What does Ceramides do?#
Ceramides are naturally present in your skin and are widely used in skincare to help skin look and feel more hydrated, comfortable, and resilient. Topical ceramides complement the skin's own lipids for a healthier-looking appearance.
- Helps support a healthier-looking skin surface for improved moisture retention
- Supports a stronger-looking skin surface that resists dryness and environmental stress
- Suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive and dry skin
How it works
Ceramides are natural lipids found abundantly in your skin. When applied topically, they complement the skin's own lipid composition, helping skin look and feel more hydrated and comfortable. Formulations that include ceramides alongside cholesterol and fatty acids mirror the skin's natural makeup, supporting a smoother, more resilient-looking skin surface over time.
How to use Ceramides#
- Every day. There is nothing to ease into — a full amount is fine from the first day.
- In routine order: a toner goes on straight after cleansing, a serum after that, a cream last.
- Across the whole face, including around the eyes. Smooth it on rather than rubbing it in.
- Ceramides do not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so a form used in the morning needs nothing beyond your usual sunscreen.
- On dry patches, use more of it rather than less — the driest skin is exactly where it is meant to go.
- It shares an evening comfortably with the rest of a routine, exfoliants and retinoids included, so it does not need one of its own.
- Look for ceramides listed alongside cholesterol and fatty acids — that blend is closest to skin's own surface lipids.
- If a ceramide product ever feels uncomfortable on your skin, switch to a different formula rather than using it less often.
Ceramides are naturally present in your skin's protective barrier and are among the safest skincare ingredients available for all skin types.
Forms you will see it in
Ceramide essence toner
- Where it goes
- After cleansing, morning or evening
- How often
- Daily
- Strength
- Gentle
- Sun sensitivity
- None
Ceramide serum
- Where it goes
- Before moisturizer, morning or evening
- How often
- Daily
- Strength
- Gentle
- Sun sensitivity
- None
Ceramide barrier cream
- Where it goes
- As your moisturizer, morning or evening
- How often
- Daily
- Strength
- Gentle
- Sun sensitivity
- None
Using Ceramides with other ingredients
Pairs well with Ceramides
Niacinamide
Works well togetherNiacinamide supports the look and feel of the skin's moisture barrier while topical ceramides reinforce it.
Hyaluronic acid
Works well togetherHyaluronic acid draws water into the skin while ceramides help prevent that moisture from escaping.
Glycerin
Works well togetherGlycerin provides humectant moisture-binding while ceramides reinforce the look and feel of the skin's moisture barrier.
Panthenol (B5)
Works well togetherPanthenol helps skin feel softer and more comfortable while ceramides reinforce the look and feel of the skin's moisture barrier.
Squalane
Works well togetherCeramides help reinforce the look and feel of a healthy moisture barrier while squalane tops up the surface lipid film.
Petrolatum
Works well togetherCeramides help support the look and feel of the skin's moisture barrier while petrolatum seals in moisture from the surface.
Urea
Works well togetherUrea helps smooth and hydrate the skin surface while ceramides reinforce the look and feel of the skin's moisture barrier, addressing both sides of a healthier-looking complexion.
Ectoin
Works well togetherEctoin helps skin retain moisture longer while ceramides support the look and feel of the skin's moisture barrier.
Beta-Glucan
Works well togetherBeta-glucan supports a comfortable feel while ceramides help skin look and feel more resilient.
Centella asiatica
Works well togetherTogether they support the look and feel of the skin's moisture barrier for a smoother, more comfortable-looking surface.
Azulene
Works well togetherAzulene soothes while ceramides support the skin's lipid barrier.
What not to use with Ceramides
Nothing flagged. None of the ingredients this wiki covers needs to be kept apart from Ceramides — check the label of anything not covered here.
Who should avoid Ceramides?#
Six situations change whether Ceramides suits your skin right now. Each one is either a reason to skip it, a reason to go slowly, or nothing to watch for.
