The 12 Best Ceramide Skincare Products to Support a Healthy Skin Barrier

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By IPSY Editors
Published on February 14, 2023
Close-up of a young woman putting THEN I MET YOU Calming Tide Gel Cream on her face
Close-up of a young woman putting THEN I MET YOU Calming Tide Gel Cream on her face

Ceramide skincare might be a buzzy trend, but it’s one that’s sure to stick around. That’s in part because most of us really need it. Ceramides have numerous benefits with very little downsides, making it an ingredient that all skin types can benefit from. The tiny fat molecules (aka lipids) work to keep your skin soft, safe from environmental stressors, and moisturized. Yes, they’re superstars.

Ceramides can be added to almost any skincare product, so it’s pretty easy to incorporate them into your routine. Whether it’s a vitamin C–infused serum, hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer, or exfoliating cleanser, look for the addition of ceramides for stronger, healthier skin.

1. Best Serum for Travel:

ELIZABETH ARDEN Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum

ELIZABETH ARDEN Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum
ELIZABETH ARDEN Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum

These tiny capsules contain a potent anti-aging formula featuring the brand’s “advanced ceramide technology.” What that means is less textured skin, a stronger moisture barrier, boosted collagen production, and overall reduced signs of aging. Grab a few for a weekend away—they couldn’t be easier to use.

2. Most Luxe Ceramide Cream:

SKINCEUTICALS Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

SKINCEUTICALS Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
SKINCEUTICALS Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

This popular ceramide cream costs a pretty penny, but its fans swear it’s worth it for the anti-aging and dry-skin benefits. It contains a patented lipid ratio of 2% pure ceramides 1 and 3, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids (hence the name). It improves the look of skin fullness, texture, and pore appearance. There truly is no dupe.

3. Best Ceramide Cream Infused Mask:

DR. JART+ Ceramidin™ Cream-Infused Mask

DR. JART+ Ceramidin™ Cream-Infused Mask
DR. JART+ Ceramidin™ Cream-Infused Mask

Switch up your skincare routine by adding a sheet mask, but not just any sheet mask. This moisturizing mask works to hydrate skin—very dry skin—with Ceramide NP nourishing oils and butters. Leave it on for 20 minutes and DR. JART+ promises up to 31% in increased skin barrier strength. Plus, the two-part mask just looks cute on TikTok.

4. Best Ceramide Eye Cream:

PAULA’S CHOICE Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

PAULA’S CHOICE Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream
PAULA’S CHOICE Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

You can’t forget about the delicate skin around the eyes. But not all skincare products are safe for the eye area, so you’ll want to reach for one that’s hydrating and gentle. PAULA’S CHOICE ceramide eye cream is just that, and it also features brightening vitamin C, two peptides, and a low-dose of retinol (which is more gentle). That means this eye cream is not just hydrating but also firming and brightening. There’s even a little sunscreen in it with SPF 30. Because yes, you can have it all.

5. Best Serum for All Skin Types:

KATE SOMERVILLE® Kx Active Concentrates Ceramides + Omegas Serum

KATE SOMERVILLE® Kx Active Concentrates Ceramides + Omegas Serum
KATE SOMERVILLE® Kx Active Concentrates Ceramides + Omegas Serum

This cruelty-free, lightweight serum is a fave of those with normal, dry, combo, or oily skin. Bio-active phyto-omegas help shield your skin’s protective barrier from things like environmental aggressors that can bring down moisture levels, and Ipsters are big fans. “This is a really good serum. It’s really thick and applies super easily. It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin looking amazing,” says taybrannon54. “It really helped my skin to heal quicker from breakouts!” wrote marciesmiles.

6. Best Serum for Red Skin:

GLOW RECIPE Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum

GLOW RECIPE Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum
GLOW RECIPE Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum

This lightweight, milky serum targets dehydration, irritation, and redness on even the most sensitive skin—and Ipsters swear by it. “Love! Feels amazing, is hydrating, and seems to calm my redness,” says Kimby115. Ipster jarely97lopez even uses it as a makeup primer, saying: “My skin does not turn red when I put this on and it leaves it feeling so natural in the mornings. I love putting this on before I do my make up because it makes everything smooth.”

7. Best Natural Ingredients:

PACIFICA BEAUTY Vegan Ceramide Barrier Eye Cream

PACIFICA BEAUTY Vegan Ceramide Barrier Eye Cream
PACIFICA BEAUTY Vegan Ceramide Barrier Eye Cream

Not only is PACIFICA BEAUTY’s replenishing eye cream full of vegan ceramide to hydrate skin, but there’s also marshmallow root extract and calendula to soothe and calm the delicate area. And our members are loving it. “I'm always in the market for a great eye cream, and this one (like everything else from Pacifica!) does not disappoint. My under eye area feels soft and smooth after each use, with no irritating aspects for sensitive eyes. Great product,” said emilyandthemoon.

8. Best Moisturizer for All Skin Types:

THEN I MET YOU Calming Tide Gel Cream™

THEN I MET YOU Calming Tide Gel Cream™
THEN I MET YOU Calming Tide Gel Cream™

This gel cream moisturizer is so lightweight, it feels like you’re wearing nothing. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t hydrating. It calms and nourishes dry skin without making oily skin greasy. It’s the best of both worlds—and Ipsters agree. “I like this as the next step after exfoliation, especially after a mask or peel! It makes my skin feel better,” says baguirre_email. “A little goes a long way and hydrates really well,” writes bre_moinicken.

9. Best Night Cream for Evening Out Skin Tone:

KEYS SOULCARE Skin Transformation Cream

KEYS SOULCARE Skin Transformation Cream
KEYS SOULCARE Skin Transformation Cream

Alicia Keys (the founder of KEYS SOULCARE) created one moisturizing cream that does it all. It contains a unique blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help nourish and protect your skin barrier, plus bakuchiol (a plant-based alternative to retinol) to help improve skin’s tone and texture. It’s recently become an Ipster favorite. “Thick hydrating cream. Helped my fine lines. Helped my dryness. Smelled and felt wonderful,” wrote ginnybrookman.

10. Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin:

CERAVE Acne Control Cleanser

CERAVE Acne Control Cleanser
CERAVE Acne Control Cleanser

Banish breakouts without drying out your skin thanks to the addition of three essential ceramides and calming niacinamide. Of course, there’s also 2% salicylic acid to clear acne, reduce blackheads, and improve the appearance of pores. It's a gentle exfoliation that dermatologists love.

11. Best Bang for Your Buck:

FARMACY Honey Halo Jumbo

FARMACY Honey Halo Jumbo
FARMACY Honey Halo Jumbo

FARMACY’s ultra-hydrating ceramide moisturizer is so popular, the brand came out with a huge size with a bigger retail value (saving you at least 17%!) It contains antioxidant-rich buckwheat honey, plant-based ceramides to replenish the skin barrier, and shea butter and vitamin E to lock in moisture. The addition of fig fruit extract leaves skin smooth and plumped.

12. Best Face Cream for Eczema:

FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair® Cream

FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair® Cream
FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair® Cream

Those with skin conditions like eczema love this fast-absorbing moisturizer formulated with skin-soothing colloidal oatmeal. Moisturizing shea butter ups the moisture factor and allantoin helps calm and soothe skin. It’s best for dry skin types and a true BFF for those with eczema. “I used this on my face after my nightly skincare routine,” reviewed an IPSY subscriber after receiving a sample in their Glam Bag. “The formula is thick and creamy. Definitely a winter moisturizer for your face. My face felt very smooth in the morning.”

Ready to level up your skincare routine? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started with your own IPSY subscription. Already a member? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and TikTok @IPSY.

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