From exosomes to growth factors to PDRN, it’s been an illuminating year for our skin-care routines. The latest ingredient entering our regimens (and expanding our lexicons)? Ectoin. An inherently resilient molecule built to thrive in extreme conditions, ectoin skincare delivers antioxidant protection and barrier support where its peers simply can’t. But before we dive in, what on earth is ectoin and how do you even pronounce it? Phonetics, and the experts, say it’s ek-TOE-in–note to self: not, eck-TWAN.
Now that that’s settled, let’s take a closer look at the science. “Ectoin is an amino acid derivative,” consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd, Dr Alexis Granite previously told British Vogue. “It’s known as an ‘extremolyte,’ meaning it’s one of a group of compounds that protects plants and microorganisms from extreme conditions like the desert and deep ocean.” Speaking of living organisms—we humans battle extreme conditions everyday, whether it be a scorching summer heat wave, or brutally cold winter. Ectoin, thus, works as a buffer. Elegantly and stealthily, it coats the skin in a protective seal to prevent transepidermal water loss. (If any ingredient moonlighted as a secret agent, it might just be this one.)
Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Face Cream
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Whether you’re aiming to soothe irritation, keep a parched complexion at bay, or prevent oxidative stress, ectoin could be your answer. Find out everything there is to know about the ingredient, below, and discover our favorite skincare products that feature it.
In This Story
Best with Exosomes: Skinfix Exo + Ectoin Intensive Repair Baume
- Why We Love It: This rich, reparative balm pairs ectoin with exosomes to help skin rebound from dryness, irritation, and environmental stress. Its cushiony texture locks in hydration while fortifying the skin barrier—ideal for harsh climates or when skin needs extra attention. “This is a powerhouse balm for very dry, irritated, or post-procedure skin. Ectoin here works like a recovery blanket, calming and sealing in moisture,” board-certified physician’s assistant Paula Brezavscek tells Vogue.
- Key Ingredients: Ectoin, exosomes, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, colloidal oatmeal
- Type: balm
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best Lightweight Serum: The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
- Why We Love It: Good bye, dry skin! This lightweight serum that quietly works wonders—the formula blends ectoin with humectants to hydrate in a flash. “Lightweight and affordable, this serum helps reinforce the skin barrier function while defending against pollution and daily stress,” says Brezavscek. With a fast absorbing gel-like texture, it’s perfect for daily use under makeup, and reinforces skin resilience without feeling heavy.
- Key Ingredients: Ectoin, glycerin, pentylene glycol, citric acid
- Type: serum
- Size: 1 oz
Best for Multipurpose: Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Face Serum
- Why We Love It: Those looking for brightening benefits without harsh exfoliation needn’t look further. This multitasking pick does it all—the formula combines ectoin with copper tripeptides and niacinamide to target hyperpigmentation and overall skin elasticity. Talk about reparative!
- Key Ingredients: ectoin, copper tripeptide, niacinamide, superoxide dismutase, sodium hyaluronate
- Type: serum
- Size: 1 oz
Best with Peptides: 111Skin Cryo Revitalizing Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: Need a wakeup call? Perhaps you’re ready to opt for something even more elevated than a good ol’ spash of cold water in the face. Inspired by cryotherapy, this moisturizer delivers a cooling sensation alongside peptides and antioxidants to revive dull complexions by mimic the tightening, circulation-boosting effects of a cryofacial (sans cold vapor). The moisturizer is one of many in the brand’s celebrity-approved cryo line, which counts Anne Hathaway and Rita Ora as fans.
- Key Ingredients: peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins
- Type: moisturizer
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best Rich Moisturizer: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Ectoin-Infused Face Cream Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: Ceramide technology meets ectoin in this nourishing cream, designed to replenish lost moisture and lock it in. Of note, this pick is anything but lightweight—rather, its thick ointment-like texture is ideal for overnight repair and slugging, rather than layered under makeup. The formula cushions against dryness and strengthens the skin barrier for long-lasting comfort. Plus, British Vogue’s beauty and wellness editor (and bride-to-be) Morgan Farro names this pick as one of the only products that’s given her glass skin.
