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Ectoin and beta-glucan are becoming increasingly popular in Korean skincare, and for good reason! Both ingredients offer impressive benefits, especially when it comes to hydration, soothing the skin and supporting the skin barrier. However, they are two very different ingredients. In this blog, we'll explain the key differences and help you discover which ingredient is best suited to your skin.
What is ectoin?
Ectoin is a substance naturally produced by certain microorganisms that live in extreme environments, such as bacteria found in salt lakes. Ectoin helps these organisms protect themselves against dehydration and other environmental stressors. The ingredient belongs to a group of compounds known as extremolytes and is derived from an amino acid.
In skincare, ectoin is known for its hydrating and protective properties. It helps support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss. Today, ectoin used in cosmetics is primarily produced through biotechnological processes, such as fermentation.
Ectoin Favourites
Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Serum
30 ml
Hydrate and protect your skin with the Purito Seoul Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Serum. The formula combines Korean Damyang bamboo, panthenol and ectoin to support the skin barrier, provide intense hydration and give your skin a natural glow.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Teca Glass Skin Milk
210 ml
The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Teca Glass Skin Milk is a milky essence that deeply hydrates the skin, supports the natural skin barrier and helps create a fresh, radiant glass skin glow.
Manyo Panthetoin Enriched Balm
80 ml
The Manyo Panthetoin Enriched Balm is a rich facial balm that deeply nourishes and soothes the skin. Its formula helps strengthen the natural skin barrier and maintain moisture levels, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple and comfortable.
What is beta-glucan?
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide, a type of complex carbohydrate naturally found in oats, yeast and various types of mushrooms. The ingredient is best known for its hydrating and soothing properties.
Beta-glucan helps retain moisture and can support the natural skin barrier. It is also being studied for its potential role in the skin's natural repair process. This makes it an interesting ingredient for dry, sensitive or irritated skin.
Explore our range of beta-glucan skincare products.
Beta-Glucan Favourites
Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum Centella + Vita C
30 ml
The Beauty of Joseon Light On Serum Centella + Vita C combines 10% vitamin C with 68% Centella Asiatica extract. The formula helps brighten the skin, even out the complexion and soothe the skin at the same time.
iUNIK Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream Miniature
15 ml
The iUNIK Beta Glucan Daily Moisture Cream Miniature hydrates the skin and supports the natural skin barrier with beta-glucan, Centella Asiatica and red fruit extracts. This lightweight cream absorbs quickly and helps hydrate, soothe and protect sensitive skin against dryness.
APLB Bakuchiol Propolis Ampoule Serum
40 ml
The APLB Bakuchiol Propolis Ampoule Serum helps hydrate and soften the skin while improving its overall smoothness. The formula combines bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient often used as an alternative to retinol, with nourishing propolis and Centella Asiatica extracts.
What are the benefits of ectoin?
- Supports the natural skin barrier.
- Helps reduce moisture loss.
- Helps protect the skin against environmental stressors.
- Supports skin hydration.
Ideal for: dry, sensitive and dehydrated skin.
What are the benefits of beta-glucan?
- Helps retain moisture for longer.
- Has soothing properties.
- Supports the natural skin barrier.
- May support the skin's natural repair process.
Ideal for: sensitive, dry and easily irritated skin. Also beneficial for mature skin.
What do ectoin and beta-glucan have in common?
Although ectoin and beta-glucan are different ingredients, they share many similarities. Both help hydrate the skin, support the natural skin barrier and have soothing properties. This makes them particularly interesting for dry and sensitive skin, although other skin types can also benefit from their properties.
Both ingredients can also be combined with other skincare ingredients, such as retinol. They can help keep the skin hydrated and comfortable when using more intensive active ingredients.
What are the main differences between ectoin and beta-glucan?
The main difference between ectoin and beta-glucan lies in how they work. Although both ingredients hydrate and support the skin, they do so through different mechanisms.
Ectoin: hydration and protection
Ectoin influences the structure of water surrounding proteins and cell membranes, helping to stabilise them. This unique mechanism helps protect the skin against dehydration and supports its natural barrier function. Ectoin is therefore particularly interesting when your skin needs extra protection against environmental stressors, such as dry air and changing temperatures.
Beta-glucan: moisture retention and soothing care
Beta-glucan works differently. It is a polysaccharide that can bind water and, depending on the formulation, form a moisture-retaining layer on the skin. This helps keep the skin hydrated. Beta-glucan also has soothing properties and may support the skin's natural repair function.
The main difference lies in their properties: ectoin stands out for its protective benefits, while beta-glucan is particularly valued for its moisture-retaining and soothing properties. However, this does not mean that one ingredient is better than the other. They share many overlapping benefits and can complement each other perfectly.
Ectoin vs. beta-glucan: which is better for your skin?
Choosing the right ingredient depends on your skin's individual needs. Are you looking for an ingredient that provides hydration while helping protect your skin against environmental stressors? Then ectoin could be an excellent choice.
Does your skin mainly need extra hydration and soothing care? In that case, beta-glucan could be a great addition to your skincare routine.
Luckily, you don't always have to choose! Ectoin and beta-glucan can be used together. Both ingredients support the skin barrier and help keep the skin hydrated. A great combination for skin that could use a little extra care.
Frequently asked questions about ectoin and beta-glucan
Does ectoin stimulate collagen production?
Ectoin is primarily known for its hydrating and protective properties. It helps support the skin barrier and can protect the skin against dehydration and environmental stressors. However, a direct stimulating effect on collagen production has not yet been convincingly demonstrated.
Can I use ectoin with retinol?
Yes, ectoin and retinol can be used together. Retinol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and other visible signs of ageing, while ectoin hydrates the skin and supports the skin barrier. This makes ectoin a great addition to a skincare routine that includes retinol.
Can beta-glucan cause acne?
Beta-glucan is not known to cause acne on its own. It is generally well tolerated and is often used in skincare products designed for sensitive skin. However, how your skin reacts to a product depends on the complete formulation and your individual skin needs.
Is beta-glucan an active ingredient?
Beta-glucan is a functional skincare ingredient with hydrating and soothing properties. Unlike active ingredients such as retinol or exfoliating acids, beta-glucan primarily focuses on hydration, supporting the skin barrier and keeping the skin comfortable. This also makes it an interesting ingredient for sensitive skin.
