Moisturizers are an underrated strategy to provide your complexion with numerous skin-loving components in only one product, usually containing much more than focused serums and coverings. A moisturizer ingredient with many advantages that we love is ceramides, that are lipids naturally discovered within the pores and skin that assist it retain moisture, in line with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “Ceramides function the glue that helps preserve the pores and skin cells collectively, which helps defend the pores and skin from exterior stressors in addition to forestall water loss,” she says. “As we age, our ceramide ranges lower, and our pores and skin barrier weakens—so it could possibly assist to search for merchandise that include ceramides and different components to help and strengthen the pores and skin barrier.” A broken pores and skin barrier can usually present up as dehydration, dullness, and constant pores and skin irritation—and it may be made worse by the setting and different exterior components. Integrating a ceramide moisturizer into your routine is one of the simplest ways to maintain your barrier (and pores and skin) wholesome.
We carried out hours of analysis to search out the very best ceramide moisturizers, choosing from dozens of merchandise. We evaluated every choose primarily based on its formulation, consistency, and really feel on the pores and skin and examined out a pair for ourselves to supply correct insights. After consulting two consultants, together with Dr. Garshick and dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi, we landed on these prime alternatives.
What to Search for in a Ceramide Moisturizer
- Pores and skin kind: In terms of buying any moisturizer, you’ll need to discover one which works on your pores and skin kind. Based on Dr. Saedi, dry and mature pores and skin varieties can profit essentially the most from ceramide moisturizers, however all pores and skin varieties with a compromised barrier ought to add one to their routine. Dr. Saedi recommends selecting a lighter, noncomedogenic formulation in case you have oily or acne-prone pores and skin, and perfume and dye-free formulation in case you have delicate or eczema-prone pores and skin.
- Different components: Ceramides are solely a small a part of every moisturizer, so that you’ll need to examine the opposite key components to make sure they’re helpful for your pores and skin kind and skincare targets. Dr. Garshick says that emollients (similar to squalane and shea butter) and humectants (similar to hyaluronic acid and glycerin) are present in numerous ceramide moisturizer formulation and may improve the results of the ingredient—working to attract in moisture, calm irritation, and preserve the pores and skin wholesome.
- Packaging: Nearly all of moisturizers are available in a pot, and it may be simply contaminated in case your fingers aren’t clear when utilizing the product. We suggest ones that include slightly spatula or applicator or ones that are available in a squeeze tube to restrict any micro organism from rising. For choices which might be neither, simply ensure you’re washing your palms earlier than scooping out the product.
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Comes with a separate applicator for hygienic software
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Feels light-weight on the pores and skin however deeply hydrates
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Boosts radiance and treats darkish spots
Key Elements: Plant ceramides, peptides, niacinamide | Dimension: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Sure
Formulated with three varieties of ceramides, this lush moisturizer from Eadem can perform a little little bit of all the things—heal a broken pores and skin barrier, quench dry pores and skin, soothe irritation, and even carry darkish marks. It’s full of a few of our favourite components for all pores and skin varieties—together with niacinamide (to even the pores and skin tone), peptides (to deal with indicators of ageing), squalane (to hydrate), and extra for an total wholesome complexion. The whipped, creamy texture makes it straightforward to unfold throughout the face and sinks in simply with none stickiness. Whereas it appears heavy at first, it’s just about unnoticeable on the pores and skin seconds after making use of.
When testing this product, I beloved that my pores and skin would look glowy and clean upon waking, and that the cream would instantly soothe my pores and skin that will get very dry after having a shower. I discovered that my pores and skin additionally felt extra hydrated total—even earlier than I had utilized my skincare. I additionally love that it comes with slightly golden spatula to use the cream, making the expertise much more luxurious.
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Soothes and hydrates dry, flaky pores and skin
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Strengthens the pores and skin barrier
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Can be utilized on the face and physique
Key Elements: Ceramide NP, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Dimension: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Sure
This deeply hydrating cream is the right choose for these coping with eczema or rosacea—it comprises all the things advisable by dermatologists to assuage irritated pores and skin, together with colloidal oatmeal, shea butter—and ceramides, in fact. “Not solely does this cream assist with hydration, nevertheless it additionally helps to guard the pores and skin and gives a barrier impact, defending the pores and skin in opposition to irritation and sensitivity,” says Dr. Garshick, who personally recommends this if you happen to’re on the lookout for softer—and stronger—pores and skin. It has a wealthy consistency that’s in a position to rapidly calm infected pores and skin with out feeling heavy or leaving a residue. We love that the hydration it supplies lasts lengthy (for twenty-four hours, in line with the model) and may nourish dry, chapped pores and skin with out inflicting burning or stinging.
