From Alia Bhatt to Mira Rajput Kapoor, this holy grail ingredient has got celebrities’ nod of approval. Ceramide – a perennial buzzword in the skincare biz – is your ticket to supple, resilient skin that can brave oxidative damage and ultraviolet radiation, among other external aggressors.
While ceramides can be incorporated into any part of your routine, they’re most commonly found in face creams and moisturisers to quench and repair the skin overnight. As for me, my skin cannot survive without one (psst, d’you’s hard-working formula is my ride-or-die). But before I delve into recs from the beauty editor’s desk, let’s take a moment to first discuss what ceramides actually do.
Why Are Ceramides Touted As A Skincare Hero?
Ceramides are essentially lipids or fatty acids that maintain the integrity of your skin barrier, prompting moisture retainment and shielding the epidermis from free radicals. With pollution at its peak and the perils of over-exfoliation, skin sensitivity is at an all-time high – necessitating skin barrier protection. Here’s where a topical ceramide formula comes in; a ceramide moisturiser can create an impenetrable barrier across the epidermis, curtailing water loss and sustaining hydration.
The Best Ceramide Moisturisers: A Skinvestment You Won’t Regret
I said it once and I'll say it again – I swear by this barrier-building skin food. Lightweight, albeit heavy-duty, this efficacious formula melts into the skin and reduces transepidermal water loss while neutralising oxidative damage. Two pumps of the product are enough to cover your entire face, so trust it to last a long while.
Come summer, oil-free moisturisers slowly emerge from the forgotten section of your shelf. Gabit’s high-performance formula maximises moisture, curbs pigmentation, and evens skin tone and texture. Also featuring niacinamide, superfoods, prebiotics, and probiotics, the creamy concoction is sure to make your skin barrier more resilient.
Supple, plump skin awaits you! Farmacy’s superior formulation intensely hydrates the skin, prepping and primping it for makeup application. Replenishing your epidermal barrier by 4x, it also soothes the skin and seals moisture, owing to potent plant-based ceramides and shea butter.
Meet this ultra-moisturising formula packed with ceramides, rice extracts, rice bran oil, nano ceramide water, and vegetable rice ceramide. Perfectly formulated to care for dry and flaky skin, it penetrates deep within, plumps, and helps prevent early signs of ageing. A 4.4 rating on Nykaa speaks for itself.
A medley of ceramide complex and bisabolol repairs, revitalises and heals the skin, boosting moisturisation and lending soothing properties. The dermatologically-tested, pH-balanced cream is suitable for sensitive skin types, boasting an innovative scientific formula that promises to strengthen your barrier.
A blessing during harsh winter months, CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream is a rich albeit non-greasy, non-comedogenic, fragrance and paraben-free skincare staple featuring a unique three-ceramide formula that continually releases hydrating agents for optimal skin health. Dermatologist-backed and kid-friendly, this one’s a no-brainer.
Boasting ceramide III B, cocoa butter, sodium hyaluronate, calendula extract, and squalane, this potent formulation comes packed in a spill-proof and travel-friendly, airless container, helping you top-up on hydration on the go. Plagued by severe dryness? Make this your pick.
This moisture-rich, creamy offering by The Ordinary is suitable for all skin types – formulated with twice the level of moisturising emollients to boost hydration by up to 68%. Plus, the inclusion of plant-derived phytoceramides helps improve skin quality, paving the way for a fresh, plumper appearance.
Applying a ceramide-infused moisturiser is one thing, but to leverage its full benefits, you must pair it with the correct ingredients. Look to couple ceramides with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and niacinamide, or active ingredients, including retinol and lactic acid.
