The 7 Best Ceramide Moisturizers, According to Dermatologists

We tested expert-approved picks for improved dryness and skin barrier health.

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Best Ceramide Moisturizers

Verywell Health / David Hattan

Ceramides are naturally occurring in the skin and mimic the natural components in skin, making them super effective. There are a few different types of ceramides, but they work pretty much the same to restore lipid (moisture) levels and support healthy skin barrier function. 

Since skin barrier function is universally important, ceramides in skin care can benefit all skin types and conditions, says Rhonda Klein, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut. Those with skin prone to dryness, eczema, psoriasis, or the signs of aging may benefit most from using a ceramide moisturizer, she adds, but everyone can (and should) incorporate them.

Since ceramides are a type of lipid, using them in your moisturizer is a great way to round out your skincare routine and lock in hydration. When looking for a ceramide moisturizer, our panel of dermatologists recommend looking for one that’s suitable for your skin type and tailored to your concerns. Ceramides themselves are generally well tolerated by all skin types, but other ingredients, such as oils and potentially irritants, could be deal breakers, for example. So, don’t forget to take a look at the full ingredients list to make sure your skin approves.

To find the best ceramide moisturizers, we consulted board-certified dermatologists and tested their recommendations in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home for up to four weeks. We reviewed our picks based on their consistency, absorption, hydration, and appearance. After hands-on testing and gaining dermatologist approval, here are the best ceramide moisturizers for all skin types.

Best Overall

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer with Ceramides

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Feel/Consistency
    3/5
  • Absorption
    3/5
  • Dryness
    4/5
  • Appearance
    4/5
  • Value
    3/5
Pros
  • Thick consistency

  • Gives skin a plump, glowy appearance

  • A little goes a long way

Cons
  • Takes a while to absorb into the skin

  • Leaves a slightly greasy finish

Dry skin calls for a thick, heavy moisturizer, and our top pick delivers exactly that. The Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream contains what Dr. Klein considers the three “hero” ceramides—AP, EOP, and NP—along with a blend of African oils and a plant-derived lipid for triple the moisture. She recommends it for those combating dryness, and after testing it ourselves, we concur.


Since it’s a whipped moisturizer, we were expecting a lighter consistency but were pleasantly surprised to find it goes on thick. We found that it can take a while to fully absorb into the skin, but it goes a long way, so you only need a little bit. Given its lineup of moisturizing ingredients, we weren’t surprised that it instantly hydrates the skin and gives the complexion a dewy, glowy appearance. At times, it felt a little greasy, especially amid humid weather, but our editor with combination skin loved how it felt.

Key Specs: 
Size:
1.69 oz | Ceramide Type: Ceramides AP, EOP, NP | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, African oils, phytosphingosine | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Moisture Boost Cream

BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream

Ulta

Our Ratings
  • Feel
    4.9/5
  • Absorption
    4.9/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
  • Appearance
    5/5
Pros
  • Fragrance-free

  • Gel-cream texture

  • Absorbs quickly

Cons
  • Feels slightly greasy at first

  • May pill when used with other products

People with oily, acne-prone skin sometimes fear moisturizers, thinking they could worsen breakouts. Excessive oiliness is often caused by dehydrated skin, so using a moisturizer with humectants can help balance moisture levels. “This is a great choice for acne-prone skin,” Dr. Klein says, noting that the gel-cream formula is lightweight and won’t add shine to oily skin types. Reishi mushroom extract also helps soothe and reduce redness, adds Dr. Klein.

Our editor with combination skin noticed an immediate increase in skin hydration and fewer breakouts and rough patches over time. It goes on thick and a little greasy, we found, but it absorbs quickly and doesn’t take long to rub in. Once it’s absorbed, it feels comfortable on the skin, though it may pill when layered with other products.

Key Specs: 
Size:
1.7 oz | Ceramide Type: Ceramide 2 | Key Ingredients: Ceramide 2, hyaluronic acid, probiotics, reishi mushroom extract | Skin Type: All skin types

Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV With SPF 30

Walgreens

Our Ratings
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Absorption
    4/5
  • Wear
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
  • Appearance
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Layers well under makeup

  • Fragrance-free

  • Contains SPF

Cons
  • Has a slight sunscreen smell

  • Can leave skin looking shiny

Daily sunscreen is a must, but if you want to simplify your morning routine, look for a ceramide moisturizer with added SPF like this one from La Roche-Posay. “I like this one a lot for morning routines,” says Dr. Klein, adding that the SPF 30 is great for everyday use. Since it contains sunscreen ingredients, we noticed a slight sunscreen smell, but it was light and didn’t linger throughout the day.

