Low-pH and microbiome-friendly cleansers are no longer niche, they’re becoming an essential part of global skincare portfolios.

Today’s consumers actively seek gentle, barrier-supportive solutions that respect the skin’s natural pH and help maintain a resilient microbiome. This category is expanding rapidly: low-pH cleanser launches grew from 30% in 2022 to 39% in 2024*.

A Fast-Growing Global Trend

• APAC, especially Southeast Asia, is driving growth, fueled by environmental stress, higher sensitivity rates, and a strong cultural heritage of gentle cleansing and fermentation-based skincare.

• Formulas enriched with fermentation-derived and probiotic complexes are on the rise, often paired with prebiotics to support long-term skin health.

*Source: Mintel GNPD, January 2022 – December 2024

Ectoin^® natural - Perfectly Aligned with the Trend

Ectoin® natural is a multifunctional, lab-grown active with clinically proven performance, making it the ideal partner for next-generation cleansers.

Clinically Proven Benefits

Superior Hydration

• Boosts skin hydration by up to 200%

• Hydration remains elevated 7 days after stopping use

Barrier Protection

• Skin repair begins within 4 hours

• Effects last up to 48 hours after a single application

Anti-Inflammatory Action

• Reduces DNA damage by up to 80% under oxidative stress

• Preserves 100% of Langerhans cells, vital for skin immunity

Microbiome-Friendly

• Proven no negative impact on the natural human skin microbiome

Environmental Defense

• Shields skin from oxidative and pollution-induced damage

Why Formulators Love It

In low-pH cleansers, Ectoin® natural is:

• Fully compatible with other cosmetic actives

• Stable across a broad pH range (1–9)

• Highly water-soluble for easy formulation

The result?

Resilient skin that starts with a balanced microbiome and ends with uncompromised barrier defense.

From Concept to Consumer Confidence

Ectoin® natural enables formulators to create cleansers that:

• Deliver gentle yet effective cleansing

• Preserve skin barrier integrity and microbiome balance

• Build trust with clinically proven results

This is cleansing with a multifunctional upgrade, combining barrier care, microbiome support, and deep hydration in a single, consumer-loved formula.