can be altered, leading to the formation of white hair.

  Given that ectoine acts against free radicals and oxidative stress by increasing the content of antioxidant enzymes, it could also prevent lipoperoxidation, and thus play a role in preventing or reducing the onset of white hair by preserving hair pigments. It can also be thought that it hydrates the scalp in the same way as the skin, and prevents it from drying out.

Theectoine is a natural molecule that poses no risk in cosmetics. Numerous studies have proven that its use in cosmetic care products at the intended concentrations (up to 7%) exhibits an excellent and optimal safety profile, without any incompatibility with other ingredients and is suitable for sensitive skin.

In the majority of studies, no side effects have been observed during its topical application. However, there have been instances where some individuals experienced tingling and redness during trials, which quickly subsided. Nevertheless, it is important to note that such cases are extremely rare.

Observationsreveal a lack of direct studies on ectoine in pregnant and breastfeeding women, although the balance leans towards minimal risk. However, it is essential to conduct further specific research on ectoine and pregnancy in order to obtain satisfactory safety assessments.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using products containing ectoine.

We advise you to always follow the usage precautions indicated by the brands on their products containing ectoine. When in doubt, it is recommended to perform a skin test by applying an ectoine-based product in the crook of your elbow, on the inside of your wrist or behind the ear to observe the condition of your skin and see if you react in a certain way.