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Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin Milky Hydrating Serum

By Rosie
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Barrier repair, but make it high-performance!
 
If your skincare routine has ever felt like a competitive sport — exfoliate, brighten, peel, glow, repeat — there’s a strong chance your skin barrier is quietly filing a complaint. Enter Paula’s Choice 7% Ectoin Milky Hydrating Serum.
 
A formula that doesn’t promise to resurface your soul or erase your past. It promises something more radical: Calm. Resilient. Boringly healthy skin.
And honestly? That’s the glow-up.

What Is Ectoin (And Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About It)?

Ectoin isn’t new. It’s just been minding its business in the biotech world while we were distracted by acids and retinoids.
 
Discovered in 1985, ectoin is a natural molecule produced by extremophile bacteria — microorganisms that survive in harsh environments like salt lakes and deserts. They use Ectoin to protect themselves from heat, UV radiation, dehydration, and osmotic stress.
 
Translation for humans:
It helps cells stay stable under environmental stress.
When applied topically, Ectoin forms a protective hydration shell around skin cells. This reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), supports barrier integrity, and calms inflammation.
 
No drama. No peeling. No “purging.” Just structural support.
 
For a full break down of this ingredient head over to my Blog on Ectoin.

Key Ingredients

Does the 7% Matter? Most skincare products containing Ectoin use it at 0.3–2%. This booster has a full 7% and it is the second ingredient listed in the ingredients list. That’s not a sprinkle-for-marketing concentration. That’s a formulation decision.
 
At higher concentrations, studies show Ectoin can:
  • Improve skin barrier recovery
  • Reduce redness and irritation
  • Increase long-term hydration
  • Protect against environmental stressors (including pollution and UV-induced damage)
Other key ingredients include:
  • Glycerin: Classic humectant that increases water retention in the stratum corneum.
  • Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Supports barrier repair and reduces inflammation.
  • Sodium Hyaluronate:  Smaller molecular weight hyaluronic acid derivative for hydration support.
  • Beta-Glucan: Known for soothing and immune-modulating properties.

The complete ingredient list: Water (Neutral), Ectoin (Good), Isopentyldiol (Neutral), Triethylhexanoin (Neutral), Diisopropyl Adipate (Neutral), Isoamyl Laurate (Neutral), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Neutral), Undecane (Neutral), Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate (Neutral), Squalene (Good), Tridecane (Neutral), Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate (Neutral), Polyhydroxystearic Acid (Neutral), 1, 2-Hexanediol (Neutral), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (Good), Sodium Hyaluronate (Good), Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride (Good), Tocopherol (Good), Hydroxyacetophenone (Good), Glycogen (Good), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (Neutral), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables (Good), Sodium Phytate (Neutral), Citric Acid (Good), Stearalkonium Hectorite (Neutral), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Neutral), Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate (Neutral).

The formulation avoids fragrance and unnecessary irritants — which is consistent with the brand philosophy of Paula’s Choice.

Application

This is a lightweight milky serum. It layers easily and plays well with:
  • Vitamin C
  • Retinoids
  • Exfoliating acids
  • Niacinamide
  • Sunscreen

It doesn’t pill. It doesn’t sting. It doesn’t demand attention. It’s the emotional support friend of your routine.

There are no restrictions on when to use it and how regularly, but I recommend at least once a day to maintain the skin benefits from Ectoin. I use it every morning to calm my skin and also as an extra layer of protection under my sunscreen to protect my skin from UV damage, especially as I am not the best with sunscreen re-application throughout the day. 
 
This is the second serum I use in my morning skincare routine. I find that it can be difficult to spread this serum on dry skin so I like to apply a light watery serum first. 

Results

I have been applying this serum daily for a few months. What I have noticed:

  • Reduced skin redness! FINALLY! This is the most effective product I have found to reduce skin redness, so much so that I would say there is no longer any skin redness. Far more effective then Azelaic Acid and Centella Asiatica alone. 
  • Hydrated plump skin
  • Skin is no longer sensitive and easily irritated. 

Suitability

This serum is ideal if:
  • Your skin feels tight after cleansing
  • You experience redness from actives
  • You want prevention instead of repair
  • Over-exfoliate (be honest)
  • Live in a high UV climate (hello, Australia)
  • Have reactive or rosacea-prone skin
  • Experience seasonal barrier collapse

Pros and Cons

Pros
✔ High 7% Ectoin concentration
✔ Supports barrier repair and reduces skin redness
✔ Compatible with active routines
✔ Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
✖ Not a “visible overnight glow” product
✖ Premium price point (whyyyyyyy Paula, help a girl out!)
✖ May feel unnecessary for very resilient/ hydrated skin

Other comments

Summary of the 1 star reviews:

  • sensitivity and stinging (so far there has only been 1, 1 star review so this may have been a unique case)

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional dermatological advice. Individual skin responses may vary.

By Rosie

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