Key Elements: Ceramide NP, centella asiatica, glycerin | Dimension: 2.82 oz | Cruelty-Free: Sure
This moisturizer from Cosrx has a wealthy balm texture, however acne-prone pores and skin varieties might be happy to search out that it could possibly deeply hydrate the pores and skin with out triggering breakouts. I’ve used this formulation for years, and it grew to become the primary thick moisturizer that I may use that didn’t end in little whiteheads throughout my complexion. Whereas it’s wealthy, it spreads simply, immediately absorbs and doesn’t really feel sticky on the pores and skin after software. It’s formulated with ceramides, centella, and beeswax—that means it could possibly soothe and moisturize with out inflicting irritation to the pores and skin.
If you happen to cope with constant pimples however nonetheless lean on the dry facet, this can be a nice choose if you happen to’re on the lookout for a nourishing cream to use earlier than mattress.
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Incorporates a number of components to strengthen the pores and skin barrier
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Boosts elasticity within the pores and skin
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Provides long-lasting hydration
Key Elements: Ceramides, panthenol, glycerin | Dimension: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If a compromised barrier is your greatest pores and skin concern, a formulation full of ceramides and panthenol (a humectant that’s nice for wound therapeutic and strengthening) like this one is precisely what you have to get your complexion again in tip-top form. Dr. Garshick is an enormous fan, and he or she loves that it comprises 5 completely different ceramides to maintain the pores and skin wholesome and hydrated. It has a silky consistency that may really feel a bit heavy once you first apply it, nevertheless it does take in into the pores and skin rapidly. Other than conserving the barrier supported, it additionally has glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E so as to add moisture again into the pores and skin.
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Enormously will increase the moisture ranges within the pores and skin
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Plumps and leaves the complexion clean
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Absorbs rapidly and doesn’t depart a residue
Key Elements: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramide NP | Dimension: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Belif’s Aqua Bomb has been fashionable with magnificence editors and fanatics alike for its light-as-air gel-cream formulation that’s in a position to effectively hydrate the driest pores and skin varieties. Based on the model, it could possibly enhance the pores and skin’s hydration ranges by 231.4% in simply 10 seconds after software, which they present in a scientific examine with 30 check topics. Alongside ceramide NP, the powerhouse formulation comprises squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to maintain dry pores and skin moisturized and soothed for hours. We love that it’s light-weight sufficient for use within the morning and nourishing sufficient to be utilized earlier than mattress and that it’s in a position to plump up the pores and skin to cut back the looks of superb strains with continued use.
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Works to clean superb strains and wrinkles
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Tender, luxurious consistency
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Offers the pores and skin a luminous glow
Key Elements: Ceramides, shea butter | Dimension: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Sure
Discovering a high-quality moisturizer beneath $30 could be a robust feat, however this ceramide cream from inexpensive model The Inkey Checklist works simply in addition to many high-end picks. It has a wealthy texture that feels luxurious however sinks into the pores and skin rapidly and doesn’t depart a greasy residue. Shea butter and ceramides additionally work collectively so as to add bounce to the complexion, in order that wrinkles and different indicators of ageing look visibly lifted. The top result’s pores and skin that appears dewy and clean, with a pores and skin barrier that’s robust and supported.
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Formulated with quite a lot of ceramides
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Reduces pores and skin discomfort and irritation
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Leaves the pores and skin delicate and hydrated with out feeling sticky
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Nice worth for the worth
Key Elements: Ceramides, panax ginseng, glycerin | Dimension: 2.45, 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you happen to’re a fan of Korean skincare, you’ve most probably tried (or a minimum of heard of) this ceramide moisturizer from Illiyoon. It has a wealthy texture that absorbs rapidly and nonetheless feels gentle on the pores and skin, and is crammed with components to assuage and hydrate all pores and skin varieties—similar to ginseng, glycerin, and probiotics. It is a nice choose for individuals who are coping with dry patches and itchy pores and skin, because it’s in a position to heal irritation—so that you’ll get up with a clean, moisturized complexion. One other plus is that it’s seven-free, that means it’s freed from widespread potential pores and skin irritants and fragrances (so good for delicate pores and skin varieties).
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Promotes an excellent, clean pores and skin texture
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Formulated with 2% ceramides and fatty acids to stability the complexion
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Antioxidant-rich to guard in opposition to free radicals
Key Elements: Vitamin E, ceramides, rosemary leaf oil | Dimension: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Spending $150 on a moisturizer is clearly not perfect for everybody, however if you’d like a formulation that checks your entire bins, this one from SkinCeuticals has you coated. It’s full of nutritional vitamins and antioxidants to maintain the pores and skin protected against free radical harm, increase elasticity, and clean superb strains and wrinkles. It’s formulated with components that your pores and skin wants extra of as you age—similar to ceramides, ldl cholesterol, and fatty acids—to maintain the complexion trying youthful and radiant. It has a thick texture (good for making use of earlier than mattress), nevertheless it feels soothing and doesn’t make the pores and skin oily. We particularly love this formulation for individuals who are utilizing robust actives or retinol constantly, because it retains the pores and skin feeling ultra-nourished and cozy.
