Ceramides in Skincare: Your Barrier's Best Friend
This guide provides shopping guidance only—not medical, dermatology, diagnosis, or treatment advice. For health concerns, consult a licensed professional.
What Are Ceramides?
Ceramides are lipids (fats) that occur naturally in your skin. In fact, they make up about 50% of the outer layer of your skin (the stratum corneum). Think of your skin barrier as a brick wall—skin cells are the bricks, and ceramides are the mortar holding everything together.
When your ceramide levels are healthy, your skin barrier is strong: it keeps moisture in and irritants out. When ceramides are depleted—through aging, harsh products, environmental damage, or certain skin conditions—your barrier weakens, leading to dryness, sensitivity, and increased reactivity.
Why Ceramides Matter
A strong skin barrier is fundamental to healthy-looking skin. Ceramides help:
- Prevent water loss: Keeping skin hydrated from within
- Protect against irritants: Environmental pollutants, harsh ingredients
- Support skin resilience: Helping skin recover from stressors
- Maintain skin texture: Smooth, supple appearance
Signs Your Skin Might Need Ceramides
- Persistent dryness that moisturizer doesn't quite fix
- Skin that feels tight, especially after cleansing
- Increased sensitivity or reactivity to products
- Rough, flaky texture
- Fine lines appearing more pronounced (often a hydration issue)
- Skin that seems "thirsty" no matter what you apply
Types of Ceramides in Products
Ceramides in skincare products are labeled in a few different ways:
- Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP: The newer naming system
- Ceramide 1, 2, 3, etc.: The older naming system
- Phytoceramides: Plant-derived ceramides
- Ceramide precursors: Ingredients that help your skin produce its own ceramides
The most commonly used are Ceramide NP (also called Ceramide 3) and Ceramide AP (Ceramide 6-II). Products containing multiple types of ceramides, along with cholesterol and fatty acids, tend to be most effective at mimicking the skin's natural barrier.
What to Look for in Products
The Ideal Formula
Research suggests that the most effective ceramide products contain a ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids similar to what's naturally found in skin (roughly 3:1:1). Look for products that include:
- Multiple ceramide types
- Cholesterol (yes, it's good for your skin)
- Fatty acids (like linoleic acid)
Supporting Ingredients
Ceramide products often work well when combined with:
- Hyaluronic acid: Draws moisture in (see our hyaluronic acid guide)
- Niacinamide: Supports natural ceramide production (see our niacinamide guide)
- Glycerin: A humectant that helps maintain hydration
- Squalane: Another lipid that supports barrier function
Product Types with Ceramides
Cleansers
Ceramide cleansers help prevent the stripping that can happen during cleansing. Ideal for sensitive, dry, or barrier-compromised skin.
Moisturizers
This is where ceramides shine. Ceramide moisturizers deliver barrier-supporting ingredients right where they're needed. Available in lotion, cream, and gel-cream textures for different skin types.
Serums
Less common but available—ceramide serums provide targeted barrier support that you can layer under your moisturizer.
Eye Creams
The delicate eye area often benefits from ceramide products, as the skin there is thinner and more prone to dryness.
Who Benefits Most from Ceramides
- Dry skin: Ceramides help seal in moisture
- Sensitive skin: A stronger barrier means less reactivity (see our sensitive skin guide)
- Eczema-prone skin: Often has naturally lower ceramide levels
- Mature skin: Ceramide production decreases with age (see our anti-aging guide)
- Over-exfoliated skin: Ceramides help repair barrier damage
- Retinol users: Helps offset potential dryness and irritation
How to Use Ceramide Products
Ceramides are gentle and can be used daily, both morning and night. They play well with virtually all other skincare ingredients.
Basic Routine
- Cleanse: With a gentle cleanser (ceramide cleanser if you like)
- Hydrating serum: Hyaluronic acid or niacinamide
- Ceramide moisturizer: Seals everything in
- Sunscreen: In the morning
With Active Ingredients
If you use retinol, AHAs, BHAs, or other actives, apply them before your ceramide moisturizer. The ceramides will help buffer potential irritation and support your skin barrier while the actives work.
Where to Shop
CeraVe essentially built their brand around ceramides, but many other brands offer excellent ceramide products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ceramides?
Ceramides are lipids (fats) that naturally occur in the skin and make up about 50% of the skin barrier. They act like mortar between skin cells, holding them together and preventing moisture loss. Your skin produces them naturally, but production can decrease with age and environmental damage.
Who should use ceramide products?
Ceramides are beneficial for almost everyone, but they're especially helpful for dry skin, sensitive skin, eczema-prone skin, mature skin, and anyone with a compromised skin barrier. They're gentle enough for daily use.
Can I use ceramides with retinol?
Yes, ceramides and retinol work well together. Ceramides help support your skin barrier, which can offset some of the dryness and irritation that retinol can cause. Many people use a ceramide moisturizer after applying retinol.
What's the difference between ceramides and hyaluronic acid?
Ceramides are lipids that strengthen the skin barrier and prevent water loss. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water into the skin. They work differently but complement each other—hyaluronic acid adds hydration, ceramides help lock it in.
Need Help Finding Ceramide Products?
Our AI Concierge can recommend ceramide products based on your skin type and concerns.
Talk to AI Concierge