Ceramides: What They Are and Why Your Skin Needs Them

Dry, rough skin? Shopping for a moisturizer? If you’re on the hunt for hydrating skincare, you’ve probably noticed “ceramides” emblazoned across a label or two. Ceramides have become increasingly popular over the years for their restorative, barrier-building properties. But what are they—and what do they actually do? Ahead, we investigate the buzzy, derm-beloved ingredient.

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are a type of fat found naturally in human skin. They make up around 50% of your stratum corneum, aka the skin barrier—the protective outermost layer of your skin.

What do ceramides do?

Think of your skin barrier like a brick wall—if the bricks are your skin cells, ceramides are the mortar that holds the bricks together, forming a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and things like germs and pollutants out. As you can imagine, ceramides play an essential role in a healthy skin barrier, helping skin retain moisture and keeping it looking smooth, firm, and plump.

Who are ceramides best for?

As we age, our body produces fewer ceramides, which can lead to dryness, dehydration, sensitivity, acne, redness, wrinkles, and rough skin texture, and a number of skin conditions. Your ceramide levels can also take a hit from harsh weather, sun exposure, and overusing soaps and exfoliants. Ceramides are especially helpful for strengthening and restoring a compromised skin barrier. Because they’re found naturally in your skin, ceramides are ideal for all skin types.

Our favorite ceramide-powered skincare

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Glow Serum, $68

For an instant hydration infusion and major plumping properties, layer this hyaluronic acid serum under your go-to moisturizer or facial oil.

Allies of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm, $88

Our holy grail for inflamed, flaky, stressed-out skin. Damaged skin barriers soak up this creamy balm, which features ceramides, peptides, niacinamide, with zero irritating fragrance.

Good Molecules Rich Cream with Ceramides, $14

Your skin’s daily rescue, this moisturizer soothes dryness, calms redness, and supports the skin barrier with a cocoon of comfort that lasts all day.

Dr Barbara Sturm Ceramide Drops Face Oil, $160

Formulated with mature skin in mind, this multi-tasking skin booster features a skin-like ceramide complex to intensely hydrate and replenish moisture, while also repairing and strengthening the skin barrier.

Pretti5 Ceramide++++ Hydrating Treatment Mask, $54

Packed with Ceramide NG, Ceramide NP, and Ceramide AP, this potent anti-aging treatment mask fortifies the skin’s natural barrier, maintaining plumpness and warding off fine lines.

Jeffree Star Cosmetics Coffee + Ceramide Moisture Stick, $24

A coffee break with every swipe. Infused with ceramides and invigorating coffee oil, this multi-use stick targets dry spots with ease and locks in moisture where you need it most. Keep it handy for a quick skin boost—anytime, anywhere.

Herbivore Green Magic Cica + Ceramides Redness Reducing Serum, $48

If you’re searching for a fast-acting formula, look no further. This ultra-calming serum instantly reduces redness and visibly soothes stressed skin, supports a healthy skin barrier, and keeps skin nourished, moisturized, and hydrated.

Facile Destress Redness Calming Serum with Vitamin C & Ceramides, $38

Like a chill pill for stressed skin. Facile’s concentrated blend of barrier-repairing lipids helps reduce inflammation and build collagen, increases skin’s natural protective abilities, and brings life back to tired and overworked skin.

Nurain Alicharan contributed to this article. This article was originally published Apr 28, 2022, and last updated on June 18, 2026.