7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum

One drop. Deep hydration. Barrier repair.

When skin is stressed or the barrier is compromised, it struggles to hold water—showing up as tightness, roughness, reactivity, dullness (even actives can feel harsher).

Most hydrators sit on the surface—7% ectoin (known as “the stress-protection molecule”), seven weights of hyaluronic acid & water-binding glycogen come together to support vital substances skin needs for optimum hydration, so moisture seeps deeper & lasts longer.

This milky, lightweight serum delivers instant relief & visibly repairs the barrier in 7 days. Skin bounces back faster, with dryness, roughness, & irritation visibly improved.

• 7 benefits, 1 drop: hydrate, repair barrier, soothe, smooth, strengthen, reduce visible redness, boost elasticity
• Boosts hydration in 1 hour & keeps skin hydrated for up to 7 days*
• Clinically proven to improve hydration, radiance, texture & visibly repair the barrier in 1 week*
• Formulated with 7% Ectoin—the derm-recommended dose for meaningful, visible results
• Milky, lightweight texture layers with skincare, makeup & SPF
• Dermatologist-tested; suitable for sensitive, acne-, eczema- & rosacea-prone skin
• Helps minimize the side effects of retinol & other potent actives

*Based on an independent clinical study of 33 subjects after 1 week and additional/supporting ingredient supplier data.

Smooth 1-3 drops all over face & neck. Use alone or mix into your favorite moisturizer or serum.

Key Ingredients: Ectoin, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycogen

All Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau (Solvent | Good), Ectoin (Emollient, Antioxidant | Best), Isopentyldiol (Solvent, Humectant | Good), Triethylhexanoin (Solvent, Occlusive/Opacifying Agent, Humectant | Good), Diisopropyl Adipate (Emollient, Texture Enhancer, Film-Forming Agent | Good), Isoamyl Laurate (Emollient, Emulsifier | Good), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Emollient, Solvent | Good), Undecane (Emollient, Texture Enhancer | Good), Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate (Emollient, Emulsifier | Good), Squalane (Emollient, Antioxidant | Best), Tridecane (Emollient, Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate (Emulsifier, Emollient, Cleansing Agent | Good), Polyhydroxystearic Acid (Suspending/Dispersing Agent, Polymer | Good), 1, 2-Hexanediol (Preservative, Humectant, Solvent, Texture Enhancer | Good), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (Antioxidant, Emollient, Plant Extracts | Best), Sodium Hyaluronate (Humectant, Antioxidant | Best), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Emollient, Texture Enhancer, Plant Extracts | Best), Tocopherol (Antioxidant | Best), Hydroxyacetophenone (Antioxidant, Humectant | Best), Glycogen (Humectant | Good), Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (Emollient | Good), Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables (Antioxidant, Emollient, Plant Extracts | Best), Sodium Phytate (Chelating Agent | Good), Citric Acid (pH Adjuster/Stabilizer, Chelating Agent | Good), Stearalkonium Hectorite (Suspending/Dispersing Agent | Good), Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate (Emollient, Emulsifier, Cleansing Agent | Good), Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate (Emulsifier, Texture Enhancer | Good)

Ingredient Spotlight:

• Ectoin: Amino acid derivative that primarily serves as a hydrator and exhibits protective properties against pollution and UV rays (though ectoin is not a sunscreen). Amino acid derivative and osmolyte (compounds that help protect and regulate water balance); Reduces moisture loss and boosts skin hydration; Promising protective, buffering and anti-pollution effects
• Hyaluronic Acid: Component of skin that is used in skin care products as a good restorative ingredient. Boosts skin's moisture content; Provides antioxidant defense; Has skin-soothing properties
• Glycogen: Glycogen is a complex sugar that aids in the replenishment of skin’s ceramides, in turn helping skin maintain a strong barrier. Its humectant qualities hydrate skin. A complex sugar known as a polysaccharide; Offers water-binding properties so is a humectant; Helps maintain skin’s barrier-strengthening ceramides

Molecules, June 2025, pages 1–18
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, July 2024, pages 1–12
Dermatologic Therapy,October 2022, pages 1–9; and January 2022, pages 295–313
Biochemistry and Biophysics Support, December 2021, pages 1–7
The Japanese Society of Applied Glycoscience, May 2021, pages 41–46
Current Pediatric Review, March 2019, pages 191–195
Clinics in Dermatology, July-August 2008, pages 326–333

Who is the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum ideal for?

