Ectoin (CAS 96702-03-3) is supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for European cosmetic formulators, brand R&D teams and B2B buyers reviewing cosmetic active ingredient applications. A freely water-soluble osmolyte (extremolyte), it dissolves directly in aqueous concentrates without co-solvents at pH 4.5–8.0, with cool-down addition below 80°C recommended in standard serum and leave-on manufacturing protocols.
> Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Ectoin |
|---|---|
| Molecular Structure |  |
| CAS Number | 96702-03-3 |
| Alias / Common Name | Ectoine; ECT; 1,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid |
| Molecular Formula | C6H10N2O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 142.16 g/mol |
| INCI Name | Ectoin |
| Functional Class | Extremolyte; compatible solute; skin barrier stabiliser; keratinocyte membrane protector; soothing active |
| Purity / Assay | ≥95% (HPLC); confirm by batch COA |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility / Handling | Freely water-soluble; dissolve in deionised water or aqueous phase at ambient temperature at up to 50% w/w; no co-solvent required at cosmetic evaluation concentrations |
| pH Stability | Stable across a wide pH range of 4.0–9.0; exceptional stability under normal formulation conditions — thermally robust and oxidation-resistant |
| Storage | Store sealed below 25°C in cool, dry conditions; exceptionally stable — follow batch COA and SDS for specific storage guidance |
> Mechanism & Positioning
Ectoin (1,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid, CAS 96702-03-3) is a naturally occurring cyclic amino acid derivative (compatible solute) produced by extremophilic halophilic bacteria (Ectothiorhodospira halochloris and related species) as an osmotic stress protection molecule. Published Ectoin literature discusses the preferential exclusion mechanism: Ectoin molecules form ordered hydration shells around cellular proteins and membrane phospholipid bilayers via preferential hydration shell structuring, thermodynamically stabilising macromolecular structures against osmotic stress, heat denaturation, UV damage and desiccation. Cell-based keratinocyte and Langerhans cell studies document reduction of TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin) and TNF-α release under UV irradiation, alongside attenuation of ceramide-sphingomyelinase-mediated barrier disruption in stress-challenge model systems. Skin barrier model data also notes inhibition of DNCB-induced contact sensitisation inflammatory cascade and reduction of blue-light-induced DOPA formation, positioning Ectoin as a multi-stress-pathway barrier protector for sensitive skin, digital protection and environmental shield formulation concepts.
Based on available in vitro and clinical data, Ectoin is positioned for sensitive skin serum, barrier-repair emulsion, digital stress protection concentrate and anti-pollution shield formulation concepts. The extremolyte membrane stabilisation mechanism is independent from and complementary to antioxidant mechanisms of Ergothioneine (TAUT-mediated ROS scavenging) and L-Carnosine (carbonyl scavenging/anti-glycation), enabling three-mechanism anti-stress serum architecture covering membrane/protein stabilisation, mitochondrial ROS protection and ECM anti-glycation.
> Application Concepts
Sensitive Skin Barrier Serum and Calming Architecture
Ectoin dissolves freely in deionised water, glycerin–water and aqueous serum bases at 1.0–5.0% (w/w) at ambient temperature — no co-solvent, elevated temperature or special handling required. Thermally exceptionally stable (processable at up to 80°C or higher); stable across pH 4.0–9.0; oxidation-resistant under atmospheric conditions. Introduce at any manufacturing stage — hot phase, warm phase or cool-down. For sensitive skin barrier formulation, combine Ectoin (1–3%) with ceramide NP, cholesterol and fatty acid system for lipid barrier reinforcement alongside the aqueous phase extremolyte protection. Confirm pH (target 5.0–7.0 for barrier emulsions) and stability across combined actives before scale-up.
Digital and Environmental Stress Shield Formulations
Ectoin’s membrane stabilisation and TSLP-suppression activity positions it for digital stress (blue light, HEV) and urban pollution shield formulations. At 1.0–3.0% in a lightweight aqueous serum or essence, Ectoin attenuates membrane bilayer disruption from blue-light-induced singlet oxygen and from reactive carbonyl species in PM2.5 pollutant particles. Combine with Ergothioneine for complementary TAUT-transported intracellular antioxidant activity and with L-Carnosine for carbonyl scavenging of pollutant-derived RCS. Niacinamide (2–5%) adds calming and barrier-synergy activity in the same pH-compatible aqueous base. Confirm combined stability at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Post-Procedure and Calming Concentrate Formats
The TSLP and ceramide-degradation-pathway suppression activity of Ectoin makes it highly relevant for post-procedure calming concentrates, post-procedure or post-chemical-peel soothing emulsions and reactive/rosacea-tendency skin formulations. At 2.0–5.0% in a soothing gel-cream or emulsion, Ectoin provides barrier protective activity alongside standard calming actives such as bisabolol (0.1–0.3%), panthenol (1–3%) and allantoin. Evaluate compatibility with niacinamide and ceramides at the target pH (5.0–6.5). For rosacea and sensitive skin formulations avoiding fragrance and essential oils, Ectoin provides a clean INCI label addition with excellent safety documentation and a comprehensive published efficacy dossier. Run accelerated stability and compatibility testing before committing to production scale.
> Handling & Formulation Notes
Dissolve Ectoin in deionised water or the aqueous phase at ambient temperature at 1.0–5.0% (w/w). Freely water-soluble and exceptionally stable — can be added to the hot aqueous phase at temperatures up to 80°C or at any stage of emulsion manufacture without thermal degradation. No co-solvent, nitrogen blanket or special handling required. Stable across pH 4.0–9.0.