- Maternity & Nursing
- No caution
- Fragile or Sensitive
- No caution
- Recent Facial or Laser
- No caution
- Prone to Redness
- No caution
- Dry or Itchy Patches
- No caution
- Recent Shave or Wax
- No caution
Cosmetic strength limits for Ceramides where you live#
| Region | Maximum strength |
|---|---|
| United States | No explicit cap |
| Canada | No explicit cap |
| European Union | No explicit cap |
| Great Britain | No explicit cap |
No cosmetic regulator in these four markets sets a maximum strength for ceramides. That is a limit on the rules, not a signal to use more: how much goes into a product is the formulator's decision.
Products with Ceramides#
We may earn a small commission when you buy through these links.
Ceramide essence toner · 9
APLBHyaluronic Acid Ceramide HA B5 Facial Toner - 160ml$9.80
ONE THINGCica Ceramide Toner - 250ml$21.75
beplainMilk Ceramide Moisturizing Toner - 150ml$20.00
ByWishtrendGreen Tea & Ceramide Calming Toner Pad - 190 ml/70 Pads$21.25
FABYOUCeramide Panthenol Barrier Support Toner - 300ml$14.79
FULLYRice Ceramide Essence Toner - 250ml$17.19
PRETTYSKINMugwort Ceramide Toner - 250ml$7.09
THE FACE SHOPRice & Ceramide Moisturizing Toner - 150ml$9.99
TonymolyWonder Ceramide Mochi Toner - 500ml$12.39Ceramide serum · 9
ANUA7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum - 50ml$22.00
AMPLE:NHyper Shot Ceramide Ampoule - 50ml$15.22
AMPLE:NCeramide Shot Ampoule - 30ml$12.74
APLBHyaluronic Acid Ceramide HA B5 Ampoule Serum - 40ml$9.80
BaleaVital+ Ceramide Serum - 30ml$14.04
ByWishtrendMatcha & Ceramide Milky Serum - 30ml$23.80
Elizabeth ArdenAdvanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum - 30ea$20.32
FABYOUCeramide Panthenol Barrier Support Serum - 50ml$15.69
VTRice Ceramide Serum - 30ml$22.46Ceramide barrier cream · 16
medicubeHyaluronic Ceramide Jelly Cream - 50ml$16.90
APLBHyaluronic Acid Ceramide HA B5 Facial Cream - 55ml$9.80
ANUA3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream - 100ml$28.00
Cos De BAHACeramide 1% Cream (C1) - 45ml$11.68
COSRXThe Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer - 80ml$18.40
Dr. Jart+Dr. Jart+ - Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream - 50ml$30.08
numbuzinNo.2 Cica Ceramide Repair Cream - 60ml$22.40
Purito SEOULLuminous Ceramide Moisturizer - 100ml$16.03
ByWishtrendGreen Tea & Ceramide Barrier Cream - 50g$21.25
haruharu wonderBlack Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream - 50ml$16.80
Holika HolikaGood Cera Super Ceramide Emulsion - 130ml$12.00
ILLIYOONCeramide Ato Concentrate Cream - 75ml$10.19
make p:remRice Liposome Ceramide Barrier Cream - 50ml$24.00
NardMild Deep Moisture Ceramide Cream - 160ml$13.99
TOCOBOMulti Ceramide Cream - 50ml$23.40
VTRice Ceramide Capsule Cream - 50ml$19.58Common questions about Ceramides#
When should you apply Ceramides?
- Every day. There is nothing to ease into — a full amount is fine from the first day.
Which form of Ceramides should you use?
- Ceramide essence toner — after cleansing, morning or evening, daily. Ceramide serum — before moisturizer, morning or evening, daily. Ceramide barrier cream — as your moisturizer, morning or evening, daily.
How often can you use Ceramides?
- Daily.
Where do you apply Ceramides?
- All over the face. Keep it away from your eyes and lips.
Does Ceramides make skin more sensitive to the sun?
- No. Ceramides is not flagged as increasing sun sensitivity.
What should you not use with Ceramides?
- Nothing flagged. None of the ingredients this wiki covers needs to be kept apart from Ceramides — check the label of anything not covered here.
Is there a cosmetic limit for Ceramides?
- No. No cosmetic regulator in the United States, Canada, the European Union or Great Britain sets a maximum strength for it. That is a limit on the rules, not a signal to use more.