The 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum is perfect for anyone dealing with dry or dehydrated skin. It’s also ideal for barrier impairments or skin conditions marked by dryness, rough texture or sensitivity.

Is the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum vegan, silicone free or paraben free?

The 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum is vegan, silicone free and paraben free. This product is a water-in-oil emulsion, so it’s not considered oil free.

What makes the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum unique?

This booster features a high 7% concentration of ectoin—much more than typical formulas— making it especially effective for dry, dehydrated or stressed skin. It also includes seven weights of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) for deep, multi-layer hydration, plus glycogen to help replenish ceramides and strengthen the skin’s barrier.

How is the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum different from the other Paula’s Choice hydrating treatments & moisturizers?

The 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum is a specialized 7-in-1 treatment featuring 7% ectoin and higher amounts of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) at various molecular weights. This targeted formula is ideal for dry, dehydrated skin and barrier impairments, while otherPaula’s Choice moisturizersaddress a broader range of needs, including signs of aging.

Unlike our oil-in-water moisturizers, the Ectoin Serum is a water-in-oil emulsion, providing enhanced moisturization. This unique emulsion type, though harder to stabilize, is better suited for dry, dehydrated skin due to its oil-soluble ingredients and water-soluble ectoin.

Does the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum have a scent?

While Paula’s Choice products are fragrance free, each product may have a unique scent due to its ingredients. The scent of the Ectoin Serum that some may notice is from the combination of ingredients it contains. This scent dissipates quickly after application.

Is the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum suitable for all skin types?

Yes, the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum is suitable for all skin types, but its ability to attract and retain moisture, combined with its skin barrier-protecting properties, makes it a standout choice for those with dehydrated, dry or sensitive skin.

Is the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum suitable for sensitive or redness-prone skin?

Yes, ectoin’s gentle touch calms and soothes sensitive, redness-prone skin while delivering deep hydration and increased barrier strength. If facial redness is among your primary concerns, the products in ourCALM collectionare ideal, and you can layer them with our 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum.

Even better? Ectoin forms what’s known as “hydration shells” around skin cells, protecting them from external triggers of redness. It can also instantly hydrate to comfort skin and diminish the appearance of flushing associated with sensitive skin.

Is the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum suitable for acne-prone skin?

Yes, in fact, ectoin can help reduce the redness and discomfort acne can cause. Its humectant properties can help offset dryness and scaling that can occur from use of potent or prescription retinoid treatments. The hyaluronic acid/glycogen blend also works to prevent dehydration without adding a slick, greasy texture.

This product is a water-in-oil emulsion, so it’s not considered oil free.

Can I use the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes, the ingredients in the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum are considered safe touse during pregnancyor while breastfeeding. If you’re uncertain about starting a new product or a combination of ingredients while pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your healthcare provider and follow their advice.

Which skin care ingredients should ectoin not be used with?

There aren’t any specific skin care ingredients known to be incompatible with ectoin. Ectoin can be layered with many other beneficial ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids, peptides, niacinamide and more.

What is the difference between Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster and the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum? Which one should I use?

OurHyaluronic Acid Boosterhas a semi-viscous gel texture, while the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum features a milky, emollient texture.

The Hyaluronic Acid Booster hydrates and plumps skin with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier. In contrast, the 7% Ectoin + Hyaluronic Acid Milky Hydrating Serum is ideal for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin—including eczema-prone types—offering a more comprehensive solution to restore comfort and smoothness.

Both boosters help repair a compromised barrier, but in different ways:hyaluronic acidattracts and holds moisture, whileectoin helpsretain it by forming a protective hydration shell around cells. Ectoin also stabilizes proteins and lipids in the skin barrier, preventing water loss and supporting even moisture distribution.