You’re standing in the skincare aisle, scanning labels, and there it is again: ceramides. They show up in moisturizers, serums, and creams of every kind, usually with big promises about being the must-have ingredient for barrier care. But what are ceramides, exactly?
In short, ceramides are a group of lipid molecules that are naturally found in the skin’s lipid matrix. Acting as part of your skin’s frontline defense system: In contributing to the health of your lipid matrix, they help lock in moisture and keep environmental aggressors out.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what ceramides’ benefits are topically, the different types you’ll spot on ingredient lists, and how to choose products that make the most of these barrier-boosting lipids.
Key Takeaways:
- Ceramides Strengthen The Barrier: These essential lipid molecules help protect skin from dryness, irritation, and environmental stressors.
- Multiple Ceramide Types: Ceramide NP, EOP, and AP each play unique roles in resilience and are often paired with fatty acids and cholesterol for optimal effect.
- Why Ceramides Belong In Your Routine: Adding skincare products with ceramides supports hydration and reinforces barrier function, making them foundational for moisturized skin.
Meet Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is a living system that keeps water in and the unwanted stuff out (pollution, damaging UV rays, you name it). You’ll often hear the structure of skin referred to as a “brick-and-mortar” structure. This is because your skin cells, called corneocytes, are stacked together like a well-built wall. In between these cells, a mixture of lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) forms the lipid matrix that fills the spaces between the cells, creating a seal that locks in moisture and shields against outside stressors. This partnership between cells and lipids is what gives your skin barrier its strength and flexibility.
Ceramides In Action
Ceramides make up around 50% of that lipid “glue,” which explains why they’re such a big deal in barrier care. In fact, it’s been found that a reduction in ceramides is a contributing factor to the dry skin type and can be the cause of flakiness, sensitivity, or dry patches.
Unfortunately, like many good things in skin, ceramide levels can decline. Factors like aging, weather changes, acne, and eczema can all play a role. In fact, some studies indicate that people with eczema often have lower ceramide content and more disorganized skin lipids, weakening the barrier’s protective functions. When this happens, skin can get caught in a cycle of dryness → irritation → more dryness → repeat. Although there isn’t a clear-cut answer as to how ceramides precisely interact with your skin, there is growing evidence showing that ceramides for skin may help improve hydration and barrier function over time.
Ceramide Types In Skincare
When you first start researching ceramides for the face, you may have spotted names like “ceramide 1,” “ceramide EOP,” or “ceramide AP.” Don’t worry; these aren’t secret codes. The nomenclature with extra letters or numbers simply denotes molecular structure. We can get incredibly detailed here, since human skin contains over 10 types of ceramides, with each one having a different size, form, and function. For simplicity’s sake, we highly recommend keeping an eye out for these: ceramide NP (aka ceramide 3), ceramide AP (aka ceramide 6), and ceramide EOP (aka ceramide 1). All three naturally show up in your skin, so they’re worth looking for on a label.
Do All These Types Really Matter?
This can get complicated! There are certain blends of ceramides that have been well studied, like the blend we use in our very own Mr. Reliable. The strategy of using blends of ceramides is that it essentially uses a strategic and synergistic ratio for optimal barrier health to maintain healthy skin for normal skin types and aid in barrier health for dry skin, mature skin, or conditions like. Several studies have shown improvements in hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) when a ceramide moisturizer is used.
In particular, ceramides have solid hydration data for aging skin. As we grow older, our natural ceramide levels decline, leaving skin more vulnerable to dryness and barrier disruption.
A Note On Plant Ceramides
Sometimes, you won’t find the word “ceramides” anywhere on the ingredient list, even if a product says that it contains them. That’s because certain ingredients are claimed to be “plant ceramides” or “ceramide precursors.” These may include things like phytosphingosine or yuzu extract. While interesting, the clinical evidence is strongest for skin-identical ceramides: the ones that show up clearly as ceramide NP, AP, EOP, etc. When in doubt, we recommend prioritizing products where actual ceramides appear on the ingredient list!
Pssst…did you know? Ceramides aren’t just for moisturizers. You’ll also find them in balms and serums designed to target dry patches or sensitive spots. For example, we crammed a hefty 1% ceramide NP (a super high level that’s pretty rare) inside our Balm Voyage ceramides balm, alongside petrolatum, Boswellia Serrata extract, and seabuckthorn seed oil to help seal in moisture and banish cracked lips and skin. If it’s good for skin, it has to go in!
How To Layer Ceramide Products In Any Routine
Ceramides are fatty, waxy substances that help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. You’ll typically find them in moisturizers or more occlusive balms, which means they’re best used toward the end of your skincare routine to lock everything in. They play well with most ingredients and can be used twice a day for consistent barrier support.
