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The 13 Best Ceramide Moisturizers for All Skin Types, According to Derms

It’s an essential ingredient for keeping your skin protected.

A collage of ceramide moisturizers on a gray background

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

Moisturizers are an underrated way to supply your complexion with various skin-loving ingredients in just one product, often containing even more than targeted serums and treatments. A moisturizer ingredient with many benefits that we love is ceramides, which are lipids naturally found in the skin that help it retain moisture, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “Ceramides serve as the glue that helps keep the skin cells together, which helps protect the skin from outside stressors as well as prevent water loss,” she says. “As we age, our ceramide levels decrease, and our skin barrier weakens—so it can help to look for products that contain ceramides and other ingredients to support and strengthen the skin barrier.” A damaged skin barrier can often show up as dehydration, dullness, and consistent skin irritation—and it can be made worse by the environment and other external factors. Integrating a ceramide moisturizer into your routine is the best way to keep your barrier (and skin) healthy. 

We conducted hours of research to find the best ceramide moisturizers, selecting from dozens of products. We evaluated each pick based on its formula, consistency, and feel on the skin and tested out a couple for ourselves to provide accurate insights. After consulting two experts, including Dr. Garshick and dermatologist Dr. Nazanin Saedi, we landed on these top selections.

What to Look for in a Ceramide Moisturizer

  • Skin type: When it comes to purchasing any moisturizer, you’ll want to find one that works for your skin type. According to Dr. Saedi, dry and mature skin types can benefit the most from ceramide moisturizers, but all skin types with a compromised barrier should add one to their routine. Dr. Saedi recommends picking a lighter, noncomedogenic formula if you have oily or acne-prone skin, and fragrance and dye-free formulas if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. 
  • Other ingredients: Ceramides are only a small part of each moisturizer, so you’ll want to check the other key ingredients to ensure they’re beneficial for your skin type and skincare goals. Dr. Garshick says that emollients (such as squalane and shea butter) and humectants (such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin) are found in a lot of ceramide moisturizer formulas and can enhance the effects of the ingredient—working to draw in moisture, calm inflammation, and keep the skin healthy.
  • Packaging: The majority of moisturizers come in a pot, and it can be easily contaminated if your fingers aren’t clean when using the product. We recommend ones that come with a little spatula or applicator or ones that come in a squeeze tube to limit any bacteria from growing. For options that are neither, just make sure you’re washing your hands before scooping out the product. 
What We Like
  • Comes with a separate applicator for hygienic application

  • Feels lightweight on the skin but deeply hydrates

  • Boosts radiance and treats dark spots

What to Consider
  • Might not be rich enough for super dry skin types

Key Ingredients: Plant ceramides, peptides, niacinamide | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with three types of ceramides, this lush moisturizer from Eadem can do a little bit of everything—heal a damaged skin barrier, quench dry skin, soothe irritation, and even lift dark marks. It’s packed with some of our favorite ingredients for all skin types—including niacinamide (to even the skin tone), peptides (to treat signs of aging), squalane (to hydrate), and more for an overall healthy complexion. The whipped, creamy texture makes it easy to spread across the face and sinks in easily without any stickiness. While it seems heavy at first, it’s pretty much unnoticeable on the skin seconds after applying. 

When testing this product, I loved that my skin would look glowy and smooth upon waking, and that the cream would immediately soothe my skin that gets very dry after taking a shower. I found that my skin also felt more hydrated overall—even before I had applied my skincare. I also love that it comes with a little golden spatula to apply the cream, making the experience even more luxurious.

What We Like
  • Soothes and hydrates dry, flaky skin

  • Strengthens the skin barrier

  • Can be used on the face and body

What to Consider
  • Can cause breakouts in acne-prone skin

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This deeply hydrating cream is the perfect pick for those dealing with eczema or rosacea—it contains everything recommended by dermatologists to soothe irritated skin, including colloidal oatmeal, shea butter—and ceramides, of course. “Not only does this cream help with hydration, but it also helps to protect the skin and offers a barrier effect, protecting the skin against irritation and sensitivity,” says Dr. Garshick, who personally recommends this if you’re looking for softer—and stronger—skin. It has a rich consistency that’s able to quickly calm inflamed skin without feeling heavy or leaving a residue. We love that the hydration it provides lasts long (for 24 hours, according to the brand) and can nourish dry, chapped skin without causing burning or stinging.

