Ectoine is a natural compound found in several species of bacteria, including heterotrophic, halophilic bacteria and non-halophilic bacteria such as Streptomyces species and E.coli. It serves as an osmoprotectant, protecting microorganisms from high concentrations of salts. Ectoine is used as a protective agent for E.Coli during drying and storage. In the cosmetic and drug industry, ectoine is used as an active ingredient in skin care and sun protection products, working by stabilization proteins and other cellular structures. Ectoine has a number of applications in medicine: it alleviates inflammation reactions, protects cells from damage during cryopreservation, protects against neurodegenerative diseases and from against ischemia and reperfusion injury. Ectoine-containing formulations are investigated in the clinical trials for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, asthma, and other conditions.