In the super soothing skin-care game, one product type keeps popping up: Ectoin creams. While the name might sound out-there, the science is not, as this amino acid gets an A-plus from the experts. “I’m seeing more and more formulas featuring ectoin, and that’s largely due to its ability to protect skin,” says Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. “Ectoin is known for repairing and preventing damage caused by environmental factors like pollution. The fact it hydrates and strengthens skin’s barrier is a definite bonus as well.”
Featured Experts
- Joel Schlessinger, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE
- Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified dermatologist in Phoenix
- Daniel Schlessinger, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Omaha, NE
What Is Ectoin?
“Ectoin is an amino acid that protects your cells from environmental stressors, particularly pollutants and blue light,” explains Phoenix dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, who likens them to being similar to the Cica cream trend. “It also protects your cell against UV light.” Plus, Dr. Lal says, ectoin can actually attract and bind to water. “Thus, providing a protective shell to your cells.”
What Are Ectoin Creams Good for?
Dr. Lal says ectoin creams are particularly good for aging skin because they help your skin cells fight and heal damage from extreme conditions. “They’re also good for people who live in areas with a high UV index and for people who live in heavily polluted areas,” he says.
Expert-Approved Ectoin Products
Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD says that ectoin’s ability to soothe and repair skin also makes it a great component in retinol products, which is one of the reasons why the NassifMD Night Therapy Serum ($50) performs so well. “It’s an evening antioxidant serum that features Innumax Retinol, a less irritating form of retinol, making this formula ideal for those whose skin struggles with the ingredient.”
Dr. Joel Schlessinger says the luxe Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum ($200) uses ectoin in a similar way, as it helps repair and soothe skin that may normally be irritated by retinol use. “Though, what sets this formula apart is its Trigger Factor (TFC8) Complex, which contains over 40 ingredients that work to stimulate dormant stem cells in skin to repair existing damage.”
When it comes to products that utilize ectoin well, the SkinCeuticals Advanced RGN-6 Aesthetic Recovery Cream, which launches on May 1, is becoming a fast favorite for Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Not only does this cream include 0.2% ectoin, but it also features 10% Glyco-Repair that further improves skin barrier repair,” he explains. “These, along with the formula’s other proven ingredients, make this an effective anti-aging treatment as well as a post-procedure product.”
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Ectoin-Infused Cream ($65) gets Dr. Lal’s top approval. “This product has five ceramides, which can help restore the skin barrier,” he says.
A particularly unique utilization of ectoin is found in the patchology Skin Remedy Soothing Eye Gels ($15). “These gels combine ectoin’s reparative and protective properties with ceramides, botanicals and probiotics to calm, hydrate and brighten the eye area—all within a five-minute treatment time,” explains Dr. Joel Schlessinger.
Another one of Dr. Daniel Schlessinger’s favorites is the ALASTIN Skincare C-RADICAL Defense Antioxidant Serum ($199). “It pairs ectoin with a variety of potent antioxidants, including vitamin C, to reduce the effects of free radicals and promote a more youthful appearance overall,” he says.
“The final ectoin product I’d recommend is the Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum ($199), which is formulated with 2% ectoin,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “It uses this ingredient to protect skin against a variety of stressors, from extreme temperatures to chemical stress. With the addition of multiple peptide complexes, this serum provides a noticeable improvement to skin recovery and repair.”