Compared to other ceramide moisturizers, this one has a lighter consistency, which makes for a nice base layer under makeup. But the lightweight texture didn’t translate to less hydration. The blend of ceramide NP, niacinamide, and glycerin increases skin hydration, and left our editor’s dry skin feeling noticeably smoother and more supple. Free of oils, parabens, and added fragrances, it’s suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Our editor with sensitive skin didn’t experience any negative reactions after using this moisturizer.

Key Specs: 
Size:
3.38 oz | Ceramide Type: Ceramide NP | Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, niacinamide, glycerin | Skin Type: All skin types

Best for Combination Skin

Aestura AtoBarrier365 Lotion

Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Lotion (light)

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Feel
    5/5
  • Absorption
    4.8/5
  • Wear
    4.7/5
  • Hydration
    4.9/5
  • Appearance
    4.9/5
Pros
  • Budget-friendly

  • Spreads easily

  • Lightweight

Cons
  • It’s a lotion, not a cream

  • Slightly runny

Ceramide moisturizers tend to have a thicker, richer consistency, and dry skin types soak it up. But for those with oily or combination skin, a lighter lotion does the trick without feeling greasy or heavy. Gabriela Soza, MD, FAAD, a New York City-based board certified dermatologist, recommends this moisturizer for many skin types since it contains ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids to help skin repair itself. 

Our editor with combination and eczema-prone skin gave this ceramide lotion a nearly perfect rating. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves skin feeling more hydrated and nourished. It also helped soothe and soften our eczema-prone editor’s dry patches. Since it’s a lotion, it won’t moisturize as intensely as a cream, but depending on your skin type, that might be what’s right for you. We also found the texture slightly runny, but it left our editor’s skin looking like glass, so we can’t complain too much.

Key Specs: 
Size:
5.07 fl. oz | Ceramide Type: Not listed | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, squalane, glycerin | Skin Type: Normal, dry

Best for Glowy Skin

Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream

Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Feel
    4.9/5
  • Absorption
    4.9/5
  • Wear
    4.3/5
  • Hydration
    4.9/5
  • Appearance
    4.7/5
Pros
  • Feels weightless on skin

  • Oil-free formula

  • Increases firmness

Cons
  • May not be suitable for sensitive skin

  • Pricey

When we asked dermatologists for their top picks, this peptide cream from Shani Darden came up multiple times. It contains a nice blend of actives, humectants, and emollients that pull water into the skin and maintain the skin’s moisture levels, explains Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto, Canada.

It has a consistency somewhere in between thick and lightweight, and our editor with dry, dehydrated skin was pleasantly surprised at this cream’s performance. Once applied, it feels weightless, so it should make for a smooth base layer under makeup. Skin drinks it up immediately, and after weeks of testing, it left our editor’s dry skin feeling hydrated and looking glowy. 

Since it’s jam-packed with active ingredients, this moisturizer may not play well with sensitive skin, however. Active ingredients like niacinamide and lactic acid, which both make appearances in this cream, tend to cause irritation in some skin types. If you have sensitive skin, it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test first.

Key Specs: 
Size:
2.5 oz | Ceramide Type: Ceramide NG | Key Ingredients: Ceramide NG, peptides, squalane | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Best Lightweight

belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

A jar of belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Feel
    4.3/5
  • Absorption
    3.9/5
  • Wear
    4/5
  • Hydration
    4.8/5
  • Appearance
    4.4/5
Pros
  • Feels cool on the skin

  • Doesn’t leave a greasy sheen

  • Absorbs quickly

Cons
  • Contains naturally derived fragrance

  • Leaves a slight residue

A gel cream like this one is ideal for those with oily skin or for times that call for a lightweight moisturizer, such as during summer days, explains Dr. Yadav. Despite its lighter consistency, it still packs a moisturizing punch with powerhouse ingredients like ceramides and squalane, which help prevent moisture loss, she adds.

