13 best ceramide products to strengthen and hydrate skin
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There are very few people who wouldn’t benefit from adding ceramides into their skincare routine – and judging by the data, we’re well aware of it. Google searches for ceramide serums and moisturisers have risen by over 5,000 per cent in the last month alone.
An essential component of a healthy skin barrier, ceramides are “a type of lipid, or fatty molecule, that occurs naturally in the skin, making up a large proportion of the outermost layer of the epidermis,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips. “They sit between skin cells, helping to lock moisture into the skin while keeping irritants and environmental stressors out.”
Put simply, they’re fundamental to how well the skin barrier functions. When we’re short on them, we may experience transepidermal water loss (or dehydration) and irritated or sensitive skin. “We lose ceramides as we age, while those with skin barrier diseases, such as eczema, will also have a shortage,” adds consultant dermatologist, Dr Mary Sommerlad.
The stronger and more robust our skin barrier, the more resilient and healthy our skin will look and feel. So adding in a great ceramide product is a no-brainer. Here’s what you need to know about the hero ingredient.
- Shop the best ceramide serums 2026
- How we test ceramide serums
- Why you can trust me
- Meet the experts
- What are ceramides?
- What are the benefits of using ceramides on your skin?
- What are the different types of ceramides?
- Who should use ceramides?
- Are there downsides to using ceramides?
- Can you use ceramide skincare everyday?
- Can you use ceramides with hyaluronic acid?
Meet the experts:
- Dr Derrick Phillips: CeraVe Consultant Dermatologist
- Dr Sonia Khorana: Cosmetic Doctor and Dermatology Expert
- Dr Mary Sommerlad: Consultant Dermatologist
What are ceramides?
As mentioned, ceramides occur naturally in the skin, but they benefit from being topped up. “If you think of your skin barrier as a brick wall, the skin cells (keratinocytes) are the bricks and the ceramides make up a significant portion of the mortar,” explains Dr Sommerlad. They are essential for maintaining skin hydration, preventing moisture loss, and protecting against environmental stressors.
While ceramides are beneficial for all skin types, some may reap greater rewards than others. “They are particularly helpful for dry or dehydrated skin, as they help restore and maintain moisture levels,” says Dr Phillips. “They can also benefit those with sensitive skin, eczema, or conditions involving a compromised skin barrier.”
How I tested ceramide products
All of the ceramide products that made the final grade were tested by me and the Glamour team. We trialled each one for at least a month – and in some cases, over several years — paying close attention to how they made our skin feel. Given ceramides’ ability to restore and strengthen the skin barrier, I also took detailed notes on how well they supported my skin after using active ingredients such as azelaic acid and tretinoin (courtesy of Klira), as well as following treatments like laser.
Why you can trust me
As a long-time beauty and wellness editor — and devoted ceramide user — I’ve been trialling ceramide-infused formulas for years. I was an early adopter of CeraVe, a brand built around ceramides, and I pay close attention to maintaining my skin barrier. As a result, I know exactly what works — and what doesn’t.
Scroll to view our edit of the best ceramide products to improve your skin barrier…
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Why we love it: True to its name, CeraVe is a brand built on the power of ceramides – and this ultra-hydrating serum is no exception. From its cult-favourite cleansers to this moisture-boosting formula, every product is thoughtfully infused with barrier-strengthening ceramides. This serum combines three essential ceramides with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to deeply hydrate, soothe and support the skin’s natural barrier. With its comforting cream-gel texture, skin feels instantly cushioned and replenished – especially when layered under a moisturiser, night cream or SPF.
GLAMOUR Tested: “I swear by CeraVe’s skincare. It’s not only affordable, but genuinely effective — and this serum is one of my favourites. With its richer texture compared to most hydrating serums, it’s perfect for days when your skin needs a little extra love. It has done me proud this winter.” — Hannah Coates
- Product type: Gel-cream facial serum
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, 3 essential ceramides, panthenol
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 30ml
Save big when shopping for ceramide serums using these Boots discount codes.
Why we love it: A saviour for stressed, sensitised or over-exfoliated skin, Dr Althea’s 147 Barrier Cream is a no-fuss moisturiser that feels like a hug to the skin. Brilliant at repairing the skin barrier, it is calming and soothing, making it ideal post-treatment or when skin isn’t playing ball.
