12 of the best ceramide products to try for healthier, glowing skin
Rachael Martin
Beauty & Skincare
Reading time: 6 minutes
From "what are ceramides?" to "what are the best ceramide moisturisers?" we’ve got the answers to your most-searched questions
Ceramides. If you’re not yet acquainted with them, then consider this your introduction. If you’re a TikTok fan (raises hand) then chances are you’ll be somewhat familiar with the wonder skincare ingredient already. From the viral sensation which is Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream to Sali Hughes’ new range with Revolution Beauty (more on this later), it’s the ingredient that beauty buffs and skincare experts swear by.
Fancy getting in on the hype? Us too, so we’ve enlisted the help of Dr Sonia Khorana, a GP with a special interest in dermatology, to provide the answers to our most pressing questions about the buzzy ingredient.
Scroll on to find out why you need them, alongside 12 of the best ceramide skin products you can get right here at boots.com.
What are ceramides?
So let’s start by getting to the bottom of what ceramides actually are.
"Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids (fats) found in our skin," explains Dr Khorana. "They help make up the lipids in the top layer of skin (the stratum corneum), along with cholesterol and free fatty acids." They play an important role in the structure and barrier function of the skin by helping the skin retain moisture and protect the skin from exposure to environmental aggressors.
A helpful way to think of them?
"Like the grout between your skin cell tiles," adds Dr Khorana.
What do ceramides do in skincare?
As we’ve already established, our skin is already made up of ceramides however, much like collagen, these fatty acids deplete as we age, often resulting in duller skin.
Ceramides can be useful to incorporate into your skincare routine as ceramide production tends to decrease after the age of 40, and there’s evidence that they mimic the skin’s own natural moisturising systems and help boost the skin’s barrier.
"They help to hydrate skin by sealing in moisture," says Dr Khorana. "This can help to keep your complexion looking healthy, firm, and plump, and may also help minimise the appearance of fine lines."
Who can benefit from ceramide skincare?
"In particular, mature, dry and sensitive skin types can benefit from ceramide-containing products," Dr Khorana highlights. "But since ceramides are a naturally occurring lipid found within the skin, they're safe and well suited for use on all skin types."
Consider ceramides your beauty ingredient all-rounder.
How can you spot ceramides in skincare?
The reality is skincare packaging is never quite as clear as it could be. While scanning for the word "ceramide" might be an obvious clue, Dr Khorana suggests we also look out for labels that state "phospholipids" and "sphingosine/sphingolipids," which are, essentially, fancy words for ceramides.
Can ceramides be combined with actives?
Getting to grips with actives can be tricky, but Dr Khorana assures us that they can be teamed together with ceramides pretty harmoniously.
"Ceramides work well to minimise irritation, so pairing them with an active ingredient like retinol, vitamin C or AHA/BHA exfoliants is a good idea. They’re particularly great when paired with hyaluronic acid, which is more of a humectant (meaning it pulls moisture in), niacinamide and glycerin."
12 of the best ceramide skincare products available at Boots.com
From ceramide moisturisers to ceramide eye creams, here are 12 of Team H&B’s favourite ceramide products.
Best ceramide moisturiser for dry skin
Try: Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Drench Rich Anytime Moisturiser
• Size: 50ml
• Silicone-free
• Cruelty-free
• Suitable for vegans
When we heard that beauty expert Sali Hughes had released "a simple, low-maintenance but active routine for busy beauty lovers" we couldn’t have been more excited. This nourishing moisturiser is brimming with skin-loving ingredients, from calming niacinamide to the hero hydrater that is hyaluronic acid. And not forgetting those barrier-supporting ceramides. What a dream.
Best ceramide cream for menopausal skin
Try: No7 Menopause Skincare Nourishing Overnight Cream
• Size: 50ml
• Co-created with over 7,000 menopausal women
In need of a skincare boost? Us too, which is why we’re reaching for this nourishing ceramide overnight cream by No7. Created with the skin needs of menopausal women in mind, sweep across a clean complexion to help hydrate and provide soothing nourishment.
Best ceramide cream for dry or dehydrated skin
Try: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
• Size: 50ml
• Dermatologist tested
A TikTok favourite, this nourishing cream is a dream for locking in moisture, especially for drier or more dehydrated complexions. You can also apply under make-up for a smoother, glowing look. No wonder it’s gone viral!
Best ceramide face spray
Try: Curél Deep Moisture Spray for Dry, Sensitive Skin
• Size: 150ml
• pH balanced
• Fragrance-free
• Colourant-free
• Alcohol-free
Ideal for a light moisturising instant hit of hydration on the go, this replenishing ceramide spray is ultra-fine and very gentle. An ideal way to keep skin hydrated throughout the day, it can also be used on top of make-up. Spray in a circular motion to enjoy a refreshing, cooling spritz.
Best ceramide day cream
Try: L’Oréal Paris Triple Active Day Moisturiser Dry and Sensitive Skin
• Size: 50ml
• Dermatologist tested
Sensitive or dry skin? We suggest giving this moisturiser from L’Oréal Paris a go as it’s specially formulated for such complexions. Enriched with glycerin, the luxurious formula aims to boost moisture levels, pronto.
Best ceramide moisturiser for dry skin
Try: Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser
• Size: 50ml
• Cruelty-free
We’re big fans of Ole Henriksen products, and this daily moisturiser is one of our favourites. Formulated with ceramides along with peptides, amino acids and collagen, you should notice skin looking plumper, softer and more hydrated after a few weeks’ use.
Best new ceramide cleanser
Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser Bar with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin
• Size: 128g
• Suitable for face and body
• Non-comedogenic
We love this brand’s incredibly popular Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin, but when we’re travelling, we downsize to this handy cleansing bar. A total treat, it gently helps clear away impurities and make-up, while helping to keep the skin supple. It’s also super gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Best ceramide eye cream for sensitive skin
Try: CeraVe Reparative Eye Cream
• Size: 14ml
• Fragrance free
• Non-comedogenic
An eye cream can be just the thing to help improve the signs of fatigue. Containing three essential ceramides, you only need to use a small amount and tap it around the eye contour in gentle motions. It’s fragrance-free and also non-comedogenic, so is less likely to clog pores.
Best ceramide eye cream for mature skin
Try: Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Eye Cream
• Size: 15ml
• Sustainably packaged
Oh hey, bright eyes. This fast-absorbing eye cream is a dream for rejuvenating the eye area and minimising the appearance of fine lines thanks to the addition of ceramides, firming tetratpeptides, red algae and other goodies.
Best retinol and ceramide serum
Try: Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
• Size: 50ml
First time retinol user? Consider trying Kiehl’s daily serum, which boasts a potent formula designed to provide minimal discomfort thanks to its blend of the active with ceramides and peptide. Apply one pump over the entire face, following with a moisturiser. And don’t forget a high SPF sunscreen during the day! Patch test for added peace of mind if you have sensitive skin.
Best ceramide serum capsules
Try: Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum
• Contains 30 capsules
A true beauty cult classic, these capsules from Elizabeth Arden were created to act as a pick-me-up for skin that looks grey or dull. Break open the capsule to reveal a lightweight, silky-smooth serum.
Best ceramide serum capsules
Try: Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Maretinol Oil
• Size: 30ml
• Suitable for vegans
• Fragrance-free
• Essential oil-free
• Silicone-free
• Cruelty-free
Glowing skin, bottled. Retinol and soothing marula oil combine to help replenish skin moisture and improve elasticity, as well as the appearance of textured skin. Apply a couple of drops to a clean, dry face, and don’t forget to apply to the neck and chest to reap the benefits from the neck down.
