Ectoine, a naturally occurring osmoregulatory compound produced by halophilic microbes, has been of particular interest in recent years for its special cytoprotective effect and broad applications. At first, researchers discovered it in extreme halophilic bacteria, such as Halomonas elongata and the genera bacteria Ectothiorhodospira. In microbes, ectoine enables them to thrive under salinity, heat, and aridity conditions, and it works particularly well as a cell shield.
How is Ectoine Synthesized?
For ectoine, the reaction of synthesis is performed through an orchestrated process of enzyme reactions by the following enzymes:
- L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid transaminase (EctB): This enzyme converts the precursor molecule into L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid, the first step in producing ectoin.
- L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid acetyltransferase (EctA): in this step, EctA reacts L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid with acetyl coenzyme A to produce an intermediate metabolite.
- Ectoin synthase (EctC): EctC eventually initiates the cyclization reaction that produces ectoin and completes ectoin production.
Additionally, some halophilic microorganisms can also convert ectoine into hydroxyectoine. This is a reaction caused by the enzyme ectoine hydroxylase (EctD), and the resulting hydroxyectoine is more resistant to oxidation and stabilisation of biomolecules.
Fig.1 Biosynthetic pathway for ectoine and hydroxyectoine[1].
What is the Function of Ectoine?
Ectoine is a natural amino acid derivative that is widely used in skincare, medical, and cosmetic applications for its versatility. Below is an explanation of the main functions and effects of ectoine:
1. Moisturizing and water locking
Ectoine significantly improves the skin's moisturizing ability by adsorbing and binding water molecules to form a stable hydration shell. Its unique hydration mechanism effectively reduces water loss and helps maintain the skin's moisturized state, especially suitable for dry environments or skin barrier damage.
2. Repairing the skin barrier
Ectoine repairs the damaged skin barrier by enhancing the thickness of the stratum corneum and promoting cell regeneration. Its function is to improve the skin's protective power while reducing the attack of external harmful factors, helping the skin to rebuild a healthy barrier, thus enhancing the overall health of the skin.
3. Anti-UV and photoaging
Ectoine has excellent UV resistance and can effectively protect against UV-induced DNA damage and free radical generation. It reduces photoaging and delays UV-induced skin problems such as discoloration and loss of elasticity.
4. Anti-inflammatory and soothing
Ectoine exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties and can effectively relieve skin inflammation caused by external stimuli or allergies. By inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors (e.g., TNF-α), ectoine significantly reduces redness, swelling, itching, and other discomfort, especially for sensitive skin.
5. Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle
Ectoine improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production and cell metabolism. Its anti-aging effect makes the skin firmer and smoother while delaying the signs of ageing.
6. Cell Protection
Ectoine maintains the normal function and activity of cells under extreme conditions (e.g., heat, dryness, UV rays, etc.). It provides comprehensive protection for skin cells and effectively reduces cellular damage caused by environmental stress.
7. Antioxidant
Ectoine has the ability to scavenge free radicals, significantly slowing down the damage caused by oxidative stress on the skin. This antioxidant property helps prevent skin aging and many skin problems caused by oxidation.
8. Promote wound healing
Ectoine has also shown unique value in the medical field, especially in promoting wound healing and improving atopic dermatitis. It helps restore the skin to a healthy state by accelerating the repair of damaged tissue and reducing inflammation.
Fig.2 Mechanism of action of ectoine. Effects on water molecules and proteins: When ectoine is present, the structure of water changes, becoming more compact and proteins more stable[2].
Is Ectoin Better than Hyaluronic Acid?
Both ectoine and hyaluronic acid have their merits; they each have a function and an application, and it is impossible to determine which is better or worse. Let's take a look at what is good about each and how they work when combined.
What are the benefits of ectoine?
- Resistance and Repairing Ability: Ectoine is well resuscitated to external stimuli, including UV light, heat, and radiation. For skin, Ectoine works to enliven the barrier system of the skin and minimises the signs of photoaging and environmental stress on the skin.
- Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects: Ectoine maintains the skin's moisture level and is also anti-inflammatory, so it reduces skin redness, sensitivity, and inflammation. Also works in eyes, firming the tear film and hydrating the skin.
- Synergy: Ectoine can be assembled in a supramolecular package with other components (e.g., hyaluronic acid) to make it water-locking and anti-inflammatory, so skin care can be made even more effective.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
- Remarkable moisturizing ability: Hyaluronic acid is a classic moisturizing ingredient that holds and elivates moisture into a thick, 3D network structure to boost your skin's hydration levels. Hydration-wise, hyaluronic acid is an almost indispensable building block of cosmetics.
- Anti-Aging and Repair Function: It also slows down the skin ageing process by increasing collagen production and skin elasticity and texture. Also, hyaluronic acid works great for wound treatment and skin repair.
- High Safety: Hyaluronic acid is completely safe for all skin types (sensitive and pregnant), and the fact that it is very common helps to ensure its safety and stability.
Ectoine in Combination with Hyaluronic Acid
When ectoine is used in combination with hyaluronic acid, a stronger synergistic effect is achieved. Hyaluronic acid absorbs and locks in water, while ectoine strengthens the skin barrier, and the combination of the two maintains hydration for a longer period of time. The antioxidant properties of ectoine complement the restorative properties of hyaluronic acid, making it particularly suitable for high-demand scenarios such as anti-photoaging and protection against environmental stress. This combination stabilizes the tear film and reduces eye inflammation, making it suitable for dry eye sufferers or people who use their eyes for long periods of time.
How to choose?
The choice of ectoine or hyaluronic acid, or a combination of both, should be based on individual needs and skincare goals.
A. If the main focus is on resilience, repair, and protection from environmental stresses, Excedrin is more suitable.
B. If the focus is on hydration and elasticity, hyaluronic acid is a better choice.
C. Used in combination, it can be used to address multiple needs and provide comprehensive care for the skin.
Reference
- Bilstein A., et al. Ectoine in the Treatment of Irritations and Inflammations of the Eye Surface. BioMed Research International (2021).
