lipid

Ceramides

Evidencestrong · Tier 1Irritation riskVery lowEffective range0.1–5%In products1,661

Structural lipids of the stratum corneum lamellar bodies (50% of SC lipids). Topical ceramides restore the bilayer lipid matrix, reduce TEWL, and normalise barrier function lost to ageing or eczema.

Concerns it helps

ConcernStrengthStudiesWhat the research says
DrynessRelevant6RCT in pediatric AD (n=24, ages 2-9): ceramide-dominant barrier repair lipid applied for 12 weeks significantly improved SCORAD scores (p<0.01), reduced TEWL, and normalized stratum corneum lamellar structure on…
Fine lines & wrinklesRelevantAuto-proposed from evidence_summary keywords — REVIEW.

No known conflictsCeramides isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.

Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.

The research

Ceramides is a lipid backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 11 studies for it, 8 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 0.1–5% in a formulation.

Read the research — 11 studies

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2002 · rct · n=24

RCT in pediatric AD (n=24, ages 2-9): ceramide-dominant barrier repair lipid applied for 12 weeks significantly improved SCORAD scores (p<0.01), reduced TEWL, and normalized stratum corneum lamellar structure on electron microscopy; parents reported reduced pruritus and sleep disturbance

Dermatologic Therapy · 2021 · rct

Randomized controlled trial (4 weeks): MODERN adult eczema RCT demonstrating TEWL and hydration improvement with ceramide dominant moisturizer plus cleanser vs placebo; patient satisfaction significantly higher for itch dryness softness smoothness; complements pediatric evidence base with adult data.

Acta Dermato-Venereologica · 1998 · observational · n=38

Lipid analysis of 47 atopic dermatitis patients vs 20 controls: ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 were significantly reduced and cholesterol raised in AD skin, lowering the ceramide/cholesterol ratio; ceramide 3 reduction correlated with TEWL impairment and non-lesional skin showed intermediate values, linking ceramide deficiency to barrier dysfunction.

Nonsteroidal treatment of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients with a ceramide-dominant topical emulsion formulated with an optimized ratio of physiological lipids

Q40

Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology · 2011 · observational · n=59

Clinical study (n=59, 3 weeks): Pediatric subgroup analysis; 58% achieved Investigator Global Assessment clear or almost clear at 3 weeks; supports pediatric efficacy.

+ 5 more studies in our evidence base.

Products with Ceramides

In 1,661 products — most often moisturizers (583), serums (517), cleansers (154), from $3.00 to $550.45. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.

10 of 24
Caudalie

Caudalie

Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Refillable Moisturiser with Bio-Ceramides 50ml

Moisturizer

$107.9550ml · $2.16/ml

★★★★★4.9(958)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisRosaceaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Caudalie Premier Cru Skin Barrier Rich Refillable Moisturiser with Bio-Ceramides 50ml is a antioxidant serum by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Nip + Fab

Nip + Fab

NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Base Build Moisture Milk 8% 125ml

Moisturizer

$38.04125ml · $0.30/ml

★★★★★4.8(701)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantRedness & sensitivity
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation
  • RelevantUneven tone & radiance

NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Base Build Moisture Milk 8% 125ml is a barrier moisturiser by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Niacinamide, Glycerin, Dimethicone.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Nip + Fab

Nip + Fab

NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Serum 12% 50ml

Serum

$37.0850ml · $0.74/ml

★★★★★4.8(578)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation
  • StrongUneven tone & radiance

NIP+FAB Ceramide Fix Serum 12% 50ml is a brightening serum by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Nip + Fab

Nip + Fab

NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Overnight Treatment Cream 3% 50ml

Moisturizer

$38.0450ml · $0.76/ml

★★★★★4.8(724)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation
  • RelevantLoss of firmness

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisMelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasisRosaceaPerioral Dermatitis

NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Overnight Treatment Cream 3% 50ml is a retinoid treatment by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Eucerin

Eucerin

Eucerin Atocontrol Balm 200ml

Moisturizer

$21.34200ml · $0.11/ml

★★★★★4.8(498)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Eucerin Atocontrol Balm 200ml is a antioxidant serum by Eucerin. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Shea Butter.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
SkinMedica

SkinMedica

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.)

Serum

$96.0029.6ml · $3.25/ml

★★★★★4.8(766)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantRedness & sensitivity

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasis

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 (1 fl. oz.) is a retinoid treatment by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
SkinMedica

SkinMedica

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.)

Serum

$64.0029.6ml · $2.16/ml

★★★★★4.8(556)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantRedness & sensitivity

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasis

SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 0.25 (1 fl. oz.) is a retinoid treatment by SkinMedica. Key ingredients include Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Squalane.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum 90 Capsules

Serum

$125.73

★★★★★4.8(978)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantLoss of firmness
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasis

Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum 90 Capsules is a retinoid treatment by Elizabeth Arden. Key ingredients include Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile
Perricone MD

Perricone MD

Perricone MD Neuropeptide Pro-Strength Firming Moisturiser

Moisturizer – for Dryness, Redness & sensitivity

$175.26

★★★★★4.8(984)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma
Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum 60 Capsules

Serum

$107.95

★★★★★4.8(977)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantLoss of firmness
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasis

Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum 60 Capsules is a retinoid treatment by Elizabeth Arden. Key ingredients include Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate.

Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin

Set up your skin profile

Educational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.