Ectoin is one of the most formulation-friendly cosmetic raw materials — thermally stable, oxidation-resistant, pH-tolerant and compatible with standard preservatives and actives at typical cosmetic concentrations. Confirm final pH and combined active stability in the complete formulation matrix via accelerated stability at 40°C/75% RH. No special packaging requirements — standard containers are adequate.
> Supply & Documentation
Ectoin (CAS 96702-03-3) is available from TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic raw material projects. Standard documentation: COA, TDS, SDS. Sample and bulk quantities are discussed on a per-project basis; contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a sourcing review.
TCS NEXUS S.L. supports procurement and formulation teams in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden and Portugal, as well as international buyers in the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
> Packaging & Storage
Ectoin is supplied in sealed aluminium foil bags or bulk containers. Minimum quantities and packaging configurations are confirmed per order. Store below 25°C in a cool, dry location, away from moisture and direct light. Follow batch COA and SDS for specific storage and handling conditions.
> FAQ
What is Ectoin?
Ectoin (CAS 96702-03-3) is a cosmetic raw material supplied by TCS NEXUS S.L. (Valencia, Spain) for B2B cosmetic formulators. In cosmetic literature, Ectoin is positioned as an extremolyte with broad skin-protective properties — evaluated in sun-protection after-sun formulations, anti-pollution serums, sensitive-skin calming products and anti-ageing emulsions where its ability to physically stabilise cell membranes, proteins and DNA against environmental and osmotic stress is the primary cosmetic rationale. TCS NEXUS S.L. supplies Ectoin as a B2B crystalline active for cosmetic formulators across multiple application categories.
What is the CAS number for Ectoin?
The CAS number for Ectoin is 96702-03-3. The INCI name for cosmetic regulatory documentation and CPNP notification is Ectoin; confirm CAS 96702-03-3 and INCI identity against the batch COA when building product files.
How does Ectoin protect skin — what is the “compatible solute” mechanism?
Ectoin is an extremolyte, a small ring molecule (a tetrahydropyrimidine carboxylic acid) that microorganisms use to survive extreme salt, heat and dryness. As a “compatible solute” it structures a shell of water molecules around proteins and cell membranes — a kinetic-stabilisation effect sometimes called preferential hydration — protecting them from stress, UV and dehydration. This membrane- and protein-protecting action underlies its barrier-support and soothing positioning.
What use level of Ectoin is typical, and how should it be evaluated?
There is no one-size-fits-all dose: establish the use level conservatively for your specific base and claim. We supply pure Ectoin with COA for precise pure-material dosing; contact info@tcspeptides.com to align documentation.
Which actives pair with Ectoin in a barrier and soothing system?
Ectoin combines with hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, with barrier lipids and with soothing antioxidants for sensitive-skin, after-sun and anti-pollution systems. Because it stabilises membranes and proteins broadly, it is compatible with most actives; keep the system near pH 4–7 and confirm combined stability in the finished base.
What makes Ectoin distinct — the extremolyte, non-enzymatic mechanism?
Ectoin is distinctive because it does not act on an enzyme or receptor: it is a physically protective “compatible solute” that shields membranes, proteins and even the barrier by organising water around them. That extremolyte mechanism makes it broadly protective and very well tolerated, complementing rather than competing with active-driven ingredients. Ectoin is freely water-soluble and very stable.
What addition temperature is recommended for Ectoin during manufacturing?
Introduce Ectoin during the cool-down phase at temperatures below 80°C; avoid prolonged exposure above this threshold. Standard aqueous or emulsion cool-down protocols are fully compatible with this addition requirement. Confirm thermal stability in the specific manufacturing process with accelerated stability data before committing to production scale.
What pH range keeps Ectoin stable in a finished formula?
Ectoin is exceptionally stable across a wide pH range around 4.0–8.0 and tolerates heat and salt, reflecting its extremolyte origin; confirm the finished-product pH after all actives are incorporated for optimal overall formula stability.
Is Ectoin compatible with other actives in multi-active cosmetic systems?
Ectoin is compatible with standard cosmetic actives at pH 4.5–8.0 in aqueous or emulsion systems. Evaluate combined system pH drift, clarity and assay retention; confirm preservative compatibility. Run accelerated stability testing at 40°C/75% RH before scale-up.
Is Ectoin (INCI) compliant with EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009?
Ectoin is not listed as a restricted, prohibited or regulated substance under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annexes II–VI. The finished product manufacturer is responsible for the CPSR and CPNP notification. Use CAS 96702-03-3 and INCI name Ectoin consistently in all regulatory documentation; confirm purity and identity against the batch COA.
How should Ectoin be stored?
Store Ectoin sealed below 25°C in a cool, dry location protected from direct light and moisture. Once opened, reseal the container immediately. Follow specific storage and handling conditions stated in the SDS and batch COA. Confirm shelf life for the specific batch before incorporating into production formulations.
What documentation does TCS NEXUS S.L. provide for Ectoin?
TCS NEXUS S.L. provides COA (confirming CAS 96702-03-3 and HPLC purity ≥95% (HPLC)), TDS (Technical Data Sheet) and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for Ectoin. Additional documentation such as specification sheets and INCI confirmation letters is available on a per-project basis. Contact info@tcspeptides.com to initiate a documentation and sourcing discussion.
What MOQ and sample options are available for Ectoin?
Sample and bulk quantities for Ectoin are confirmed on a per-project basis through TCS NEXUS S.L. Minimum order quantities depend on current stock, packaging configuration and project scope. R&D teams are encouraged to request samples for stability and concentration-range evaluation before bulk planning. Contact info@tcspeptides.com with project specification to begin a sourcing review.
> Technical Support and Samples
Request COA documents, sample availability, or support for custom synthesis.