Informed Skin›Ceramides

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Ceramides

Ceramide NP, AP, EOP (sphingolipid lipids)

Barrier repair and moisture-retention for compromised skin

Fine Line WrinklesLoss of CollagenAcne
Safe for skin types
Safe forAll Fitzpatrick types I–VI

Ceramide moisturisers have no chromophore activity and are universally safe and beneficial. They are particularly important in darker skin types after using actives like retinoids or AHAs, as barrier repair reduces PIH-triggering irritation.

In plain English

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipid molecules that make up the skin's waterproof barrier. When this barrier is depleted (by ageing, eczema, over-exfoliation, or harsh products), skin becomes dry, reactive, and sensitised. Topical ceramide moisturisers replenish these lipids to restore the barrier. They are exceptionally safe, recommended for eczema, and one of the most clinically appropriate ingredients for anyone with sensitive or compromised skin.

Top-rated products

Sourced via EWG Skin Deep, one of the scientific databases used by the Yuka app to evaluate cosmetic ingredient safety.

Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe

Hydrating Serum

BYOMA

100/100

Ceramidin Cream

Dr. Jart+

The science

Ceramides are a family of sphingolipids that constitute approximately 50% of the intercellular lipid matrix in the stratum corneum (SC), forming lamellar bilayer structures that serve as the primary physical barrier against transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and environmental penetration. In conditions including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and ageing skin, ceramide levels are measurably reduced, correlating with increased TEWL and barrier dysfunction. Topical ceramide formulations replenish SC lipid content; the most clinically relevant are ceramide NP (ceramide 3), AP (ceramide 6-II), and EOP (ceramide 1), typically combined with cholesterol and fatty acids in a physiological ratio to promote proper lamellar structure reconstitution.

Why these scores
Medical PromiseHigher is better
7/10

Good evidence for TEWL reduction, barrier repair, and atopic dermatitis symptom management. Multiple RCTs confirm ceramide-containing moisturisers reduce eczema severity scores and TEWL versus comparator emollients. Evidence is strongest for prescription-grade ceramide formulations (EpiCream, Atopiclair).

Short-term SafetyHigher is safer
10/10

Exceptional. Ceramides are endogenous skin lipids; topical application does not trigger sensitisation or irritation. Suitable for all ages, skin types, and conditions including periorbital skin, babies, and pregnant women. No photosensitisation.

Long-term SafetyHigher is safer
10/10

Ceramide lipids are already present in human skin in large quantities. Topical replenishment has no systemic absorption concerns, no hormonal activity, and no long-term safety signals. Among the safest cosmetic actives across all time horizons.

Should You Try ThisHigher is better
8/10

An essential barrier-repair ingredient for anyone with dry, sensitive, eczema-prone, or over-exfoliated skin. Also a strong choice as a daily moisturiser base alongside actives like retinoids and AHAs that can compromise barrier function.

Common misconceptions
✕Myth

“Ceramide moisturisers are only for people with eczema.”

✓Reality

Ceramides are appropriate for any skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, lightweight ceramide formulations support barrier function without clogging pores. For dry or ageing skin, they are especially valuable. For anyone using retinoids or AHAs, a ceramide moisturiser is strongly recommended to counteract barrier disruption from those actives.

✕Myth

“Any moisturiser will repair the skin barrier equally well.”

✓Reality

Occlusive-only moisturisers (petrolatum, mineral oil) reduce TEWL by physical film-forming but do not replenish SC lipids. Ceramide formulations provide both occlusion and structural lipid replacement, which research shows produces superior and more sustained barrier repair.

✕Myth

“Phytoceramides (from plants or supplements) work the same as topical ceramides.”

✓Reality

Oral phytoceramide supplements have a separate evidence base (intestinal absorption and systemic distribution to skin). Topical plant-derived pseudo-ceramides are structurally distinct from human SC ceramides. Whether they integrate identically into the lamellar bilayer is not fully established, though they have demonstrated skin hydration benefits in clinical studies.

What the evidence firmly supports
  • ✓

    Ceramide levels in the SC of atopic dermatitis patients are measurably reduced compared to healthy controls, with ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 showing the greatest depletion (Imokawa et al., J Invest Dermatol 1991).

  • ✓

    Topical ceramide-containing moisturisers significantly reduce TEWL and SCORAD (eczema severity) scores versus petrolatum comparators in RCTs for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.

  • ✓

    Physiological ratio ceramide formulations (ceramide + cholesterol + free fatty acids) reconstitute lamellar bilayer structure more effectively than ceramides alone in ex vivo SC models.

  • ✓

    Skin ceramide levels decline measurably with age and correlate with increased water loss and clinical dryness, establishing the mechanistic rationale for use in ageing skin.

Still being studied
  • ?

    Whether the molecular weight and chain length of topical ceramides affect their ability to integrate into the SC lipid matrix versus sitting on the surface.

  • ?

    Optimal ceramide-to-cholesterol-to-fatty-acid ratios for different skin conditions (atopic dermatitis vs. ageing vs. post-procedure repair).

  • ?

    Whether plant-derived pseudo-ceramides (phytoceramides from wheat, rice bran, konjac) integrate into the SC lipid matrix as effectively as animal-derived or synthetic ceramides.

  • ?

    Long-term effects of ceramide supplementation on endogenous sphingolipid synthesis: whether topical replenishment affects the skin's own ceramide production over time.

