I tried Elizabeth Arden's advanced ceramide capsules – here's my verdict

The single-dose capsules enclose a potent oil-serum that hydrates and soothes the skin while minimising water loss. This ensures the ingredients are protected from light and air, keeping them stable and potent.

The brand has done clinical testing for this product in the US, and found that 100% of the women saw an improvement in the luminosity, skin radiance and overall appearance of their skin, after 12 weeks of daily use.

“The capsules are elegant and potentially more stable, but not inherently more effective than a well-formulated bottled ceramide serum or cream at a similar lipid profile,” said Dr. Ewa Kania.

The capsule concept is really interesting as it is meant to keep the product fresh and potent for longer, plus it’s great for travelling or on-the-go. The product in each capsule is enough for the face and neck, so no more guessing on how much you need to use.

Plus, the capsules are 100% biodegradable, created using vegetable and mineral-based materials!

The key ingredient is the ceramide complex, which includes ceramides 1, 3 and 6, to protect the skin’s barrier and minimise water loss. There are a few other essential lipids in this product that are naturally found in our skin, like; cholesterol and phytosphingosine, with reparative and moisturising benefits. Plus a botanical complex (lipids from olive and alfalfa extract), that smooths and hydrates.

Also, tsubaki oil (derived from the camellia flower) is high in essential fatty acids like Omega-6 and Omega-9, improving elasticity and moisturising the skin.

Though ceramide creams or serums aren’t essential for everyone, if you experience dryness, sensitivity, visible ageing or frequently use retinoids or acids, they can be helpful as part of your ‘core’ routine, explained Dr. Ewa Kania. They work well with retinoids, AHA or BHA and vitamin C serums.

To note, this product contains silicones and botanical extracts, so if your skin is very oily, highly acne-prone or you have sensitivity to fragrance (even naturally occurring), you might want to give this a miss.

“You may find the rich ester and oil base (e.g. isopropyl myristate, coconut oil) too heavy. Also, those with known sensitivity to silicones, coconut derivatives or fragrance-like botanical extracts should patch test or avoid, even though the capsules are marketed as fragrance and preservative-free,” said Dr. Ewa Kania.

I tested the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Capsules for two weeks, applying one capsule after cleansing and before my moisturiser. I always use sunscreen in the morning.

Initially, I started by applying one capsule in the morning and one in the evening, but as I have combination skin, I decided to skip the morning one and apply it only at night.

Its texture is on the oily side, and I find this to be too heavy for my skin in the daytime. However, using this at night left my skin feeling plump and glowing by morning.

I’m a beauty journalist and qualified facialist with over a decade of experience in the field. I love testing out products and reviewing them, authentically and honestly. I’ve thoroughly reviewed beauty tech, skincare and makeup for publications like Glamour, IndyBest, Cosmopolitan, HuffPost US and others.

As someone who has had acne since my teens, I know the journey to skin health isn’t linear nor easy. I focus on long-term results rather than ‘quick’ fixes or TikTok beauty hacks.

In the morning, after cleansing my skin, I apply one capsule with my fingers. The capsules are easy to open, just twist around the tab and squeeze the product out. Each capsule contains enough product for the face and neck. I follow with a moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen. After trialling the product for a few days, I decided to skip the morning application as I have combination skin and the product is oil-based.

In the evening, I follow a similar process, applying the capsule as my final serum step, post double cleansing. I don’t apply anything else afterwards.

As with most skincare products, results aren’t immediate, though you can see your skin feeling smoother and more moisturised within a few days.

"Often the skin feels softer and more supple within days of regular use as water loss is reduced. Then dryness, roughness and fine lines typically improve over four to eight weeks of consistent daily use,” said Dr. Ewa Kania.

These capsules certainly work. However, some of the ingredients feel a little heavy for my acne-prone, combination skin. These will be ideal for those of you with dry skin.

I wish each capsule contained slightly more product, which could be applied more generously on the décolletage.

“Ceramides are part of a long game; they are not a quick fix glow product but a foundational, barrier-building step that makes every other active in the routine work better and more comfortably over time” said Dr. Ewa Kania.