- Product type: Moisturising cream
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, plant extracts
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 50ml
Why we love it: Hailey Bieber has become synonymous with a luminous glow — and she credits Glazing Milk as her secret. While a healthy lifestyle and a trusted facialist certainly play a part, this essence-meets-serum formula is beautifully crafted to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver a smooth, glazed finish. Ultra-lightweight and fast-absorbing, it’s the perfect prep step before make-up, too.
- Product type: Hydrating essence/milky serum
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid, mineral complex (magnesium, zinc and copper)
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 50ml
Save big when shopping for ceramide serums using these Boots discount codes.
Sunday Riley ICE Ceramide Moisturising Cream
Why we love it: Thick and sumptuous, Sunday Riley’s ICE is intensely hydrating and does a stellar job replenishing lost lipids while soothing dryness and discomfort. Best suited to those who love rich textures, it works deeply to restore stressed, tired or sensitised skin – leaving the complexion looking luminous, comforted and healthy.
GLAMOUR Tested: “I keep this formula close at hand for days when my skin has a freak-out and becomes dry and flaky. It’s brilliant. Best used at nighttime, it’s a rich formula that genuinely leaves skin looking healthy. I’m obsessed.” – Hannah Coates
- Product type: Intensive moisturising cream
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, coconut-derived emollients, botanical extracts
- Skin types it’s suitable for: Dry, very dry, sensitive and dehydrated skin
- Product size: 50g
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Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner
Why we love it: If typical serum textures aren’t your thing and you love toners, may we suggest this unique serum toner by Dr Jart? Hailing from the brand’s bestselling Ceramidin range, the goal of this one is to build up that struggling skin barrier. The ingredients list features ceramides and panthenol, and the milky texture is unbeatable, particularly for irritated skin that’s in need of soothing.
GLAMOUR Tested: “I've been using the Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum toner for the past month, having adored the brand's other Ceramidin products for ~time~. I love that it combines both the toning and serum application steps of my skincare routine into one, and have genuinely noticed a difference in how ”dewy" my complexion looks. I'd love if the bottle had a pump - the lid gets a little messy after a while - but considering how good the results are, I'll definitely be topping up." Senior European Commerce Editor, Sophie Cockett.
- Product type: Moisturising cream
- Key ingredients: Ceramidin Complex, panthenol, glycerin, shea butter
- Skin types it’s suitable for: Dry, very dry, sensitive and compromised – but all
- Product size: 50ml
Why we love it: Our skin cells get to work at night — and this ceramide-rich cream gives them a helping hand. Ideal for anyone using active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids, its rich, comforting formula helps strengthen the skin barrier while soothing stressed skin. By morning, you’ll wake up to a complexion that looks and feels noticeably calmer, smoother and more balanced. What’s not to love?
- Product type: Overnight moisturising cream
- Key ingredients: Multi-ceramide complex, peptides, lipids and emollients, antioixdants
- Skin types it’s suitable for: Dry, normal and sensitive skin
- Product size: 50ml
The Ordinary's Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Why we love it: For those experiencing sensitivity (particularly during changing seasons from warm to cold), this is a god-send. The soothing formula features a ceramide complex and 2% niacinamide to target redness and other irritation, leaving skin feeling healthier overall and ready to take on the day (no matter the weather!).
- Product type: Serum
- Key ingredients: Ceramide complex, niacinamide, centella asiatica, bisabolol
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 30ml
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum
Why we love it: If fine lines are your concern, or your skin needs an extra plumping hit, look no further than Elizabeth Arden’s capsules. The silky-smooth texture of the ceramide-packed serum inside works to renew and restore, and the (biodegradable) outer shell delivers the perfect dose each time, so no fuss or mess is required.
- Product type: Capsule serum
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, camellia oil, essential fatty acids
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 60 single use capsules
Save big when shopping for ceramide serums using these Amazon discount codes.
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Why we love it: If you struggle to know how much product to use, we suggest trying ceramide serum capsules, which give you the perfect amount every time. These ones deliver doses of sphingo-and-glycolipids, which help support your natural skin ceramide production. They are ultra-portable making them great for travel, and are made from seaweed so are fully compostable.
- Product type: Skin capsules
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, glycolipids, emollients
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 60 single use capsules
Save big when shopping for ceramide serums using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Drunk Elephant Ceramighty AF Eye Cream
Why we love it: For those enduring tired or dry eyes, this Drunk Elephant is a must-try. With a high concentration of ceramides alongside omega-rich plant oils, it’s a quick route to replenish the thin and delicate skin in the area. Expect bright eyes in no time.