Key Study

Ceramide-containing moisturizers for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review

Lynde et al. · Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery · 2014

Ceramide-dominant barrier-repair formulations reduce TEWL (trans-epidermal water loss), improve stratum corneum integrity, and reduce eczema severity scores. The skin naturally produces ceramides; topical supplementation replaces what is depleted by ageing, over-cleansing, or barrier-disrupting actives like retinoids and acids.

PubMed ↗  PMID 24818182
Products on the market
BrandManufacturerWhat differentiates itApprovalPricing
CeraVe Moisturising CreamL'OrealContains ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II with MVE (controlled-release) delivery; one of the most dermatologist-recommended moisturisers globally at a low price pointOTC$18 / 250 ml
CeraVe Moisturising LotionL'OrealLighter lotion format of the CeraVe ceramide formula; preferred by oily skin types for daily useOTC$15 / 355 ml
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face MoisturiserL'OrealCeramides with niacinamide and glycerin in a fragrance-free formula; designed for reactive and sensitive skinOTC$28 / 75 ml
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin CreamDr. Jart+5-cera complex with strengthening emollients; higher-end ceramide cream with a luxurious texture for very dry or eczema-prone skinOTC$48 / 50 ml
EpiCream (EpiCream Barrier Emulsion)Promius PharmaPrescription-comparable ceramide barrier repair emulsion; studied in clinical trials for atopic dermatitis; physician-recommended for severe barrier compromiseOTC (medical channel)$35 / 90 g
Quick Facts
DurationDaily use; barrier improvement noticeable in 2–4 weeks
Studies150+
FDA StatusOTC cosmetic ingredient
Price$12–$60 / moisturiser
Full list of studies reviewed
15 studies +
  1. 1.Rajkumar J, et al. The Skin Barrier and Moisturization: Function, Disruption, and Mechanisms of Repair. Skin pharmacology and physiology. 2023.PMID 37717558 ↗
  2. 2.Shin KO, et al. Exosomes from Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Epidermal Barrier Repair by Inducing de Novo Synthesis of Ceramides in Atopic Dermatitis. Cells. 2020.PMID 37717558 ↗
  3. 3.Proksch E. pH in nature, humans and skin. The Journal of dermatology. 2018.PMID 38241278 ↗
  4. 4.Yong TL, et al. Ceramides and Skin Health: New Insights. Experimental dermatology. 2025.PMID 39912256 ↗
  5. 5.Lodén M. Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American journal of clinical dermatology. 2003.PMID 14572299 ↗
  6. 6.Ito T, et al. The skin barrier and microbiome in infantile atopic dermatitis development: can skincare prevent onset?. International immunology. 2024.PMID 38887075 ↗
  7. 7.Kelleher MM, et al. Skin care interventions in infants for preventing eczema and food allergy. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2021.PMID 38887075 ↗
  8. 8.Mijaljica D, et al. The heterogeneity and complexity of skin surface lipids in human skin health and disease. Progress in lipid research. 2024.PMID 37940006 ↗
  9. 9.Kelleher MM, et al. Skin care interventions in infants for preventing eczema and food allergy. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2022.PMID 37940006 ↗
  10. 10.Liu Z, et al. Mechanisms and Repair of Skin Barrier Dysfunction: The TLC Strategy. International journal of dermatology. 2025.PMID 36373988 ↗
  11. 11.Hon KL, et al. Barrier repair therapy in atopic dermatitis: an overview. American journal of clinical dermatology. 2013.PMID 23757122 ↗
  12. 12.Elias PM, et al. Abnormal skin barrier in the etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology. 2009.PMID 19550302 ↗
  13. 13.Chan CJ, et al. Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in High-Risk Infants: A Review of the Role of Lipid-Based Barrier Repair Therapy. Pediatric dermatology. 2026.PMID 19656472 ↗
  14. 14.Lebwohl M, et al. Impaired skin barrier function in dermatologic disease and repair with moisturization. Cutis. 2005.PMID 16869176 ↗
  15. 15.Elias PM, et al. Moisturizers versus Current and Next-Generation Barrier Repair Therapy for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis. Skin pharmacology and physiology. 2019.PMID 16869176 ↗

Should You Try This?

15108OUT OF 10

Probably okay to try

Clinic checklist

Universal

  • Check the ingredient is listed in the first half of the INCI list to confirm meaningful concentration.
  • Look for airtight or opaque packaging -- light and air degrade active ingredients.
  • Check the expiry date before purchasing; actives degrade after opening.
  • Patch test on your inner arm for 24 hours before applying to your face.
  • Introduce one new active at a time so you can identify any reaction.
  • Store opened products away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Procedure-specific

  • Look for a product listing multiple ceramide types (ceramide NP, AP, and EOP ideally) alongside cholesterol and fatty acids; the combination reconstitutes lamellar structure better than ceramides alone.
  • Choose fragrance-free formulations for compromised or eczema-prone skin; fragrances are a leading cause of contact sensitisation in damaged skin.
  • Use as the moisturiser layer after actives (retinoids, AHAs, vitamin C) to repair barrier and reduce active-ingredient-induced irritation.
  • Heavier ceramide creams suit dry and very compromised skin; lighter lotion formulations are more appropriate for oily or combination skin.

Educational content only. This page summarises published clinical research and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your care.

Researched by

Val Yermakova

Informed Girl · informedgirl.com