A “new” hyped ingredient on the horizon

A “new” hyped ingredient that is supposedly on the horizon in the skincare world is Ectoin. Of course, this ingredient is not exactly “new” but neither is hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Yes, the skincare world has championed hyaluronic acid for the last few years, it is in everything and some not for the better depending on your environment. This is why I am hoping that formulating with Ectoin will be more universal without drawbacks.

Could Ectoin be a superstar ingredient?

From my reading, I think it is possible. Ectoin is an exceptional substance, known for its ability to protect and stabilize cells under stress. It is found naturally in extreme environments, this extremolyte functions as a shield for microorganisms against harsh conditions. This molecule has been well-researched in independent studies since it was first discovered in 1985. It was isolated from bacteria found in salt lakes in an Egyptian desert and the studies were started at that point.

Ectoin (aka Ectoine) and inflammation

One recent study indicated that it is safe to use on infants as well as adults to reduce inflammation in the skin. This is interesting to me because inflammation is a cause of premature aging. Also, my skin is highly reactive and people with irritation and reactive skin issues are on the rise. Therefore, harnessing the protective qualities of Ectoin for reducing inflammation and redness seems like a piece of great news for everyone with sensitive or reactive skin.

Regeneration abilities

More than just a calming agent, Ectoin also fosters the skin’s regeneration process, aiding in the recovery of damaged skin cells and contributing to its overall vitality. Repair of damaged skin cells is something we are always striving for in overall skin health.

Ectoin and the skin barrier

In addition to these restorative effects, Ectoin serves as a defensive barrier against environmental aggressors. Forming a water-binding layer around cells ensures adequate hydration, which in turn helps to protect the skin from dehydration and prevent potential cell damage from pollutants and UV radiation.

After understanding Ectoin’s capabilities, it is easy to see why there are high hopes for this natural molecule in skincare products. Ectoin is a testament to the power of nature to produce solutions for skin care concerns or just overall skin health.

As our climate, pollution, food nutrients, and lifestyles are changing so is our skin health. Hormone changes that occur as we age or due to foods, and ingredients in products, I feel like any superstar ingredient such as Ectoin is a much-needed molecule in our skincare and I will be looking for it in more products.

Is Ecotin in skincare already?

Ecotin is supposedly an ingredient that we will be seeing increasingly in the coming years, as the beauty industry has finally taken notice of this superstar. Some of those products are already formulated and on the market and some are waiting in line to come to market. Brands like Dr. Dennis Gross, Dr. Barbara Strum, Biossance, and Dr. Jart, have already launched products with Ectoin. The problem in my opinion is that these products are not sustainable in the average person’s budget.

I am writing for the average person in the world who wants good products and wants to have some information on those products. You must use skincare products consistently to see a difference. A splurge on a product is sometimes necessary, but for most skincare, you need to be able to have it regularly. After all, it takes 3 to 4 months in most cases to even see a difference in your skin and 6 months to fully develop that change in your skin.

Geek & Gorgeous Line

I am having trouble locating a product that fits into my budget with all good ingredients and Ectoin. The UK has them, but not the US. I have found a UK brand that is now available here in the US, Geek and Gorgeous. Their Hydration Station is under $10 and, it has a small but all “good” ingredients list.

I don’t know why this isn’t on their bestsellers list. It may be because it only contains 1% of Ectoin (7% is what has been studied as tolerable in topical applications). However, it does contain 5% glycerin (one of my hero ingredients). This is a transparent brand, which means it gives you more information than some other brands including the pH of the product. These are the brands we should be supporting in the skincare industry.

My experience so far

I have been using it almost every day since June. When my daughter came home for a visit in September, she said, “We are using something new now? Not CeraVe? Why weren’t we told?” I should have said something, but I had barely reached my 3-month mark at that point. I am over that point now and I can say that I still like the product. It is light, but still, it hydrates my skin. Sinks in like water on the skin, which means it isn’t sitting on top. That is what you need in a product like this for hydrating deep into the layers of skin.

Now that it is winter and I live in a very dry climate, I am doubling up on light gel cream moisturizers. Before I add in a more inclusive moisturizer and sunscreen. This product plays nicely with the other products, with no bailing up.

This is from the Geek and Gorgeous Website on this product:

“A refreshing, light gel cream textured moisturiser that goes beyond the basics, as it not only hydrates, but also protects and soothes the skin. A medium-amount of 5% Glycerin is enhanced by hydrators working in synergy with glycerin: a new-generation molecule called Isosorbide Dicaprylate and a sugar trio, trade named Aquaxyl, help the transportation of glycerin throughout the epidermis (by upregulating Aquaporin-3) and strengthen the skin barrier by stimulating the skin’s own ceramide production. The 1% Ectoin in the formula hydrates & soothes the skin, while it also protects from all kinds of environmental stress, such as pollution, oxidative stress, blue & visible light. A good dose of two classic calming ingredients, Allantoin and Bisabolol further enhance the soothing ability of Hydration Station.” 

https://geekandgorgeous.us/products/hydration-station

What I would like to see on the market

I would like to see a reasonably priced skin care product with all good ingredients along with 5 to 7 % of Ectoin. Geek and Gorgeous if you are listening, here is my request. Or Dr. Sam Ellis with the Prequel line, are you listening? I would love to see the Prequel line come out with this type of product. I will be writing a post soon on the Prequel Line, I think you will like this line. Although, I am not endorsing all of the “doctor” product lines that have come out recently. This one I am.