Ceramides: Skin’s natural barrier boost

Ceramides are skin-identical fats naturally found in the skin. They have an important role in keeping it healthy.

What are ceramides?

They’re a type of lipid (or fat) that helps hold skin cells together, supporting oil balance and helping maintain the protective barrier of the skin for a glowing complexion (1).

How ceramides help skin

You can think of ceramides like a kind of glue that keeps skin cells neatly in place. By holding everything together, they form a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss and shields skin from environmental stressors.

This is what helps skin feel soft and smooth (2).

Some ingredients, such as phytosphingosine and sphingolipids, also support ceramide levels. They essentially act as building blocks, encouraging the skin to produce more of its own ceramides over time.

Why skin needs more ceramides

In younger skin, ceramide levels are naturally higher. As we age and experience sun exposure, those levels gradually decline. This can leave skin feeling dry, tight, rough or more easily irritated.

That’s why skincare containing ceramides is recommended to replenish what the skin loses over time and supports a healthier barrier (3).

If you use drying acne treatments, or retinol products, ceramides can also be useful as part of your moisturisation routine to counteract any dryness.

Natural vs synthetic ceramides

Ceramides can be derived from plants, or created synthetically.

Plant-based ceramides mainly support hydration, while synthetic ceramides are also helpful in providing hydration and barrier support.

Plant oils used in skin care contain high levels of ceramides and essential fatty acids such as: jojoba oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil and hemp oil.

Key benefits of ceramides:

Strengthens the skin barrier by helping defend against pollutants, bacteria and environmental triggers.

Improves hydration by reducing moisture loss and supporting long-lasting softness (4).

Calms and soothes skin prone to redness, irritation and sensitivity.

Supports youthful-looking skin by helping maintain firmness and smooth texture.

Supports the performance of other skincare ingredients by supporting a healthy barrier.

Who should use ceramides?

Because ceramides naturally exist in the skin, they’re suitable for all skin types. This includes dry, oily, sensitive and (acne) breakout-prone skin. They’re also gentle enough for use around the eye area.

Ingredients ceramides work well with

Ceramides work best alongside other skin-identical ingredients such as amino acids, glycerine and cholesterol.

They also pair well with ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, linoleic acid and peptides.

The vitamin C – ceramide connection

Supplementing with vitamin C may help encourage ceramide production, but consistent moisturising remains key to skin barrier health.

Ceramide-rich formulas include humectants to hold moisture and plant oils to replenish lipids as the skin becomes dry (5).

Using ceramides with exfoliants

Ceramides can be used alongside AHA or BHA exfoliants.

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which can help ceramides absorb more easily and work more effectively within the skin.

How to protect your ceramide products

Many effective skincare ingredients are sensitive to light and air.

Ceramide products stored in opaque packaging or airtight pumps help protect the formula so it stays fresh and performs as intended.

How to spot ceramides in a skincare product

Ceramides are often listed clearly as ceramide AP, EOP, NG, NP or NS.

Ingredients such as phytosphingosine or sphingosine may also appear.

Key takeaways

Ultimately, ceramides support some of the skin’s most important functions by strengthening the skin barrier and supporting hydration.

Recommended products

Look for quality ceramide-rich cleansers, serums and moisturisers from leading natural beauty brands:

Ceramide Soufflé Fresh Hydration Cream by Antipodes

Isotonic Hydra Serum by OSKIA

Oatopia Barrier Repairing Cream Cleanser

Abloom Organic Supreme Skin Elixir