What it is
Picture the outer layer of skin as a brick wall: skin cells are the bricks and a blend of lipids is the mortar. Ceramides are a major part of that mortar, together with cholesterol and fatty acids. When ceramide levels drop, as they do in very dry and eczema-prone skin, water escapes more easily and irritants get in.
What it does for skin
- Help skin hold on to water and reduce dryness.
- Support repair of a stressed or over-exfoliated barrier.
- Very gentle, which makes them a good match for sensitive skin.
How to use it
Look for them in moisturisers, ideally alongside cholesterol and fatty acids. Use morning and night as the last step before sunscreen, or as the final step at night.
Pairs well with
Good to know
Rarely irritating. Rich ceramide creams may feel heavy on very oily skin; try a lighter lotion.
Sources
- Kono T, Miyachi Y, Kawashima M. Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function-improving capabilities of ceramide-containing formulations: A qualitative review. Journal of Dermatology, 2021.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9293121/
This guide is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant, or are unsure whether an ingredient is right for you, please talk to a dermatologist or doctor.