Ectoin is being touted as the new 'it' ingredient in skin care, with the amino acid derivative set to become one of 2024’s biggest beauty buzzwords.
Combining the moisturising effects of hyaluronic acid with skin barrier-boosting properties similar to niacinamide, the ingredient is quickly making a name for itself in beauty circles.
#Ectoin has already garnered 42.6 million views on TikTok and global Google searches for it have soared 123% in the last quarter of 2023.
Online beauty retailers have spotted the trend’s potential too, with Lookfantastic reporting a 581% increase in users searching for the ingredient last year.
"What is ectoin in skin care?’ and ‘What does ectoin do?’ were the most searched-for terms on the retailer’s site in 2023.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Ectoin-Infused Cream and Ultrasun’s Face SPF50+ were the ection-rich products Lookfantastic users were most interested in.
E-tailer Beauty Pie, meanwhile, has even named ectoin as one-to-watch in its 2024 Beauty Trends Report.
Ectoin is known for its hydrating and skin barrier repair properties
Why the hype?
But why all the fuss when the amino acid derivative, which is commonly used in medicinal and dermatological products, has existed for years?
“Ectoin’s emergence from relative obscurity to being one of 2024’s most talked about ingredients can be attributed to changing consumer trends and advancements in science,” says Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz, Formulator and founder of online certification platform Skin Masterclass Cigdem.
“Ectoin’s efficacy spans anti-pollution, blue light protection and nurturing a healthy skin microbiome, but what really sets it apart is its innate ability to protect and hydrate the skin.”
There has been an increase in beauty brands investing in ectoin too.
Ectoin increases the skin’s barrier health by regulating water loss, so moisture balance is normalised
Over the past 12 months
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