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How to layer Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum in your routine

Close-up of a person's face with skincare product, text about skin barrier restoration from clinical study of using Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

Ingredients in Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

Before and after comparison of skin after using Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

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Skin /
Skincare Sets /
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum Duo

Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum Duo | The INKEY List

Name: Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum Duo
Brand: The INKEY List UK
SKU: BUNTILUK150
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (334 reviews)

Hydrates whilst supporting and strengthening the skin’s barrier

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5 Stars (334 Reviews)

£22.50 ~~£30.00~~ / 2 full-size products

or £21.00

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Worth 110 Points

What you get: An all-year round deep hydration essential. This dual-action ectoin serum deeply hydrates + strengthens the skin barrier to combat environmental stressors like heat, aircon, pollution and sun.

Why it works: 2% Ectoin acts as a natural hydrator and barrier stabiliser, helping to calm irritation and prevent moisture loss. Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid restores skin’s moisture barrier from the outside in - even in harsh conditions.

How it feels: Lightweight, silky and non-tacky. Melts into skin for instant hydration and all-day comfort.

When to use: Use AM and PM after cleansing and before moisturiser. Perfect serum for dry skin & for layering into your everyday skincare and makeup routine.

This Duo contains x2 Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum (30ml)

Suitable for:

All skin types
Sensitive skin
Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Targets:

Dehydrated skin
Compromised skin barrier
Dryness
Flakiness
Dullness

How to use

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 → moisturiser.

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.

Key Claims

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**

Ingredients

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.

FAQs

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

DO I NEED HYALURONIC ACID TOO? Not necessarily. Ectoin Serum hydrates up to 10 layers deep. You can use both, or alternate AM/PM. Hydration overload = totally fine.

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

IS IT SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN? Yes. Clinically proven for all skin types, including sensitive.

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.

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.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS? Give it up to 6 weeks. Consistency is key - more isn’t better, just be regular with it.

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

No BS Skincare

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.

We are B CORP. Our products are formulated with responsibly sourced ingredients, and packaged with 100% recyclable materials. Skin needs love, but so does our planet.

Carbon Net-Zero. All our emissions are offset annually through planet friendly projects with a focus on education.

Approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme.

100% of our packaging is recyclable. Learn how to recycle your INKEY List products.

Certified by The Vegan Society

This product is;

Dermatologically tested

Clinically tested

Fragrance-free

Alcohol-free

Silicon-free

Oil-free

Lactose-free

Paraben-free

Pregnancy & breastfeeding safe

Awards & Features

Delivery info

Standard tracked delivery (Evri)

£3.99 or FREE on your first order & orders over £30
(2-5 working days*)

Express tracked delivery (Evri)

£5.95 or FREE on orders £50+
(Up to 2 working days if ordered before 8pm, excluding weekends*)

*Find out more about delivery options and delivery area restrictions here.

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More Blogs

"Magic Potion! My menopausal skin crisis happened just as this product was launched. My skin was suddenly reacting to products I had used for months/years. It was red, dry, flaky and thick. I took a chance and bought the Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum to see if it would help. It did an amazing job of calming my skin."

Bridget
"I was actually shocked with the results myself it kept improving and I started seeing the difference after a week and it just kept getting better I can’t wait for the official launch I’m gonna buy more products from inkey I’m really impressed with the result, this product is a part of my daily morning and night skincare routine and I’m so thankful for the opportunity you guys gave me to test this out"

Sumbal

4.5

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

Based on 334 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 244 Total 4 star reviews: 51 Total 3 star reviews: 16 Total 2 star reviews: 11 Total 1 star reviews: 12

Reviews Summary

Customers say this serum provides deep hydration and makes skin feel plump and smooth. Many reviews mention improved texture and reduced dryness with regular use. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, though some note it can pill under makeup. While most find it gentle and soothing for sensitive skin, a few report it wasn't hydrating enough for their needs. Common feedback highlights its effectiveness when used on damp skin and as part of a layered routine. Reviews are particularly positive about its smoothing effects and ability to enhance skin's natural moisture.

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334 reviews

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Patricia
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
I recommend this product
Age Range 45 - 54
Skin Type Combination
Skin Concerns Redness, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Dryness, Under Eye Circles
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
6 days ago
L'excellence pour ma peau sensible et déshydratée
Je ne m'en passerait plus! Ce produit m'a sauvée. Peau mixte, sensible TEWL severe.
Merci!!!!
Was this helpful?
Priyamvada M.
Verified Buyer
Reviewing
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
Age Range 25 - 34
Skin Type Dry
Skin Concerns Breakouts, Texture, Dryness, Acne Scars, Hyperpigmentation
Sensitive Skin Friendly? Yes
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
6 days ago
Okay okay
Good but not amazing
Was this helpful?
MISS
Reviewing
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
2 weeks ago
5 Stars
Really good, a tiny bit goes such a long way and leaves my skin feeling hydrated without being sticky/shiny
Was this helpful?

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Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum Duo | The INKEY List

Suitable for:

Targets:

How to use

Key Claims

Ingredients

FAQs

No BS Skincare

Awards & Features

Delivery info

Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser

Omega Water Cream - 50ml

Hyaluronic Acid Cleanser

Caffeine Eye Cream

Intro Routine for Hydrated Skin

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Barrier & Glow Routine

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