Adelaide Giesey, tester with dry/sensitive skin: "I’ve gone through countless jars of the Ultra Repair Cream because of how much my eczema-prone skin loves the formula—it soothes my irritated skin and helps calm stubborn redness. The formula is extremely hydrating yet still holds a lightweight texture, which is why it is my go-to prep before any complexion products. Keeping this cream in my daily routine has become a no-brainer."

What We Like
  • Hydrates without making the skin feel greasy

  • Rich consistency that absorbs quickly

  • Heals irritated skin

What to Consider
  • Contains essential oils, which could potentially irritate sensitive skin

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, centella asiatica, glycerin | Size: 2.82 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This moisturizer from Cosrx has a rich balm texture, but acne-prone skin types will be pleased to find that it can deeply hydrate the skin without triggering breakouts. I’ve used this formula for years, and it became the first thick moisturizer that I could use that didn’t result in little whiteheads across my complexion. While it is rich, it spreads easily, instantly absorbs and doesn’t feel sticky on the skin after application. It’s formulated with ceramides, centella, and beeswax—meaning it can soothe and moisturize without causing irritation to the skin.

If you deal with consistent acne but still lean on the dry side, this is a great pick if you’re looking for a nourishing cream to apply before bed.

What We Like
  • Contains multiple ingredients to reinforce the skin barrier

  • Boosts elasticity in the skin

  • Adds long-lasting hydration

What to Consider
  • Can feel heavy on the skin upon initial application

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol, glycerin | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If a compromised barrier is your biggest skin concern, a formula packed with ceramides and panthenol (a humectant that’s great for wound healing and strengthening) like this one is exactly what you need to get your complexion back in tip-top shape. Dr. Garshick is a big fan, and she loves that it contains five different ceramides to keep the skin healthy and hydrated. It has a silky consistency that can feel a bit heavy when you first apply it, but it does absorb into the skin quickly. Aside from keeping the barrier supported, it also has glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E to add moisture back into the skin.

What We Like
  • Greatly increases the moisture levels in the skin

  • Plumps and leaves the complexion smooth

  • Absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a residue

What to Consider
  • Slightly strong smell, which isn't for everyone

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramide NP | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Belif’s Aqua Bomb has been popular with beauty editors and fanatics alike for its light-as-air gel-cream formula that’s able to efficiently hydrate the driest skin types. According to the brand, it can increase the skin’s hydration levels by 231.4% in just 10 seconds after application, which they found in a clinical study with 30 test subjects. Alongside ceramide NP, the powerhouse formula contains squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to keep dry skin moisturized and soothed for hours. We love that it’s lightweight enough to be used in the morning and nourishing enough to be applied before bed—and that it’s able to plump up the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines with continued use.

Alyssa Kaplan, commerce writer with oily skin: "The weightless gel texture of this moisturizer is perfect for my oily skin during the warm seasons. It provides a boost of moisture without ever feeling heavy or greasy, and I love that it layers seamlessly underneath whatever SPF or foundation I apply on top."

What We Like
  • Works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles

  • Soft, luxurious consistency

  • Gives the skin a luminous glow

What to Consider
  • Unhygienic container

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a high-quality moisturizer under $30 can be a tough feat, but this ceramide cream from affordable brand The Inkey List works just as well as many high-end picks. It has a rich texture that feels luxurious but sinks into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Shea butter and ceramides also work together to add bounce to the complexion, so that wrinkles and other signs of aging look visibly lifted. The end result is skin that looks dewy and smooth, with a skin barrier that’s strong and supported.