- Start With A Clean Slate: Begin with a gentle, hydrating cleanser so your ceramides aren’t fighting through a layer of oil, makeup, or sunscreen. Clean skin gives them the best chance to absorb efficiently and do their job. If you’re using a ceramide serum, apply it right after cleansing.
- Moisturizer Is The Main Event: Ceramide-rich moisturizers are often the backbone of barrier care. Apply while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration and nourish your barrier. Dry skin types may also enjoy slipping in an essence or hydrating serum before creams or lotions for a refreshing boost.
- Oils and Occlusives (If You Use Them): Face oils or balm-like products can come last. They create an extra layer on top that helps slow down water loss and keeps those ceramides working longer. Or they themselves may contain additional ceramides.
- Don’t Forget SPF: If your morning moisturizer contains ceramides, that’s great! Just make sure to follow up with sunscreen. Barrier care + UV protection is the ultimate daytime pairing.
Ultimately, ceramides aren’t high-maintenance. Wherever you place them (serum, moisturizer, or balm), they’ll support your barrier and get along with just about anything you layer on top.
Final Thoughts
So, what are ceramides really? Beyond the scientific jargon and trendy product labels, they’re barrier MVPs, helping to lock in moisture and defend against environmental pollutants. After all, they’re important components of your natural lipid matrix. Whether you’re a skincare maximalist mixing serums like a mad scientist or a minimalist keeping it simple, ceramides likely deserve a spot in your routine.
From what we’ve seen in research and product testing, a well-formulated ceramide product can help keep your skin steady. Although it’s unlikely that the ceramides present in your moisturizer or balm will simply absorb and replenish all of your missing ceramides, many studies indicate that topical products can support improved skin barrier function in the long run.
If you’re ready to take some of the guesswork out of your lineup, consider this your nudge to lean on ceramides as a foundational ingredient. And if you’re curious about products that make ceramides truly shine, you know the chemists will always be here with formula breakdowns, bad puns, and plenty of barrier talk.
Read also:
- Ceramides - What Exactly Do They Do For Skin?
- So You Want To Restore Your Skin Barrier?
- Decoding Moisturizer Ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions About What Ceramides Are
What are ceramides?
Ceramides are lipid molecules naturally found in your skin’s outermost layers (specifically the stratum corneum). In short, they’re the glue that helps keep your skin cells stuck together, locking in moisture and keeping the outside world, well, outside. Though they sound like something straight out of a chemistry lecture, ceramides are MVPs when it comes to barrier care, hydration, and overall skin resilience.
What role do ceramides play in the skin barrier?
Think of your skin barrier like a brick wall. Your skin cells are the bricks; ceramides (along with cholesterol and fatty acids) are the mortar holding everything together. This lipid “glue” prevents water from leaking out and keeps irritants from sneaking in. When your barrier is compromised, ceramides act like a repair service, helping to seal up cracks and restore comfort. This is why products with ceramides are often recommended when skin feels rough, sensitive, or dehydrated.
Are ceramides suitable for sensitive skin?
Absolutely! Sensitive skin can often signal that your barrier needs some TLC, and ceramides are well-suited for the job. Because they’re naturally present in skin, they’re generally well-tolerated by even the most reactive complexions. If your skin frequently feels tight, itchy, or prone to redness, introducing a ceramide-rich formula may help bring balance and comfort over time.
Do ceramides play nice with actives?
Of course! One of ceramides’ best qualities is how easily they slot into routines that already include heavy-hitters like retinol, AHAs, or vitamin C. They don’t interfere with these ingredients and can even help offset some of the dryness or irritation that actives sometimes bring. If your skin’s adjusting to stronger products (or just feeling the effects of cold weather, travel, or over-exfoliation), leaning on ceramides both morning and night can help keep your barrier feeling steady.
How long does it take to see results from ceramide use?
Patience is key, but results shouldn’t take forever. Some people notice softer, calmer skin within just a few days of consistent use. For deeper barrier repair, like relief from chronic dryness or sensitivity, give it at least a couple of weeks. Remember, your skin didn’t get compromised overnight, so let those ceramides work their slow-but-steady magic.
How often should ceramide products be applied?
Most ceramide creams, serums, or moisturizers work well with a twice-daily rhythm: morning and night. If your skin is especially parched or your barrier is feeling fragile, reapplying as needed is perfectly fine. The beauty of ceramides is that they’re barrier lipids your skin already recognizes, so they’re generally well-tolerated. Think of it as building up your barrier, brick by brick, with every application.
References:
- Coderch, L., López, O., de la Maza, A., & Parra, J. L. (2003). Ceramides and skin function. American journal of clinical dermatology, 4(2), 107-129.
- Meckfessel, M. H., & Brandt, S. (2014). The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 71(1), 177-184.
- Li, Q., Fang, H., Dang, E., & Wang, G. (2020). The role of ceramides in skin homeostasis and inflammatory skin diseases. Journal of dermatological science, 97(1), 2-8.