When we put it to the test, we noticed an immediate difference in skin hydration. It goes on smoothly and we liked that it felt cooling on the skin. While it left a slight residue, it was worth it for the uptick in hydration. Our only gripe is that it contains fragrance and even has an unnatural blue color, which was a turn-off for our editor who tends to prefer more natural formulas.

Key Specs: 
Size:
1.68 oz | Ceramide Type: Ceramide 3 | Key Ingredients: Ceramide 3, glycerin, lady’s mantle | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

Best Thick

Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer

Eadem Cloud Cushion Moisturizer

Sephora

Our Ratings
  • Feel
    4.9/5
  • Absorption
    4.8/5
  • Wear
    4/5
  • Hydration
    4.8/5
  • Appearance
    4.8/5
Pros
  • Tailored to melanin-rich skin

  • Contains antioxidants for brightness

  • Increases firmness

Cons
  • Can leave skin looking shiny

  • Slightly tacky

We found that most ceramide moisturizers contain one or two types of ceramides, but this one contains three—ceramides AP, EOP, and NP (the same trio as our top pick). These three ceramides work together synergistically in this cream to moisturize and protect the skin barrier, says Brittany Oliver, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Overland Park, Kansas.

With a clean ingredient list, this moisturizer was well tolerated by our editor who has sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly, leaves skin feeling hydrated, and gives skin a dewy appearance. Though it goes on thick and slightly tacky, it dries down into a lightweight, satin finish. It gives the skin an almost “filter-like” appearance, our editor said. 

It’s also formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin, so it brightens with ingredients that are compatible with skin of color, such as niacinamide.

Key Specs: 
Size:
1.69 oz | Ceramide Type: Ceramides AP, EOP, NP | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, niacinamide | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily

How We Rated the Ceramide Moisturizers

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best ceramide moisturizers we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars:
These ceramide moisturizers are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars:
We think these are great ceramide moisturizers, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars:
These ceramide moisturizers are just average.
3.4 and below:
We don't recommend ceramide moisturizers with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Tested the Best Ceramide Moisturizers

To find the best ceramide moisturizers, we tested them in The Verywell Testing Lab and in the real world. 

In the lab, we evenly distributed a nickel-sized amount of each moisturizer across our face, allowing it to fully absorb for about 10 minutes. Using a piece of blotting paper, we blotted the forehead, cheeks, and chin to note if the moisturizer left any greasy residue or if there was a transfer of product. We also dispensed a nickel-sized amount of moisturizer onto a fresh piece of blotting paper. After 10 minutes, we took note of how it sat on the blotting paper. 

To test each moisturizer’s spreadability, we used a spatula to spread each cream or lotion on a plastic tray. We then used a makeup sponge to try to absorb the moisturizer from the tray, noting how long it took for the moisturizer to fully absorb.

Outside of the lab, we tested each moisturizer for four weeks by applying it as the last step of our normal skincare routines and continuing with our usual activities. Prior to applying each moisturizer, we measured the moisture level on our clean skin using a moisture reader and then took moisture readings at the end to compare.

We also spoke to the following experts:

What to Look for in a Ceramide Moisturizer

What Are Ceramides? 

Ceramides are lipids that are naturally found in the skin and used synthetically in skin care products like cleansers, serums, and moisturizers. These lipids account for roughly half of the outermost layer of skin called the epidermis or stratum corneum.

The epidermis is also known as the skin barrier because it ensures that harmful substances stay on the outside while also preventing a process called transepidermal water loss that leads to dry skin, explains Dr. Oliver. This explains why ceramides are often recommended for people with dry skin, but ceramides can also be helpful for those with aging skin or even inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, Dr. Oliver adds.

Though ceramides are most commonly associated with improving dryness and skin barrier function, anyone can use and benefit from them. In mature skin, ceramides help retain moisture, giving skin a more firm, plump appearance. Since they’re skin-replenishing ingredients, they can help reduce redness and irritation in sensitive skin. 

Ultimately, ceramides keep external invaders away while keeping moisture sealed in to encourage skin that looks and feels healthy and soft.

