This Magical Cream & Serum Ingredient Will Make Your Face So Much Softer

Let’s do a more thorough explainer before we get to the goods, though: Ceramides are fatty acids (lipids) that are naturally produced by the body in the epidermis to help hold skin cells, collagen, and other skin components together. They maintain barrier function, help hold in moisture, and aid in keeping the bad stuff out. 

In skin care, these ingredients are primarily derived synthetically or via plants (also called phytoceramides). And while it’s vital to enhance your natural ceramide production if you want healthy skin, there is a huge benefit to applying it topically—as it can help your body in the short and long term. In fact, a 2019 study found a link between skin dysfunction and various health conditions caused by chronic inflammation. In the study, researchers connected the use of barrier repair moisturizers (that contained ceramides) with reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood, highlighting the importance of the skin’s protective role in our overall health: Namely, that poor barrier function is linked to inflammation that can trigger internal health conditions.    

Phytoceramides can be extracted from several types of botanicals including corn, oats, and wheat—but they can also be produced safely and synthetically. If you prefer natural origins only, just look for how the ceramides were sourced (usually they’ll tell you if they come from natural origin). Otherwise, you can find safe, clean, modern, synthetic options too.   

Have we convinced you? Of course we have. Here, our favorite ceramide creams.