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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2015, 18(3): 204-207pl  Ectoin in cosmeticsHalina Zaporowska, Rafał Szymanowski Katedra Biologii Komórki, Instytut Ochrony Środowiska, Wydział Biotechnologii i Nauk o Środowisku, Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski w Lublinie Summary Ectoin is an amino acid synthesized by microbes living in harsh environmental conditions, ie. at extreme temperatures, low humidity and high salinity. Changes in temperature, wind, UV radiation or air and water pollution are all factors which can influence negatively on human skin, causing its dryness and accelerate the aging process. Therefore, ectoin, as a natural protective substance, is increasingly being used in the cosmetic industry. Currently, it is added to the sun-protection and skin care preparations, primarily intended for sensitive skin and anti-aging cosmetics. Ectoin protects the skin not only from the excessive loss of water. Acting on the cellular level, it stabilizes cell membranes, structure of the macromolecules, acts as an antioxidant and also protects the DNA from damage. Ectoin used in the cosmetic industry is synthesized in bioreactors by bacteria of the genus Halomonas, and Halorhodospira. This technology is safer to the environment than the chemical synthesis, but requires the appropriate culture conditions and the use of large amounts of medium. Key words: ectoin, dermocosmetics |