Everything You Need To Know About Ceramides In Skincare

You may not have heard of them until recently, but there aren’t many skincare ingredients that are more hydrating—or more beloved by dermatologists—than ceramides. Essential to healthy skin and key to banishing dryness all year round, ceramides are a type of lipids naturally produced by skin.

Though they have been flying under the radar in your favourite formulas for years, ceramides have recently gained well-deserved acclaim in the skincare world thanks to their ability to soothe, hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. We asked two dermatologists to share their best advice on incorporating this ultra-nourishing ingredient into your skincare routine.

What are ceramides?

“Ceramides are lipids [fatty] found in the skin, and they are critical to a healthy barrier,” says Dr. Geeta Yadav, a dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto. Found in the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis), they act as the mortar, so to speak, between the bricks of the skin cells.

Their job is to form a protective barrier that prevents moisture from escaping, while also stopping hazards—like bacteria and pollution—from getting in, explains Yadav. 

Are there different types of ceramides?

Dr. Alia Bosworth, a dermatologist at Luma Clinic in Halifax, notes that there are nine types of ceramides commonly used in skincare. On an ingredient list, they will be listed as ‘ceramide,’ followed by a number or letter initial (like ceramide 2 or ceramide AP, for example); these numbers and letters refer to the type and structure of the ceramide. (While each type has a slightly different purpose, all forms help nourish the skin and strengthen its barrier.)

Now that the ingredient is trending, many brands advertise it prominently on their packaging and in the name of their products. 

Who can benefit from using ceramides in skincare?

Consider ceramides one of the pillars of an effective skincare routine for all skin types, not just those who suffer from dryness. “Everyone can benefit from ceramides in their skincare,” says Bosworth. Even those who are blemish-prone can use the ingredient to keep skin supple and nourished.

Using ceramides is especially important if you regularly use exfoliating acids, such as salicylic or glycolic acid, to keep oily skin in check as they will help ensure the skin barrier doesn’t become compromised over time.

Moreover, just like levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen diminish as we age, so do levels of ceramides—hence the importance of using a skincare product that contains them. Ceramides dwindle even further in people who have certain skin conditions, such as chronic dryness, psoriasis and eczema.

These all-important lipids can also become depleted by dry weather, over-exfoliation and other external factors, such as hot showers and sun exposure. When levels drop, the skin’s protective layer starts letting irritants and allergens in, which causes dryness and itchy skin. “That inflammation in the skin can also further impair the production of ceramides,” says Bosworth. 

How do you incorporate ceramides into a skincare routine?

“Use ceramides as often as you’d like,” says Yadav. To start, try incorporating a product formulated with ceramides in your skincare routine at least once a day. They are effective at any time of the year, but Yadav finds ceramides especially effective to combat dry skin in winter.

The ingredient can be found in an array of skincare products⁠—from oils and serums to creams⁠—that can be applied to dry or damp skin. If you’re using a body cream with ceramides, Bosworth recommends moisturizing immediately after towelling off. This will help lock in extra moisture and make the skin barrier stronger, which can make a significant difference in preventing dryness and eczema flare-ups, she says. 

What skincare ingredients can you pair with ceramides?

Ceramides layer well with just about every active ingredient. To ramp up their replenishing properties, Yadav and Bosworth recommend pairing your go-to ceramide products with hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work together to boost hydration levels.

“Hyaluronic acid draws water from the air into the skin, while ceramides prevent that water from escaping,” Yadav explains. 

Ceramides also pair particularly well with retinol—a notoriously harsh ingredient—to counteract potential irritation, adds Bosworth. Simply layer on a ceramide-rich cream over your retinol to reap the skin-soothing benefits.

The best skincare products with ceramides to shop in 2024

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $28

A gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is ideal for anyone who has sensitive skin. Yadav and Bosworth are both fans of this rich, non-greasy cream that’s formulated with three types of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Not convinced? It also has more than 6,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.

Thayers Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Cream, $24

For a budget-friendly formula with a luxurious feel, try this rich cream packed with ceramides and squalane. The whipped texture cocoons the skin to hydrate and strengthen the moisture barrier. We particularly love the fact that it’s fragrance-free, which makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Body Cream, $23

If you need instant relief, this all-over body cream has you covered. It contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter and ceramides to help soothe extra-dry, cracked skin. The fragrance-free formula is thick without being greasy, and creates a protective layer that prevents further damage.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Crème, $28

La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane line is formulated with sensitive and allergic skin in mind, and it’s even safe to use on babies. This hydrating cream blends ceramides with the brand’s prebiotic-rich thermal water and glycerin to calm irritation.

Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer, $43

This creamy toner-moisturizer hybrid boosts the skin’s hydration levels immediately upon application thanks to a gentle blend of ceramides and peptides. We love that the packaging is refillable, so you can save a few dollars on each re-up.

Skinfix Barrier+ Ceramide + Ectoin Gentle Gel Cleanser, $41

The star ingredient of this gentle gel-to-foam cleanser is ectoin, which helps retain the skin’s natural oils as makeup and SPF are washed away. It also contains ceramides to replenish and repair.

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum, $61

A weakened skin barrier can lead to irritation and redness. This serum contains ceramides, allantoin as well as avocado oil and extract to strengthen skin for a healthy, radiant complexion.

Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Cream-Infused Mask, $22

Pop on this mask when your skin is feeling tight and you’ll feel instantly soothed. Infused with ceramide NP (to help with water retention), shea butter and argan oil, it delivers over 24 hours of hydration.

Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydrating-Ceramide Boost SPF 40, $65

This lightweight oil marries SPF with skincare to protect the skin. It blends squalane, jojoba and ceramides to lock in moisture without leaving skin feeling slick.

Caudalie Premier Cru The Rich Cream, $168

This luxurious formula is all about maximizing moisture with a cocktail of gentle actives and a powerful anti-aging complex. Formulated around Caudalie’s bio-tech ceramides—which mimic the lipids produced by skin—it combats dehydration while replenishing the skin barrier. 

Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream, $81

This rich cream is a bestseller for a reason. It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalane to fight dry, flaky skin and fortify the moisture barrier.