- Key Ingredients: ectoin, ceramides, shea butter, panthenol
- Type: moisturizer
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best with Niacinamide: Good Molecules 5% Niacinamide Serum With Ectoin
- Why We Love It: A budget-friendly powerhouse, this serum combines ectoin with niacinamide to refine texture, balance oil, and calm visible redness. “This formula is a smart pairing where niacinamide evens tone and refines pores while ectoin protects and hydrates, making it great for urban skin exposed to pollution,” says Brezavscek. It’s a minimalist formulation with maximum everyday payoff.
- Key Ingredients: niacinamide, ectoin, glycerin, betaine
- Type: serum
- Size: 1 oz
Best Hydrating Serum: Prequel Multi-Quench Serum
- Why We Love It: Designed for deep hydration, this serum uses multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid alongside ectoin to replenish moisture deep within. The result: plump, supple skin that stays hydrated all day.
- Key Ingredients: ectoin, hyaluronic acid, sodium pca, glycerin
- Type: serum
- Size: 1 oz
Best Night Cream: Biossance Squalane + Ectoin Overnight Rescue Face Cream
- Why We Love It: This overnight treatment melts into skin, delivering a blend of ectoin and squalane that repairs and replenishes while you sleep. Plus, it’s a favorite of Miss-Made-From-Scratch herself, Nara Smith, who reaches for this pick every night. “I always tell people that they have to prioritize their nighttime skincare routine,” Smith previously told Vogue. “That’s when your skin is at its highest level of repair.”
- Key Ingredients: ectoin, squalane, shea butter, jojoba esters
- Type: night cream
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best Retinol: Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum
- Why We Love It: Powered by the brand’s proprietary TFC8 complex, this serum integrates a gentle yet effective retinol to encourage cellular renewal, smooth texture, and even tone—without the harsh side effects often associated with retinoids. Of course, squalane and glycerin add in a soothing effect, while ectoin amps up hydration.
- Key Ingredients: Ectoin, retinol, TFC8 complex, squalane, glycerin
- Type: serum
- Size: 1 oz:
Best Sunscreen: MediK8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF50+
- Why We Love It: More than just sunscreen, this formula blends high UVA/UVB defense with DNA-reparative enzymes and antioxidants. Chemical sunscreen fans will also appreciate that it leaves behind zero white cast. It hydrates, shields, and helps reverse visible photoaging in a single elegant step.
- Key Ingredients: DNA-repair enzymes, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamin c
- Type: sunscreen
- Size: 1.7 oz
Best Toner Mist: Man:yo Panthetoin Essence Toner
- Why We Love It: Who doesn’t love a hydrating mist? This toner hybrid combines panthenol and ectoin to hydrate, soothe, and prep skin for the rest of your routine. Its silky texture absorbs instantly, leaving a fresh, comforted feel. Spritz anywhere, any time.
- Key Ingredients: Panthenol, ectoin, glycerin, betaine
- Type: toner
- Size: 6.8 fl oz
Everything You Need to Know
In the world of skincare ingredients, names rarely hint at their remarkable backstories. “Ectoin is a small but mighty molecule originally discovered in microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments like deserts and salt lakes. Think of it as their survival shield; it protects cells from stress, UV rays, and dehydration,” says Brezavscek. In other words, ectoin exists for one essential purpose: to defend against environmental stressors.
What makes ectoin different from other hydrating ingredients?
No, ectoin isn’t like other hydrating ingredients—it’s different (not to call it a pick-me). “In skincare, ectoin works a bit differently from typical hydrators like hyaluronic acid. Instead of just pulling water into the skin, ectoin helps form a protective shield around skin cells, locking in long-lasting hydration while defending against pollution, UV, and blue light damage. It is not just hydrating, it is fortifying,” says Brezavscek.
Benefits of using Ectoin Skincare
Above all, ectoin is an anti-inflammatory multitasker. “It soothes irritation, calms redness, hydrates, and tis a go-to for barrier repair, making it perfect for compromised or sensitive skin. Because it reduces oxidative stress, it also helps slow down signs of aging and keeps skin looking plump, even, and resilient.” says Brezavscek.
Best of all, unlike most other actives, it’s a team player—so layer away, without fear of causing irritation. Dr. Gratch adds that consistent use of ectoin will not only keep your complexion hydrated for longer, but also reduce redness overtime.