6 ceramide moisturisers to repair your damaged skin barrier

The best ceramide moisturisers to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improve the appearance and health of your skin

Naturally present in the body, ceramides make for 50 per cent of the lipids in our skin’s outermost layer. The skin barrier we’re obsessed with? Its health predominantly depends upon how well-charged your skin is with ceramides. But much like everything else—think collagen or water—even ceramides tend to deplete owing to aging or pollution and sun exposure, or an overuse of harsh chemical actives that disrupt the barrier. To prevent further depletion of ceramides in the skin, it is crucial to feed it with topical ceramides daily. According to studies, using a ceramide-based moisturiser not only prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), but also enhances the look and feel of the skin, improving radiance and softness, and reducing the appearance of dry, white lines. If you’re contemplating which ceramide moisturiser to add to your cart, here are some tried-and-tested recommendations. 

In My Defence, d’you

This ceramide moisturiser hydrates and plumps up your skin within minutes of application. A robust ingredient complex featuring ceramides, 40 per cent purslane, fatty acids, allantoin, panthenol, and botanical extracts equip this lightweight lotion-textured formula to address dryness, irritation, and redness by fortifying the skin barrier.

Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream, Dr. Jart+

Loved by beauty editors and approved by dermatologists, this thick and ultra-nourishing ceramide moisturiser is viral for all the right reasons. Packed with 2.3 per cent ceramides (a concentration above regular standards), panthenol, shea butter, olive oil, and a slew of botanical extracts, this balmy cream will fix a broken skin barrier and repair it over regular use. 

Ultra Repair Cream, First Aid Beauty

This lightweight yet mighty ceramide moisturiser that nourishes and softens the skin within minutes. Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin, licorice root extract, and ceramides make it a powerhouse of moisture. It is quick-absorbing and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky, making it extremely suitable and effective for sensitive, rosacea-, and eczema-prone skin.

Cream Skin Cerapeptide™ Toner & Moisturizer, Laneige

If you hate the feeling of wearing a cream all day, turn to this watery ceramide moisturiser. Packed with ceramides and peptides, along with hyaluronic acid, white tea leaf, Meadowfoam seed oil, and Camellia leaf extract, this liquid-like toner-moisturiser hybrid sinks deeply into your skin, leaving it supple, hydrated, and fortified. 

Atoderm Intensive Baume, Bioderma

Consult any skin expert with a damaged skin barrier, and they’re bound to prescribe this ceramide moisturiser from Bioderma. Available in creamy and gel-based textures to suit every skin type, this formulation is rich in ceramides, along with niacinamide, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid. It restores the skin’s moisture levels, delivers lasting nourishment, and ensures your skin barrier doesn’t reach a point of breakdown. The fragrance-free ceramide moisturiser also works for sensitive skin. 

Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides, The Ordinary

Creamy and buttery, this nourishing ceramide moisturiser is a no-brainer for dehydrated, irritated skin. It contains phytoceramides, vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate, urea, allantoin, and fatty acids to provide intense moisturisation without feeling greasy. Best suited for extremely dry skin, this ceramide moisturiser can also be used as a spot treatment for dry patches by combination to oily skin types.  

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