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Hydrating with out leaving the pores and skin feeling sticky
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Appropriate for all pores and skin varieties, even very delicate
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May be additionally used on the face
Key Elements: Prebiotic thermal water, ceramide 3, shea butter, niacinamide | Dimension: 6.7, 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Ceramides aren’t solely helpful for the pores and skin in your face however are additionally an excellent ingredient to make the most of if you happen to cope with dry physique pores and skin. This lotion from La Roche-Posay comprises the ingredient alongside prebiotic thermal water and shea butter to supply long-lasting hydration. Our favourite factor about this formulation is that it successfully moisturizes parched pores and skin and softens scaly dry patches however doesn’t really feel sticky as soon as utilized. This makes it an excellent alternative for making use of proper earlier than mattress or earlier than getting dressed within the morning; you received’t have to fret about it sticking to your sheets or garments.
Key Elements: Plant ceramides, phytosphingosine, African oil mix | Dimension: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Sure
One other suggestion by Dr. Garshick, this cream from Drunk Elephant is nice for all pores and skin varieties—however particularly helpful for these with tough, dry pores and skin. It has three varieties of ceramides, a hydrating African oil mix, and a phytosphingosine, which is “a plant-derived fatty molecule to assist replenish moisture,” in line with Dr. Garshick. She additionally loves that it’s nongreasy with out compromising on hydrating energy. It is available in a hygienic pump-top tub, with a wealthy, whipped texture that gives the pores and skin with long-lasting moisture and retains the complexion clean and line-free.
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Gained’t irritate acne-prone or delicate pores and skin varieties
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Promotes agency and plump pores and skin
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Strengthens the pores and skin barrier
Key Elements: Ceramides, tripeptide-5, watermelon seed oil, squalane | Dimension: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Sure
If thick lotions are inclined to trigger irritation or set off breakouts for you, this light-weight ceramide moisturizer will nonetheless increase hydration and barrier energy with out feeling heavy on the pores and skin. Coming in a handy pump bottle, this formulation comprises a number of varieties of ceramides and peptides to maintain the pores and skin protected and cut back indicators of ageing within the complexion. As a result of it additionally has shea butter, vitamin E, and squalane, we expect it’s an excellent choose for mixture pores and skin varieties who’ve each dry and oily spots—it retains the pores and skin moisturized with out turning into greasy.
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Soothes and nourishes dry pores and skin
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Works to carry wrinkles and superb strains
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Leaves the pores and skin plump and glowy
Key Elements: Ceramide NG, squalane, meadowfoam estolide | Dimension: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Sure
Coping with bouts of delicate pores and skin and irritation? This wealthy formulation will soothe whereas supporting the barrier—so that you’ll have much less situations of sensitivity sooner or later. It has a mixture of peptides, lipids, and plant-based ceramides to heal and situation the pores and skin from the within out. Additionally included within the formulation is squalane, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E to moisturize and preserve the pores and skin trying glowy and radiant. My favourite factor about this cream is that absorbs rapidly, instantly making the pores and skin really feel delicate and clean. Whereas it is wealthy, it feels light-weight and cozy on the pores and skin. It additionally by no means brought on irritation or pimples, which is widespread for me, and I beloved that my pores and skin nonetheless felt hydrated within the morning. One other plus—it may be used day and night time and is mild sufficient for all pores and skin varieties.
Key Elements: Multi-ceramide complicated, vitamin E, glycerin | Dimension: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
In terms of treating superb strains and wrinkles, it’s greatest to have a routine the place each step has anti-aging advantages. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a moisturizer to do exactly that, we suggest this one from Medik8. Formulated with superfood antioxidants and a ceramide complicated, it really works to agency, nourish, and add a glow for pores and skin that appears ageless and bouncy. The model designed the cream particularly for use after retinol (which you’re most likely already utilizing if anti-aging is your routine) to assuage any irritation attributable to the ingredient and supply a lift of hydration. We additionally love that it has a creamy, whipped texture that feels luxurious when making use of, and it’s made with out synthetic perfume or dyes.
Why Belief Byrdie
Shannon Stubbs is an skilled magnificence commerce author with over six years of expertise. She has been a workers author at Byrdie since 2022, the place she covers skincare, make-up, and haircare. To jot down this text, she researched dozens of choices, analyzing formulations to search out the very best in the marketplace to suggest to readers. She additionally examined a few the picks, paying attention to their consistency, hydrating results, and long-term advantages. Shannon obtained a bachelor’s diploma in journal journalism from Syracuse College and has written magnificence articles for a number of retailers.
To jot down this text, she consulted the next consultants:
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist with places of work in Manhattan and Englewood. She accomplished her residency at Cornell’s New York Presbyterian Hospital and focuses on pores and skin situations similar to pimples, eczema, and wrinkles.
- Dr. Nazanin Saedi is a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist who focuses on beauty dermatology and laser surgical procedure. She is predicated in Philadelphia, the place she practices on the Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Assembly Pores and skin & Laser Middle.