1. Introduction
Ectoine (CAS: 96702-03-3) is a naturally occurring cyclic amino acid derivative and one of the most powerful compatible solutes found in nature. First discovered in 1985 by German scientist Dr. Erwin A. Galinski in halophilic photosynthetic bacteria isolated from Egyptian desert salt lakes, Ectoine is biosynthesized by extremophilic microorganisms as a cellular protectant against harsh environmental conditions including extreme salinity, high temperatures, UV radiation, and desiccation.
Ectoine is often referred to as the “Molecular Shield” due to its unique mechanism of action: it forms a highly ordered hydration shell around proteins, cell membranes, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules, providing a physical barrier that shields these structures from environmental stressors without interfering with normal cellular metabolism. This property has positioned Ectoine as a premier active ingredient in high-end cosmetics, pharmaceutical formulations, and biotechnological applications.
At Shaanxi TAIMA Biological Engineering Co., Ltd., we produce high-purity Ectoine (≥98%, ≥99%) through advanced microbial fermentation and multi-stage purification technology. Our Ectoine meets the rigorous quality standards demanded by cosmetic formulators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and biotech companies worldwide.
2. Chemical & Physical Properties
| Product Name | Ectoine (INCI: Ectoin) |
| CAS Number | 96702-03-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C6H10N2O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 142.16 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Cyclic amino acid derivative (tetrahydropyrimidine) |
| IUPAC Name | (S)-2-methyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Nearly odorless |
| Solubility | Highly water-soluble (~570 g/L at 25 °C); slightly soluble in ethanol, methanol |
| pH (1% aq. solution) | 6.0–8.0 |
| Melting Point | ~280 °C (decomposition) |
| Optical Rotation | [α]D20 = +140° to +145° (c=1, H2O) |
| Source | Fermentation from Halomonas elongata (halophilic bacteria) |
| Specifications | ≥95%, ≥98%, ≥99% HPLC |
3. Key Benefits & Mechanism of Action
3.1 The “Molecular Shield” Mechanism
Ectoine functions through a unique dual mechanism: (1) Physical protection — it forms a stable hydration shell that wraps around proteins, membranes, and DNA, physically excluding UV radiation, pollutants, allergens, and other stressors; (2) Biological regulation — it reduces pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1α, TNF-α, ICAM-1), inhibits MMP activity, and upregulates HSP70 heat shock proteins. Unlike conventional active ingredients that chemically react with cellular targets, Ectoine works primarily through water-structuring effects, making it exceptionally gentle and well-tolerated.
Long-Lasting Hydration: Forms a water-binding protective layer on and within the skin; reduces TEWL by up to 25%; sustained moisturizing effect lasting up to 7 days after a single application.
Anti-Aging & DNA Protection: Shields collagen and elastin from MMP-mediated degradation; reduces UV-induced DNA damage; maintains fibroblast viability; clinically shown to reduce wrinkle depth and improve skin firmness.
UV & Photo-Protection: Absorbs UVA/UVB energy and dissipates as heat; reduces sunburn cell formation by up to 70%; protects Langerhans cells from UVB-induced apoptosis.
Anti-Pollution Defense: Protects skin cells from PM2.5, diesel exhaust particles, and heavy metal-induced oxidative stress; reduces pollution-induced MMP-1 expression and IL-6 release by up to 53%.
Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing: Effectively reduces skin redness, itching, and irritation; clinically comparable to hydrocortisone in managing atopic dermatitis without steroid side effects.
Skin Barrier Repair: Promotes keratinocyte differentiation; upregulates filaggrin and loricrin expression; accelerates the reconstruction of damaged skin barrier function.
Thermal & Osmotic Stress Protection: Activates HSP70 expression; protects cells from extreme temperatures, osmotic shock, and desiccation; preserves cell viability and functional integrity under stress conditions.
4. Applications
4.1 Cosmetics & Personal Care
| Category | Products | Dosage |
| Anti-Aging Skincare | Serums, creams, ampoules, eye treatments | 0.5% – 2.0% |
| Sun Care & After-Sun | Sunscreens, BB/CC creams, after-sun gels | 0.5% – 1.5% |
| Anti-Pollution | City defense serums, protective day creams | 0.5% – 1.0% |
| Sensitive Skin Care | Barrier repair creams, soothing masks | 1.0% – 2.0% |
| Eye & Lip Care | Eye serums, lip balms, lip masks | 0.3% – 1.0% |
| Baby & Sensitive | Baby creams, diaper rash balms | 0.3% – 1.0% |
| Daily Moisturizers | Day/night creams, body lotions | 0.3% – 1.0% |
4.2 Pharmaceutical & Biotech
- ● Ophthalmic preparations: artificial tears, anti-allergy eye drops (corneal protection, allergic conjunctivitis relief)
- ● Nasal sprays: allergic rhinitis symptom relief, dry nasal mucosa moisturization
- ● Inhalation therapy: COPD and asthma adjunctive treatment (anti-inflammatory, surfactant stabilization)
- ● Wound care: topical gels and dressings for wound healing promotion
- ● Enzyme stabilization (thermostability enhancement)
- ● PCR enhancer (improves amplification of GC-rich templates)
- ● Protein cryoprotectant and cell culture protective additive
5. Why Choose TAIMA Ectoine?
High Purity: ≥98% and ≥99% HPLC grades available; batch-to-batch consistency within ±0.5%
Fermentation-Derived: Natural, sustainable, animal-free, GMO-free production process
Full Documentation: COA, MSDS, TDS, stability data, GMO statement with every shipment
Certified Quality: ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, KOSHER, HALAL certified
Global Supply: Shipping to 50+ countries; flexible packaging from 100g samples to 25kg drums
Technical Support: Formulation guidance, solubility data, compatibility testing support
6. Packaging & Storage
| Standard Packaging | 25 kg/fiber drum, double-layer food-grade PE inner bags |
| Sample Packaging | 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg sealed aluminum foil bags |
| Storage | 15–25 °C, sealed, cool, dry, protected from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 24 months under recommended conditions |