What We Like
  • Formulated with a variety of ceramides

  • Reduces skin discomfort and irritation

  • Leaves the skin soft and hydrated without feeling sticky

  • Great value for the price

What to Consider
  • May be too rich for oily skin types

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, panax ginseng, glycerin | Size: 2.45, 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re a fan of Korean skincare, you’ve most likely tried (or at least heard of) this ceramide moisturizer from Illiyoon. It has a rich texture that absorbs quickly and still feels light on the skin, and is filled with ingredients to soothe and hydrate all skin types—such as ginseng, glycerin, and probiotics. This is a great pick for those who are dealing with dry patches and itchy skin, as it’s able to heal irritation—so you’ll wake up with a smooth, moisturized complexion. Another plus is that it’s seven-free, meaning it’s free of common potential skin irritants and fragrances (so perfect for sensitive skin types).

What We Like
  • Promotes an even, smooth skin texture

  • Formulated with 2% ceramides and fatty acids to balance the complexion

  • Antioxidant-rich to protect against free radicals

What to Consider
  • Has essential oils, which can potentially irritate sensitive skin types

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, ceramides, rosemary leaf oil | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Spending $150 on a moisturizer is obviously not ideal for everyone, but if you want a formula that checks all of your boxes, this one from SkinCeuticals has you covered. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants to keep the skin protected from free radical damage, boost elasticity, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It’s formulated with ingredients that your skin needs more of as you age—such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids—to keep the complexion looking youthful and radiant. It has a thick texture (perfect for applying before bed), but it feels soothing and doesn’t make the skin oily. We especially love this formula for those who are using strong actives or retinol consistently, as it keeps the skin feeling ultra-nourished and comfortable.

Hallie Gould, editor in chief with combination skin: "Skinceuticals's Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is the holy grail moisturizer, and it's up there on the list of my absolute favorite skincare products of all time. It's fast-absorbing, full of antioxidants, and really visibly quenches my skin. It feels velvety and moisturizing, and it plumps my skin on contact. It also smells faintly of lavender—which is a delight before bedtime."

What We Like
  • Hydrating without leaving the skin feeling sticky

  • Suitable for all skin types, even very sensitive

  • Can be also used on the face

What to Consider
  • Product can be hard to pump out of the bottle

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, ceramide 3, shea butter, niacinamide | Size: 6.7, 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Ceramides aren’t only beneficial for the skin on your face but are also a great ingredient to utilize if you deal with dry body skin. This lotion from La Roche-Posay contains the ingredient alongside prebiotic thermal water and shea butter to provide long-lasting hydration. Our favorite thing about this formula is that it effectively moisturizes parched skin and softens scaly dry patches but doesn’t feel sticky once applied. This makes it a great choice for applying right before bed or before getting dressed in the morning; you won’t have to worry about it sticking to your sheets or clothes.

What We Like
  • Maintains moisture levels in the skin

  • pH-balanced formula

  • Free of artificial fragrances and dyes

What to Consider
  • Too rich for acne-prone skin types

Key Ingredients: Plant ceramides, phytosphingosine, African oil blend | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another recommendation by Dr. Garshick, this cream from Drunk Elephant is great for all skin types—but especially beneficial for those with rough, dry skin. It has three types of ceramides, a hydrating African oil blend, and a phytosphingosine, which is “a plant-derived fatty molecule to help replenish moisture,” according to Dr. Garshick. She also loves that it’s nongreasy without compromising on hydrating power. It comes in a hygienic pump-top tub, with a rich, whipped texture that provides the skin with long-lasting moisture and keeps the complexion smooth and line-free.

Abby Dupes, associate editor with dry/flaky skin: "I always enjoy just how plump, hydrated, and smooth my skin feels after just a couple of uses, which is why I always keep a tub on hand. It's so lightweight and airy—a true feat considering how heavy and mask-like some overnight creams can feel."

What We Like
  • Won’t irritate acne-prone or sensitive skin types

  • Promotes firm and plump skin

  • Strengthens the skin barrier

What to Consider
  • May not be hydrating enough for super dry skin

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, tripeptide-5, watermelon seed oil, squalane | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If thick creams tend to cause irritation or trigger breakouts for you, this lightweight ceramide moisturizer will still boost hydration and barrier strength without feeling heavy on the skin. Coming in a convenient pump bottle, this formula contains multiple types of ceramides and peptides to keep the skin protected and reduce signs of aging in the complexion. Because it also has shea butter, vitamin E, and squalane, we think it’s a great pick for combination skin types who have both dry and oily spots—it keeps the skin moisturized without becoming greasy.