Related ingredients#
How we check this#
Everything on this page traces to the sources listed below — regulators' own publications and published studies. Where the evidence does not answer a question, it is left unanswered.
Our review is AI-assisted and is not a named expert's opinion. Last reviewed August 4, 2026.
Think something here is out of date or wrong? Email us at wiki@skinintelligence.ai with your reasoning and where you read it. We read what people send, and we update the page when the sources support it.
Regulators and official bodies · 8
- S1Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Safety Assessment of Ceramides as Used in Cosmetics — Final Report, release date 6 April 2015, panel meeting 16–17 March 2015. · 1 (CIR is named at Tier 1 in; is not capped in. Finding for the vault: both CIR ceramide captures record `tier: 2` in their frontmatter, which understates them.).
- S2US FDA, Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Summary and Indications for Use statement, K052643 — EPICERAM® Skin Barrier Emulsion, Ceragenix Corporation; substantially equivalent, 11 April 2006. Classification name "Dressing, Wound & Burn, Hydrogel w/Drug or Biologic"; product code FRO; Prescription Use.
- S3NICE. Atopic eczema in under 12s: diagnosis and management (CG57), Recommendations §1.5.1.2 and §1.5.1.4–1.5.1.11 [2007, amended 2023].
- S4Sidbury R, Alikhan A, Bercovitch L, Cohen DE, Darr JM, Drucker AM, Eichenfield LF, Frazer-Green L, Paller AS, Schwarzenberger K, Silverberg JI, Singh AM, Wu PA, Davis DMR. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023;89(1):e1–e20. PMID 36641009 · doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2022.12.029.
- S5Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, consolidated text of 01.09.2025 (CELEX 02009R1223-20250901), Annex II.
- S6Health Canada. Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist: Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients — substance list.
- S7US FDA. Prohibited & Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetics.
- S8UK Government. Making cosmetic products available to consumers in Great Britain; Regulation 1223/2009 and the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013: Great Britain.
Studies and references · 34
- S9Gwon DH, Choi HK, Lee EO, Hong SK, Park CS, Kim JW, Liu KH. Impact of Ceramide Acyl Chain Length on Human Skin Barrier Recovery and Hydration. J Cosmet Dermatol 2026. PMID 41814138 · doi:10.1111/jocd.70795.
- S10Berkers T, Visscher D, Gooris GS, Bouwstra JA. Topically Applied Ceramides Interact with the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix in Compromised Ex Vivo Skin. Pharm Res 2018. PMID 29411158 · PMC5801391 · doi:10.1007/s11095-017-2288-y.
- S11Man MQ, Feingold KR, Thornfeldt CR, Elias PM. Optimization of physiological lipid mixtures for barrier repair. J Invest Dermatol 1996;106(5):1096–101. PMID 8618046 · doi:10.1111/1523-1747.ep12340135.
- S12Zettersten EM, Ghadially R, Feingold KR, Crumrine D, Elias PM. Optimal ratios of topical stratum corneum lipids improve barrier recovery in chronologically aged skin. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37(3 Pt 1):403–8. PMID 9308554.
- S13Andrew PV, Williams SF, Brown K, Chittock J, Pinnock A, Poyner A, Cork MJ, Danby SG. Topical supplementation with physiological lipids rebalances the stratum corneum ceramide profile and strengthens skin barrier function in adults predisposed to atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol 2025;193(4):729–740. PMID 40408261 · doi:10.1093/bjd/ljaf200.
- S14Nugroho WT, Sawitri S, Astindari A, Utomo B, Listiawan MY, Ervianti E, Astari L. The Efficacy of Moisturisers Containing Ceramide Compared with Other Moisturisers in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian J Dermatol 2023. PMID 37151263 · PMC10162745 · doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_991_22.
- S15Ho VPY, Ma E, Liew HM, Ng MSY, Koh MJA. Comparing the Potential for Irritation of a Ceramide-Based Moisturizer with a Urea-Based Moisturizer for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2020. PMID 32372387 · PMC7367988 · doi:10.1007/s13555-020-00388-6.
- S16Yajima J. Allergic contact dermatitis due to hydrophilized ceramide. Contact Dermatitis 2002;47(4):245. PMID 12492536 · doi:10.1034/j.1600-0536.2002.470418_2.x.
