As far as skin-care ingredients are concerned, ceramides are amongst probably the most worthy of opponents relating to battling dry skin — which, with colder weather rearing its head, could also be something that you simply’re all too conversant in. Thankfully, ceramide-based products should not only a favourite amongst dermatologists but are widely available at every price point, from drugstore (The Inkey List and Byoma) to luxury brands (Drunk Elephant and SkinCeuticals).
“Ceramides are fatty acids within the skin that help to keep up the skin barrier and retain moisture and hydration,” Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, tells Allure. “Extreme cold-weather temperatures, exposure to hot water, and dry heat can all deplete the ceramides stored in your skin,” which is why Dr. Idriss says it’s vital to introduce ceramide-fortified products to lock in moisture and restore your skin’s barrier function. They’re also a key ingredient to look out for when treating skin conditions like eczema or moisturizing your skin after a laser treatment.
It helps to think about ceramides because the constructing blocks of your skin. In addition to possessing hydration-boosting properties, they’re especially key for maintaining long-term hydration and strengthening the skin’s surface against environmental stressors. When scanning your ingredient lists, look out for ceramide NP, AP, EOP, NG, NP, NS, in addition to phytosphingosine and sphingosine.
“Ceramides are present in high concentrations inside cell membranes,” NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, says. “They hold skin cells together on the highest layer of the skin, forming a protective layer that plumps the skin and retains moisture.” As such, barrier-fortifying products are as popular and commonplace as ever.
With that being said, listed here are 15 of one of the best ceramide products — wealthy moisturizers, retinol-spiked serum, and more — for healthy skin this season (and all 12 months round).
Our Top Picks:
- Best Anti-Inflammatory Serum: Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum,
- Korean Skin-Care Staple: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream, $48
- Boosts Ceramide Production: Dermalogica Stabilizing Repair Cream, $64
- Thick and Derm-Approved: Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, $150
- For a Mild Dose of Exfoliation: Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum, $22
- Best Retinol Cream: Paula’s Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer, $63
- Best Fragrance-Free Night Cream: EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer, $41