How to Use a Ceramide Moisturizer

Before using a ceramide moisturizer, make sure your skin is clean and treated with any toners or serums you choose to use. You can use a ceramide moisturizer as needed, which is about twice per day for most people, Dr. Oliver says. 

You should always apply your skin care products in order from lightest to heaviest, suggests Dr. Klein. In most routines, a ceramide moisturizer will be the final product or near the end of your regimen. 

A moisturizer is generally the last step of most skin care routines since its job is to seal in moisture. However, there are some exceptions. During the daytime, you can use a moisturizer after cleansing but before applying sunscreen. The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 contains sunscreen, so it would be the final step in your daytime routine. In the evening, you can apply facial oils after moisturizing with ceramides.

Ceramide Type 

Ceramides occur naturally in the skin, but synthetic ceramides are used in skin care products. They also tend to be more stable. 

The most common ceramides used in skin care include:

  • Ceramide NP (aka ceramide 3)
  • Ceramide EOS (aka ceramide 1)
  • Ceramide AP (aka ceramide 6–11)

Though they have chemical differences, they all offer similar benefits to the skin, Dr. Klein says. Among these three, one isn’t necessarily better than the others.

Since ceramides complement one another, Dr. Oliver recommends looking for a moisturizer that contains more than one type of ceramide. Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream and EADEM’s Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer with Ceramides + Peptides each contain all three main types of ceramides for triple the potency.

Key Ingredients

Ceramides may be the hero ingredients of these moisturizers, but other active ingredients can help signal that a cream or lotion is more suitable for your skin type and concerns.

To keep the moisturizing benefits going, Dr. Yadav says to look for other emollients. These help moisturize and nourish the skin, she says. Squalane is one of her favorite emollients that mimics the skin’s natural oils, and it’s a key ingredient in the Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream.

Other moisturizing ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, cholesterol, and peptides, says Dr. Klein. Fortunately, all of them can be found in the Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream. Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw water into the skin while fatty acids like ceramides and cholesterol support skin barrier function. Peptides are best for those looking for anti-aging ingredients since they increase firmness and plumpness.

Our dermatologists also recommend antioxidants such as vitamin C and niacinamide. These can give skin a brighter appearance while also fending off damaging free radicals.

Skin Type

If there’s one thing our dermatologists want you to know, it’s that anyone—regardless of skin type or condition—can benefit from using a ceramide moisturizer. “There’s no real reason to not use a ceramide moisturizer,” says Dr. Soza, adding that they’re especially beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin. However, certain types of moisturizers are best for specific skin types based on their consistency and ingredient lists. 

Those with dry, dehydrated skin will benefit most from a thick cream packed with hydrators, such as the EADEM Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer with Ceramides + Peptides. Formulated with fatty acids and plant-derived oils, the Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Ceramide Lotion also improves dryness.

An oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer is likely more tolerable for those with oily, acne-prone skin, Dr. Klein says. A lightweight gel like the belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer With Squalane hydrates oily skin without feeling heavy on the skin. For those prone to breakouts, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 is free of oils and pore-clogging ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is ceramide-based moisturizer good for you?

    Ceramide-based moisturizers support skin barrier health, which is beneficial for everyone, regardless of skin type. Since they mimic components found naturally in the skin, ceramides are good for all types of skin.

  • Is ceramide similar to CeraVe?

    CeraVe famously uses ceramides in its skin care products, but ceramides aren’t exclusive to the brand. Many brands also use ceramides in their formulas to increase moisture in the skin and support skin barrier function.

  • What are the 3 main ceramides?

    The three main ceramides include ceramide NP, ceramide EOS, and ceramide AP. They’re chemically different but work similarly to benefit the skin. The different types of ceramides complement each other, so dermatologists recommend looking for a moisturizer that contains multiple ceramides.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Lacey Muinos is a wellness writer who specializes in skin care and skin health. After interviewing dozens of dermatologists throughout her career, she has based her personal skin care routine around moisturizing ingredients that support skin barrier function. Along with niacinamide, vitamin C, and squalane, ceramides are one of her favorite active ingredients. Her favorite serum and moisturizer both contain ceramides, which she attributes to keeping her combination skin balanced.

1 Source
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  1. Cleveland Clinic. What do ceramides do for your skin?