- S17Huang HC, Chang TM. Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin. Int J Dermatol 2008;47(8). PMID 18717861 · doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2008.03687.x.
- S18Lueangarun S, Tragulplaingam P, Sugkraroek S, Tempark T. The 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6-II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment. Dermatol Ther 2019;32(6):e13090. PMID 31585489 · doi:10.1111/dth.13090.
- S19Draelos ZD, Baalbaki NH, Raab S, Colón G. The Effect of a Ceramide-Containing Product on Stratum Corneum Lipid Levels in Dry Legs. J Drugs Dermatol 2020;19(4):372–376. PMID 32272513 · doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4796.
- S20Draelos ZD, Baalbaki N, Colon G, Dreno B. Ceramide-Containing Adjunctive Skin Care for Skin Barrier Restoration During Acne Vulgaris Treatment. J Drugs Dermatol 2023;22(6):554–558. PMID 37276158 · doi:10.36849/JDD.7142.
- S21Tempark T, Shem A, Lueangarun S. Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A split face, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024;23(5):1758–1765. PMID 38299457 · doi:10.1111/jocd.16212.
- S22Schorr ES, Sidou F, Kerrouche N. Adjunctive use of a facial moisturizer SPF 30 containing ceramide precursor improves tolerability of topical tretinoin 0.05%: a randomized, investigator-blinded, split-face study. J Drugs Dermatol 2012;11(9):1104–7. PMID 23135655.
- S23Baldwin H, Alexis AF, Andriessen A, Berson DS, Farris P, Harper J, Lain E, Marchbein S, Stein Gold L, Tan J. Evidence of Barrier Deficiency in Rosacea and the Importance of Integrating OTC Skincare Products into Treatment Regimens. J Drugs Dermatol 2021;20(4):384–392. PMID 33852244 · doi:10.36849/JDD.2021.5861.
- S24Xia Y, Lyu Y, Yang J, He X, Yi Y, Liu J, Zhu Z, Du Z, Chen Y, Ai Y. Effects of a Ceramide-Containing Glycinate-Based Cleanser on the Condition of Oily Skin and Skin Post-IPL Treatments. J Cosmet Dermatol 2025. PMID 40671479 · PMC12268312 · doi:10.1111/jocd.70350.
- S25Gold M, Andriessen A, Greiner-Krüger D, Lain E, Lee S, Suh H, McDonald C, Nisticò S, Taher Z, Wang M, Brieva P. Real-World Patient Cases Using Triple Lipid-Containing Cream for Cutaneous Healing Post Laser or Microneedling Radiofrequency Treatment. J Drugs Dermatol 2024;23(9 Suppl 1):s3–14. PMID 39231086.
- S26Hamie H, Yassine R, Shoukfeh R, Turk D, Huq F, Moossavi M. A review of the efficacy of popular eye cream ingredients. Int J Womens Dermatol 2024. PMID 38873621 · PMC11175953 · doi:10.1097/JW9.0000000000000156.
- S27Spada F, Harrison IP, Barnes TM, Greive KA, Daniels D, Townley JP, Mostafa N, Fong AT, Tong PL, Shumack S. A daily regimen of a ceramide-dominant moisturizing cream and cleanser restores the skin permeability barrier in adults with moderate eczema: A randomized trial. Dermatol Ther 2021;34(4):e14970. PMID 33984185 · PMC8459234 · doi:10.1111/dth.14970.
- S28Lynde CW, Andriessen A. A cohort study on a ceramide-containing cleanser and moisturizer used for atopic dermatitis. Cutis 2014;93(4):207–13. PMID 24818182.
- S29Wu Y, Wangari-Olivero J, Zhen Y. Compromised Skin Barrier and Sensitive Skin in Diverse Populations. J Drugs Dermatol 2021;20(4 Suppl):s17–s22. PMID 33852256 · doi:10.36849/JDD.2021.589c.
