What it is
A small molecule that bacteria living in salty, harsh places make to protect themselves. In cosmetics it is used as an emollient and pH buffer.
On a Korean label
Written 엑토인.
Korean rules
The Korean ingredient dictionary lists no limit, label caution or functional-ingredient status for it.
Questions
What is 엑토인?
Ectoin.
Sources
Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change — the official texts above are the final word.