Ectoin
Ectoin is a small cyclic amino acid derivative that salt-tolerant bacteria make to balance water in their cells. Commercial ectoin is made by fermentation with halophilic bacteria such as Halomonas elongata, then extracted, purified and crystallized. It is a white, water-soluble crystalline powder used in the water phase of skin and hair products and sometimes sold alongside the related hydroxyectoin.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
High-purity ectoin powder, the usual form for cosmetic use.
Ectoin in water or glycol with a preservative at a stated concentration.
Mixtures with hydroxyectoin, a related molecule made the same way; the ratio should be on the specification.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Keep ectoin powder sealed in a dry place at room temperature; it is hygroscopic and can cake if left open. Solutions should be kept closed and within the supplier shelf life. Retest dates come from the supplier.
Record assay and water content for each lot. Note the producing organism and supplier, since material from different fermentation processes may differ in impurity profile.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ectoine (CAS 96702-03-3) as an approved chemical name with buffering agent and skin-conditioning agent (emollient) among its non-medicinal purposes, for topical use.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Eastsound, WA
Washington State seller of cosmetic raw materials in small and bulk sizes, including actives, butters, waxes, emollients, emulsifiers and preservatives, for independent formulators and small brands.
Distributor · Redmond, WA
US supplier of cosmetic ingredients repackaged in retail and bulk sizes, covering actives, butters, oils, waxes and emulsifiers for brands, contract manufacturers and independent formulators.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include crystalline powder, pre-dissolved solutions and blends with hydroxyectoin. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect assay (HPLC), identity, water content, pH of solution and microbiology and endotoxin, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Keep ectoin powder sealed in a dry place at room temperature; it is hygroscopic and can cake if left open. Solutions should be kept closed and within the supplier shelf life. Retest dates come from the supplier.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ectoine (CAS 96702-03-3) as an approved chemical name with buffering agent and skin-conditioning agent (emollient) among its non-medicinal purposes, for topical use.
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