Cosmetic-grade Ectoin

Ectoine, (S)-2-methyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid, is a cyclic amino acid derivative naturally produced by extremophile microorganisms living under conditions of extreme salinity, drought, irradiation, pH, and temperature. Ectoine works by promoting the association of water molecule clusters, forming protective hydration layers around DNA and proteins. This unique property helps shield macromolecules like proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids, as well as cell membranes within microorganisms, from damage caused by ultraviolet light, high temperatures, and high salt conditions.

In skincare, ectoin is a hydrating and skin conditioning agent that also has protective qualities. It maintains the correct water balance in the skin making it look supple and glowing. Additionally, this ingredient is a potent antioxidant that stabilizes cell membranes and proteins, protects the skin against free radicals, in turn, fighting the visible signs of aging and dark spots, and reducing inflammation. Further, Ectoin helps soothe the surface of the skin and maintain overall skin health, and promoting skin regeneration.

Ectoin in its raw form appears as a white crystalline powder that is non-greasy and non-comedogenic in formulations. It is commonly used in creams, serums, and sunscreens, used as a potent moisturizer and barrier enhancer, shielding the skin from environmental stressors like UV radiation and pollutants, offering soothing relief for sensitive and/or irritated skin.

Cosmetic Grade Ectoin Product Overview

Ectoin is widely used in skincare and personal care formulations due to its cell-protective, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, especially under stress conditions such as UV, dryness, heat, or pollution.

Basic Information	Formulation Type	Function of Ectoin
Cat # MCLX0117	Day/Night creams	Anti-aging, hydration booster
CAS 96702-03-3	Sunscreen & after-sun	DNA protection, reduces UV-induced inflammation
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀N₂O₂	Sensitive skin lines	Reduces redness, soothes irritated skin
Molecular Weight: 142.16	Serums & ampoules	Enhances barrier function, moisture retention
Product Type: Raw material	Scalp care	Protects against oxidative stress
Appearance: White or off-white powder	Mask treatments	Supports skin microbiome, stress protection

Ectoin Production

Ectoin (3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid) is a natural compound synthesized in three successive enzymatic reactions starting from aspartic β-semialdehyde. The genes involved in the biosynthesis are called ectA, ectB and ectC, and they encode the enzymes L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid acetyltransferase, L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid transaminase and L-ectoine synthase, respectively. Ectoin is found in several species of bacteria. Ectoin is found in high concentrations in halophilic microorganisms and confers resistance towards salt and temperature stress. Ectoin has been found in a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Producing ectoin via microbial fermentation involves using salt-tolerant bacteria or genetically engineered strains that express the ectoin biosynthesis pathway (ectABC).

Microbial Strain Selection and Development			Fermentation
Host Type	Example Organism	Development Strategies	Fermentation Parameter	Typical Value	Harvest & Product Recovery
Native Strain	Halomonas elongata, Chromohalobacter salexigens	Naturally produces ectoin under high-salt conditions. Salt is essential to induce ectoin biosynthesis, especially in native producers.	Carbon source	Glucose (20–40 g/L) or glycerol	Monitor: Growth (OD₆₀₀) Glucose consumption Ectoin titer via HPLC or LC-MS
Recombinant Strain	E. coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Bacillus subtilis	Introduce ectA operon: Acetyltransferase	Nitrogen source	Yeast extract, ammonium sulfate	Cell Harvesting Centrifugation or membrane filtration (0.2–0.45 µm)
		Introduce ectB operon: Transaminase	NaCl	0.2–1.0 M (osmotic stress inducer)
		Introduce ectC operon: Ectoine synthase	Temperature	30°C	Ectoin Extraction If intracellular: Hot water extraction (60–80 °C) Ethanol/water (50–70%) solvent optional
		Optional: ectD for hydroxyectoin production	pH	7.0–7.5 (controlled)
		Add promoter (T7, pBAD, etc.) for induction	Aeration	≥20% DO (good oxygenation required)	Ectoin Extraction If secreted: Directly filter and purify from supernatant
		Ensure salt-inducible expression or integrate a constitutive system	Duration	24–48 hours (batch or fed-batch)

Regulatory Requirements by Grade

Grade	Purity	Typical Use	Microbial Limits	Residual Solvents	Regulatory Requirements
Cosmetic Grade	≥ 95–99%	Moisturizers, anti-aging creams, sunscreens, after-sun products	< 100 CFU/g	≤ 0.1%	ISO 16128, REACH, INCI registered
Pharmaceutical Grade	≥ 99.5%	Nasal sprays, eye drops, dermatological applications	Sterile/Low bioburden	≤ 0.01%	GMP-compliant, EP/USP-like specs
Food/Nutraceutical Grade	≥ 95%	Anti-aging supplements, gut or immune health applications	< 100 CFU/g	≤ 0.1%	Novel food status (EU), GRAS (USA)
Research Grade	≥ 90%	Lab experiments, in vitro/in vivo studies	< 100 CFU/g	≤ 0.01%	No regulatory restrictions

Agriculture Microbiology

Efficacy Evaluation

We provide in vitro human skin tissue models for cosmetic testing services. Our models are very similar to human skin in terms of morphology, of differentiation markers and of functional characteristics.

In vitro Testing

Hydration Capacity Assay
Skin Barrier Function Tests
Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Tests

Ex Vivo Skin Model Studies

Use human skin explants to observe penetration and bioactivity.

Our Advantages

GMP-Compliant Manufacturing

Our manufacturing process adheres to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, ensuring the highest quality standards and consistency in every batch. Our state-of-the-art production facilities are certified to meet international standards, including ISO 9001, and we follow stringent procedures to prevent contamination and ensure batch-to-batch consistency.

Full Regulatory Compliance:

We comply with all relevant global regulatory requirements, including those set by the FDA, EMA, and other cosmetic regulatory bodies.

Quality Assurance:

Extensive quality control processes, including testing for purity, molecular weight distribution, and endotoxin levels, ensure that every batch of HA meets the highest standards for cosmetic use.

advantages

Customer Reviews

The microbial fermentation-based ectoin supplied to us was of exceptional purity (>98%), meeting all our cosmetic-grade requirements. The technical team supported us from formulation to regulatory documentation. Highly recommend their process consistency and responsiveness.

-Dr. Julia Kramer

Head of R&D

We needed a reliable supplier for high-purity ectoin with clean fermentation processes and full traceability. Their production model using Corynebacterium glutamicum met all our expectations. Their documentation and QC results are always thorough and timely.

-Mr. Daniel Lee

Procurement Director

Our anti-aging serum line now includes fermentation-derived ectoin thanks to their excellent support. From pilot batches to commercial scale, the product quality has remained stable. The customer service team is also very knowledgeable in handling cosmetic compliance.

-Dr. Sophie Nguyen

Senior Formulation Scientist

We tested several sources of cosmetic-grade ectoin. The material produced via microbial fermentation not only showed high purity but also excellent compatibility in emulsions and sprays. This has become a core ingredient in our sensitive-skin product line.

-Mr. Kenji Tanaka

Chief Innovation Officer