Ectoin (DBBM-BSM02304)

Ectoin is a cyclic amino acid derivative which is originally produced by halophilic bacteria living in extreme environments, as a survival strategy against highly-saline conditions. Ectoin stabilizes biomolecules such as proteins and lipids by forming complexes with water around biomolecules, and thus protects cells from inflammation caused by environmental stress factors like dehydration, UV radiation and pollutants etc. Ectoin also reduces UV-induced release of secondary messengers that activate an intracellular signaling cascade leading to inflammation.

Fig. 1 Structure

Product Features
INCI Name: Ectoin
CAS: 96702-03-3
Molecular Formula: C6H10N2O2

Mechanism

With Ectoin

Without Ectoin

Fig. 2 Mechanism

Effaciency

Fig. 3 Effaciency1

Human skin fibroblast cells were irradiated by UV (365 nm, 22 J cm−2) and were treated with Ectoin (8 μg mL−1 and 16 μg mL−1). Ectoin protected cells against UV-induced damages and improved cell viability by stabilizing cellular membrane, reducing inflammation, and alleviating DNA damage.

Hydration effect of Ectoin

Fig. 4 Effaciency2

Five volunteers were treated with a cosmetic formulation containing 0, 0.5% and 1% Ectoin twice per day for 12 days. The skin hydration was determined by corneometry from Day 8 until Day 12 and finally measured at Day 19. Ectoin protected skin against dehydration and maintained skin moisture over a long period of time.

Safety

Fig. 5 Safety

Ectoin showed no toxicological potential in the tested concentrations applicable for cosmetic uses. Ectoin has been used in cosmetic and healthcare products for years, and no adverse effects have been reported in consumer feedbacks and clinical trials.

Instructions

Formulation Guidelines:

- Recommended level of use: 0.5–2 wt%

- It is highly soluble in water and is compatible with most of cosmetic active ingredients

- It can be added directly to aqueous phase prior to emulsification