Skin-conditioning agent that also functions in cosmetics as a stabilizer. There is limited research demonstrating that ectoin helps protect skin from UVA damage and has efficacy and application characteristics that women tend to prefer in moisturizers. However, the research did not reveal to what the effects of ectoin were compared, or whether or not other ingredients (such as green tea or pomegranate extracts) may provide even better protection from environmental damage (Sources: Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, May 2007, pages 211–218, and September/October 2004, pages 232–237).