- Product type: Eye cream
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, omega-lipid complex, oat extract, vitamin F
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 15ml
Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer
Why we love it: There’s nothing quite as good as a multitasking skincare product – not only does it save on time but on budget too. This clever formula is the ultimate morning product, quenching dry skin’s thirst while refreshing and delivering a naturally dewy finish. Perfect beneath SPF and make-up, it’s enriched with ceramides and peptides to help lock in moisture and improve skin texture over time.
- Product type: Toner/moisturiser hybrid
- Key ingredients: Cerapeptide, ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 170ml
Nip+Fab Ceramide Fix Serum 12%
Why we love it: As well as a 5% ceramide complex, this serum has an impressive line-up of other skin-loving ingredients. We’re talking niacinamide, azelaic acid and glycerin, which when used together, result in soothed, calm, hydrated skin with a stronger outer barrier. At under £20, this therefore gives you extra bang for your buck.
GLAMOUR Tested: “For a sub-£20 price tag, this serum should not be as good as it is. It's so silky in texture, applies like a dream, smooths the appearance of pores (making it great for wearing under foundation) and leaves my skin feeling insanely hydrated. I pair it with the brand's Ceramide Moisturiser and find them to be a powerhouse of a duo.” Senior European Commerce Editor, Sophie Cockett.
- Product type: Serum
- Key ingredients: Ceramide complex, niacinamide, azelaic acid, glycerin
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 50ml
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Why we love it: As with all of The Inkey List’s products, this serum is no-frills and does what it says on the tin (read: tube). It contains a replenishing 3% ceramide complex, and is designed to be used at night so that skin can recover and re-hydrate as you sleep. The newer packaging is also recyclable, making it a better buy for the planet, as well as your skin.
- Product type: Serum
- Key ingredients: Ceramide complex, hyaluronc acid, glycerin, squalane
- Skin types it’s suitable for: All
- Product size: 30ml
FAQ's
What are the benefits of using ceramides on your skin?
When we replenish our ceramide levels, skin is better able to retain moisture, is more resilient to irritation and less prone to inflammation, dryness and sensitivity. “The skin barrier is the body’s first line of defence, protecting against environmental stressors such as bacteria, viruses, pollutants and chemicals, while also preventing excessive moisture loss,” says Dr Phillips.
What are the different types of ceramides?
Ceramides are categorised according to their molecular structure and are typically numbered, explains Dr Sommerlad. “Ceramides 1, 2, 3 and 6–11 are particularly well researched and effective when it comes to maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier in low-reactive, well-hydrated skin,” she says. “However, labelling in skincare isn’t always uniform or transparent, so I’d recommend looking for products that contain a combination of ceramides.”
Who should use ceramides?
While anyone can benefit from using ceramides, they are particularly useful for those with dry skin conditions such as eczema; anyone seeking plumper, more radiant skin – for which a strong skin barrier is essential; those with mature skin; and people prone to irritation. “Easily irritated skin is a sign of a compromised skin barrier,” adds Dr Sommerlad.
Are there downsides to using ceramides?
Ceramides are generally very well tolerated and considered among the safest skincare ingredients for most skin types. “They are unlikely to cause irritation themselves, although sensitivity can occasionally occur due to other ingredients in a formula,” says Dr Phillips. Dr Sommerlad agrees, adding that those who are blemish-prone or experiencing perioral dermatitis should avoid rich, heavy ceramide creams, as overuse can lead to congestion.
Can you use ceramide skincare every day?
Yes. Because ceramides support and strengthen the skin barrier, they are safe to use daily – and even twice a day – or more often if your skin needs extra support.
Can you use ceramides with hyaluronic acid?
“Ceramides are a fantastic partner to hyaluronic acid, helping to create a strong skin barrier that prevents excessive water loss and leaves skin looking luminous and plump,” says Dr Sommerlad. “Both are also unlikely to trigger breakouts or cause irritation.”
In fact, ceramides pair well with most skincare ingredients. Alongside humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, Dr Phillips notes that niacinamide is another particularly complementary ingredient. “It supports the skin’s natural ceramide production and helps reduce redness, making it an especially good pairing for sensitive or acne-prone skin,” she says.