What We Like
  • Soothes and nourishes dry skin

  • Works to lift wrinkles and fine lines

  • Leaves the skin plump and glowy

What to Consider
  • Unpleasant smell

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NG, squalane, meadowfoam estolide | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dealing with bouts of sensitive skin and irritation? This rich formula will soothe while supporting the barrier—so you’ll have less instances of sensitivity in the future. It has a combination of peptides, lipids, and plant-based ceramides to heal and condition the skin from the inside out. Also included in the formula is squalane, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E to moisturize and keep the skin looking glowy and radiant. My favorite thing about this cream is that absorbs quickly, immediately making the skin feel soft and smooth. While it's rich, it feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. It also never caused irritation or acne, which is common for me, and I loved that my skin still felt hydrated in the morning. Another plus—it can be used day and night and is gentle enough for all skin types.

What We Like
  • Softens skin texture

  • Promotes a smooth and firm complexion

  • Clinically tested formula

What to Consider
  • Doesn’t come with a spatula for hygienic application

Key Ingredients: Multi-ceramide complex, vitamin E, glycerin | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

When it comes to treating fine lines and wrinkles, it’s best to have a routine where every step has anti-aging benefits. If you’re looking for a moisturizer to do just that, we recommend this one from Medik8. Formulated with superfood antioxidants and a ceramide complex, it works to firm, nourish, and add a glow for skin that looks ageless and bouncy. The brand designed the cream specifically to be used after retinol (which you’re probably already using if anti-aging is your routine) to soothe any irritation caused by the ingredient and provide a boost of hydration. We also love that it has a creamy, whipped texture that feels luxurious when applying, and it’s made without artificial fragrance or dyes.

FAQ
  • What types of ceramides are the best for skin?

    According to Dr. Garshick, the majority of formulas contain ceramides that closely mimic the ones that are present in the skin—such as ceramide NP, ceramide EOP, and ceramide AP.

    These are different classifications of ceramides found naturally in the outer layers of the skin, but they all have the same effect—they work to reinforce the skin barrier and keep the complexion healthy and hydrated.

  • Can you use a ceramide moisturizer every day?

    Yes, and you should use one every day if you have a compromised skin barrier. Consistent use can protect the skin from external aggressors, preventing irritation and dryness frequently. If that sounds like you, you definitely should add a ceramide moisturizer to your routine.

  • What ingredients work well with ceramides?

    Dr. Garshick says that ceramides can be mixed with any ingredient, but they’re especially beneficial when paired with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, as they have similar effects and can work stronger together. It can also be used with strong actives, like retinol and exfoliating acids, to keep irritation at bay. 

Why Trust Byrdie

Shannon Stubbs is an experienced beauty commerce writer with over six years of experience. She has been a staff writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers skincare, makeup, and haircare. To write this article, she researched dozens of options, analyzing formulations to find the best on the market to recommend to readers. She also tested a couple of the picks, taking note of their consistency, hydrating effects, and long-term benefits. Shannon received a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and has written beauty articles for multiple outlets. 

To write this article, she consulted the following experts: 

  • Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist with offices in Manhattan and Englewood. She completed her residency at Cornell’s New York Presbyterian Hospital and specializes in skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and wrinkles. 
  • Dr. Nazanin Saedi is a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. She is based in Philadelphia, where she practices at the Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting Skin & Laser Center.
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. Lim SH, Kim EJ, Lee CH, Park GH, Yoo KM, Nam SJ, Shin KO, Park K, Choi EH. A Lipid Mixture Enriched by Ceramide NP with Fatty Acids of Diverse Chain Lengths Contributes to Restore the Skin Barrier Function Impaired by Topical Corticosteroid. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2022;35(2):112-123. doi: 10.1159/000518517. Epub 2021 Jul 19. Erratum in: Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2022;35(2):124. PMID: 34348350.

  2. Spada F, Barnes TM, Greive KA. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018 Oct 15;11:491-497. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S177697. PMID: 30410378; PMCID: PMC6197824.

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