- S30Schachner L, Alexis A, Andriessen A, Baldwin H, Cork M, Kirsner R, Woolery-Lloyd H. The Importance of a Healthy Skin Barrier From the Cradle to the Grave Using Ceramide-Containing Cleansers and Moisturizers: A Review and Consensus. J Drugs Dermatol 2023;22(2 Suppl). PMID 36745380.
- S31Tanno O, Ota Y, Kitamura N, Katsube T, Inoue S. Nicotinamide increases biosynthesis of ceramides as well as other stratum corneum lipids to improve the epidermal permeability barrier. Br J Dermatol 2000;143(3). PMID 10971324.
- S32Rawlings AV, Davies A, Carlomusto M, Pillai S, Zhang K, Kosturko R, Verdejo P, Feinberg C, Nguyen L, Chandar P. Effect of lactic acid isomers on keratinocyte ceramide synthesis, stratum corneum lipid levels and stratum corneum barrier function. Arch Dermatol Res 1996;288(7):383–90. PMID 8818186 · doi:10.1007/BF02507107.
- S33Fartasch M, Teal J, Menon GK. Mode of action of glycolic acid on human stratum corneum: ultrastructural and functional evaluation of the epidermal barrier. Arch Dermatol Res 1997;289(7):404–9. PMID 9248619 · doi:10.1007/s004030050212.
- S34Chon SH, Tannahill R, Yao X, Southall MD, Pappas A. Keratinocyte differentiation and upregulation of ceramide synthesis induced by an oat lipid extract via the activation of PPAR pathways. Exp Dermatol 2015;24(4):290–5. PMID 25651930 · doi:10.1111/exd.12658.
- S35Anggraeni S, Umborowati MA, Damayanti D, Endaryanto A, Prakoeswa CRS. Role of Centella asiatica and ceramide in skin barrier improvement: a double blind clinical trial of Indonesian batik workers. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021;32(4):589–593. PMID 34214362 · doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0510.
- S36Danby SG, Brown K, Higgs-Bayliss T, Chittock J, Albenali L, Cork MJ. The Effect of an Emollient Containing Urea, Ceramide NP, and Lactate on Skin Barrier Structure and Function in Older People with Dry Skin. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2016;29(3):135–47. PMID 27251427 · doi:10.1159/000445955.
- S37Vender RB, Andriessen A, Barankin B, Freiman A, Kyritsis D, Mistos LM, Salsberg J, Amar L. Cohort Using a Ceramides Containing Cleanser and Cream With Salicylic Acid for Dry, Flaking, and Scaling Skin Conditions. J Drugs Dermatol 2019;18(1):80–85. PMID 30681802.
- S38Del Rosso JQ. Ceramide- and Keratolytic-containing Body Cleanser and Cream Application in Patients with Psoriasis: Outcomes from a Consumer Usage Study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2019;12(7). PMID 31531158.
- S39Tsuchiya S, Ichioka S, Sekiya N, Tajima S, Iwasaki T, Numata S. The effect of a hydrocolloid dressing containing ceramide-2 on split-thickness wounds in a laser-induced erosion model. Adv Skin Wound Care 2013;26(5):224–9. PMID 23591096 · doi:10.1097/01.ASW.0000428952.00149.77.
- S40Su Z, Zheng Y, Yi J, Lai W, Ye C. The Effectiveness and Safety of a Skin Care Product With Centella asiatica Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol in Subjects With Sensitive Skin: A Prospective, Observational Study. J Cosmet Dermatol 2025. PMID 40682399 · PMC12274965 · doi:10.1111/jocd.70324.
- S41National Rosacea Society. Prescription and OTC Products Can Work Together to Repair Skin Barrier Damage. Rosacea Review, Spring 2023. Treated as Tier 3 — the NRS is a Tier 1 body, but this is a patient newsletter summarising [23], and § Tier definitions holds that "a body's patient leaflet is not its guidance".
- S42Li M, Lynde C, Sibley C, Bernstein SC, Mathieu S, Guenther L, Dayeh NR, Tan J. A Multicentre Evaluation of a Ceramide-Containing Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser and Facial Moisturizing Lotion for Improving Topical Treatment Tolerability in Facial Acne. J Cutan Med Surg 2025;29(1_suppl):3S–13S. PMID 39835475 · doi:10.1177/12034754241304729.
