When looking for a ceramide moisturizer, consider the percentage of ceramide in it and whether it has irritating ingredients like fragrances. We researched dozens of ceramide moisturizers and evaluated them for active ingredients, price, and fragrance.
Here are the best ceramide moisturizers on the market today.
Price at time of publication: $21
Its combination of ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II provides 24-hour hydration and helps restore the protective skin barrier you need for healthy, glowing skin. This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid to further retain the skin’s natural moisture. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and safe to use on your face, hands, and body.
Price at time of publication: $15
This fragrance-free cream helps reduce redness and can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and dark spots over time. Ideal for sensitive and dry skin, this moisturizing cream will give you the healthy glow and soft texture you crave.
Price at time of publication: $50
This cream is better used for eczema and psoriasis on the body, but you can safely use it in small amounts on your face as well. The formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for virtually any skin type.
Price at time of publication: $20
This moisturizer not only fortifies your skin but also reduces the natural redness that tends to come with acne-prone skin. It’s also oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. It’s recommended that you use this moisturizer in the evening as the final step of your skincare routine before bed.
Price at time of publication: $29
After cleansing and toning your skin, apply the moisturizer all over your face, avoiding the eye area. And if you want to rejuvenate your skin while you sleep, use it as a lightweight night cream.
Price at time of publication: $20
The moisturizer is pre-portioned into easy-to-use capsules that keep the light- and air-sensitive retinol potent until you’re ready to use them. It’s also lightweight, preservative-free, and fragrance-free. Gently twist the capsule tab around twice to open it, then smooth the serum over your face and neck before applying your evening moisturizer.
Price at time of publication: $92
The non-irritating formula also contains amino acids and allantoin that help soothe and nourish dry, flaky skin. Free of both fragrances and parabens, it’s suitable for every skin type. It’s also non-comedogenic and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue.
Price at time of publication: $20
The result? Silky-smooth hands with fewer fine lines and less discoloration. It’s a quick-drying, oil-free formula, so it absorbs fully into the skin without leaving your hands feeling sticky and works to repair for up to 12 hours.
Price at time of publication: $23
It’s an excellent botanical combination for promoting optimal growth and protecting new hair growth. It’s free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and gluten, so it’s safe for even the most sensitive scalps.
Price at time of publication: $10
Ceramide Type
The top layer of your epidermis contains nine different types of ceramides which are conveniently named ceramide 1 through ceramide 9. While they’re similar in nature, certain skin conditions can result in significantly fewer ceramides in the skin. If you have psoriasis, you may want to opt for a moisturizer with higher levels of ceramides 1 through 5, which are usually deficient in people with psoriasis. Talk to your dermatologist about which ceramides to look for in your moisturizer.
Targeted Anatomy
Ceramides are great to use on all skin, face, and body and are best applied immediately after showering or bathing. Though there are ceramide creams on the market targeted towards the face, body, and even hair, Dr. Libby notes that “the main differences would likely be in the vehicle in which the ceramides are being delivered. For the face, you may want a lighter formulation like a lotion, whereas for the body you may need a cream vehicle to deliver the ceramides. Likewise, for hair, a moisturizing conditioner or hair treatment,” she says.
Why Trust Verywell Health
As a seasoned health writer, Alena Hall understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a wellness product. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to homeopathic essential oils to ever-trendy CBD topicals, to help readers like you discover products that can help you live your best life.
Additional reporting to this story by Brittany Leitner
As a health writer with over 8 years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won’t break the bank.
