Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum | The INKEY List

Use AM and PM. Apply a pea-sized amount of this skin barrier repair serum to cleansed skin, before any other serums

Follow with

Treatments → moisturizer.

Finish with SPF in your AM routine.

INKEY Tip

Layering more than one serum? Apply this hydrating serum first for max absorption.

Heads up

When adding new products to your skincare routine, we always recommend patch testing. Learn more here.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place (15–25°C). Keep out of direct sunlight. Avoid eyes. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.

• Clinically proven to hydrate + strengthen the barrier in 15 minutes*
• Visibly restores bounce in 3 days *
• Visibly improves 5 signs of a compromised skin barrier**

Clinical study of 31 people*

4-week clinical study of 26 people**

• 2% Ectoin (Hydration + Barrier) : Hydrates while supporting and strengthening the skin barrier.
• 2.5% Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid (Hydration): 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid for deep, multi-level hydration.
• 1% Barrier Blend (Barrier): Includes three Ceramides to help protect and strengthen the skin's barrier

Aqua (Water / Eau), Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coconut Alkanes, Ectoin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Panthenol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Stearate, Jojoba Esters, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Triethyl Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceramide NP, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Behenic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Polyglycerin-3, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Ceramide EOP.

WHEN DO I USE ECTOIN HYDRO-BARRIER SERUM? Use first after cleansing, AM and PM. Follow with treatments, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning.

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM REGULAR HYALURONIC ACID SERUM? While Hyaluronic Acid focuses purely on hydration, our Ectoin Serum provides dual-action barrier repair + hydration. Ectoin specifically targets barrier function, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin that needs more than moisture alone.

CAN I LAYER IT WITH OTHER PRODUCTS? Yes - it plays well with all actives, AM and PM.

CAN I USE THIS BARRIER SERUM WITH RETINOL? Yes! This gentle formula is perfect for supporting skin during retinol use. Apply the barrier serum first, wait 30 seconds, then follow with retinol treatment to minimize irritation.

CAN I USE THIS IF I HAVE ROSACEA PRONE OR VERY SENSITIVE SKIN? Absolutely. Ectoin is clinically proven gentle for sensitive skin and may help calm irritation associated with compromised barriers. Always patch test new products first.

IS IT NON-COMEDOGENIC? Yes. Oil-free and won’t clog pores.

WHAT IS THE SKIN BARRIER + WHY DOES IT MATTER? It’s your skin’s outer layer - keeps good stuff in and irritants out. A healthy barrier = calm, hydrated, happy skin.

WHAT DOES A DAMAGED SKIN BARRIER LOOK LIKE? Signs include dryness, flakiness, redness, sensitivity, tightness, and increased breakouts. Your skin may feel rough, look dull, or react to products that previously caused no issues.

WHAT CAUSES SKIN BARRIER DAMAGE? Common causes include over-exfoliation, harsh weather, pollution, stress, aging, certain medications, and aggressive skincare routines. Environmental factors like air conditioning and heating also weaken barriers.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPAIR A DAMAGED SKIN BARRIER? Clinical studies show our Ectoin Serum begins strengthening barriers in just 15 minutes*, with visible improvement in skin bounce and comfort within 3 days*. For optimal barrier restoration, use consistently for 4-6 weeks.

WHY HYDRATION + BARRIER SUPPORT TOGETHER? They work hand-in-hand. No hydration = weak barrier. Weak barrier = no hydration. This serum targets both at once.

CAN I APPLY MAKEUP OVER IT? Yes. Wait 30–60 seconds before applying makeup to avoid pilling.

DOES IT HAVE SPF? No - follow with SPF in the morning.

IS IT VEGAN? Yes! Certified by The Vegan Society.

IS IT SAFE FOR PREGNANCY/BREASTFEEDING? Yes.

CAN I USE THIS WITH PRESCRIPTION PRODUCTS? Check with your doctor first.

WHAT’S THE PH LEVEL? pH 5.5–6.8

From INCI to INKEY: Making the Unknown, Known

Every skincare product has an ingredients list. 
We’re here to make it clear. What’s inside. How it works. Why you need it. We reveal the science, the truth, and the best ways to use it. Effective formulas. Straight talk. Real results. Knowledge empowers us.

This product is;

Dermatologically tested

Clinically tested

Fragrance-free

Alcohol-free

Silicon-free

Oil-free

Lactose-free

Paraben-free

Pregnancy & breastfeeding safe