Our skin goes through a lot every day, whether it is environmental stressors like pollution and sun damage or our latest skincare obsession in the form of serums and moisturizers. All of this can wreak havoc on our skin barrier and requires the instant introduction of the best ceramide serums to our skincare routine. Our research indicates that ceramides have become popular skincare ingredients in the last two to three years. People are more cautious and curious about what they put on their skin.

Ceramides are lipids or fatty molecules that play a very important role in the maintenance of our skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of our skin, also known as the stratum corneum. In the simplest of words, our skin is like a wall where skin cells are bricks and ceramides are the cement that keeps it all bound together (1). If this wall, aka skin barrier, is damaged, your skin may look dull, rough, and irritated. You may also feel burning or a stinging sensation when applying certain products. Based on our observations, our skin starts losing its ceramide reserve gradually with age. However, thanks to innovation in skincare, topical application of ceramides through serums and emulsions can prove to be a game-changer.

Ceramide serums help repair the damaged skin barrier and strengthen it. They enhance hydration, reduce moisture loss, and even out skin texture. With an increase in skin moisturization, they can gradually restore skin health. While these serums prevent moisture loss, they also prevent any unknown allergen or bacteria from entering the skin. In short, a ceramide serum can rejuvenate, repair, and replenish your skin (apart from protecting it) to give a youthful, supple, and plump skin that glows (2), (3). Depending on their formulation, these serums can also provide brightening and anti-aging benefits. And since we wanted you to be up-to-date with this skincare marvel, we are here with this curated selection of our top recommendations. Keep reading to know more about ceramides and ceramide-based serums that were able to make the final cut.

• 1
  Best Overall

  Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules Serum

  BUY ON AMAZON

A product loved across generations, these capsule serums by Elizabeth Arden are little drops of magic. Most suited for aging skin, this reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dull skin. All you need to do is squeeze out the serum onto your palms, emulsify, and pat it onto your skin. It doesn't require aggressive application or additional product. The amount in each capsule easily covers your face, neck, and ears. 

2

Best Vegan Formula

Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

Hydration is key to healthy skin, but all of it would go to waste if you have a damaged skin barrier. That is why you must get your hands on a ceramide barrier serum like this one from Cocokind. Packed with the powerful blend of 5 types of ceramides, fatty acids, lipids, beta glucan, squalane, and lactic acid, this serum helps strengthen the skin's moisture barrier. It hydrates the skin and also ensures that the hydration stays locked in. Drawing from our experience, we can say that it also helps calm down red and inflamed skin with ease.

3

Best for PM Routine

AMPLE:N Ceramide Shot Ampoule

BUY ON AMAZON

A moisturizer with ceramides is good, but a serum with ceramides is even better. With this ampoule-based serum, you can give an extra boost of hydration and nourishment to your skin all day every day, thanks to its highly concentrated formula. It offers multiple skin benefits, starting from moisturizing and hydration to repairing damage and anti-aging. It also includes skin-soothing ingredients like allantoin and arctigenin which can soothe and calm any skin irritation or inflammation with ease. As indicated by our tests, you can use it in both morning and evening skincare routines for plump and supple skin.

4

Best Formulation

The INKEY List Ceramide Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

Ceramide skin care is neither very new nor is the people's obsession with The Inkey List. This brand has a cult following worldwide, thanks to their high-quality ingredients and innovative formulations. Like all their other skincare products, this ceramide serum is a holy grail serum for almost all skin types. It is infused with key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil,  arginine, and other amino acids. Through our practical knowledge, we can say that a plus point of this serum is how it incorporates a 3% blend of ceramides with fatty acids, and cholesterol in the ideal ratio, making it one of the best ceramide serums ever!

5

Best for Dry Skin

Paula's Choice Omega + Complex Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

When it comes to ceramide products, particularly serums, put your trust in everyone's favorite skincare brand, Paula's Choice. Apart from the obvious ceramides, their ceramide serum is enriched with a very nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, shea butter, olive oil, chia seeds, flax seeds, passion fruit extracts, and concentrated levels of omega fatty acids. It has a rich and creamy consistency that will remind you of a lotion, but it has the lightness of a serum. Our team discovered through using this product that it improves the overall health of the skin, thanks to its nutrient-rich formulation.

6

Best for Anti-aging

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

Indulge yourself into some skincare with ceramides for aging gracefully. It's easier now, thanks to serums like this one from Glow Recipe. With incredibly nourishing and moisturizing key ingredients like avocado butter, avocado extract, allantoin, and rice milk, it will leave you with the healthy, plump, and supple skin you have always dreamed of. That's not all. It is formulated with 5 different types of skin-identical ceramides, which help strengthen the skin barrier and improve its health. After putting it to the test, we discovered that this serum makes a noticeable difference to the health and appearance of skin with regular use.

7

Best for Sensitive Skin

Bauer Beauty Barrier Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

Replenish and rejuvenate your skin with the best ceramide serum you can get your hands on. This magical little potion from Bauer Beauty has a unique texture that looks like an oil and nourishes like one but doesn't feel oily or greasy when applied to the skin. Thanks to the blend of ceramides and squalane, it repairs the damaged skin barrier and restores it to health. It balances the moisture levels and boosts radiance for a supple glow. Based on our firsthand experience, it is suitable for almost all skin types, including sensitive skin types. It is particularly effective for soothing redness and inflammation.

8

Best for Irritated Skin

RNW DER. CONCENTRATE Ceramide Plus Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

This RNW serum will give your skin the much-needed extra dose of hydration and nourishment. Thanks to its rich formula that combines 5 types of ceramides, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, peptides, and niacinamide, this serum is a must-have in your skincare routine. Best suited to be used at night, you can use it on its own or by including it in your routine with other products. It helps rejuvenate the skin by boosting the skin barrier and reducing the signs of aging one by one, making it one of the best products with ceramides. When we trialed this product, we found that it helps rosacea-prone skin too.

9

Best for Skin Texture

Beekman 1802 Milk Drops Probiotics Ceramide Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

Indulge your skin in some ceramide skincare with this one-of-a-kind ceramide serum from Beekman 1802. Infused with star ingredients like ceramides, fruit enzymes, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, it has a highly concentrated yet lightweight formula. True to its name, it has a milk-like appearance and texture. It delivers moisture into the skin and rejuvenates it from within. It ensures that the skin looks healthy and holds a hydrated glow. After conducting experiments with it, we found that its moisturizing formula makes skin softer, smoother, and more youthful radiant with consistent use.

10

Best for Eczema

ANAI RUI Ceramides Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

Hyaluronic acid and ceramides go hand in hand. One replenishes the moisture levels while the other boosts the skin barrier to ensure the skin doesn't lose any hydration. And with the power of these two skin-friendly ingredients, we have this ANAI RUI ceramide serum. Formulated with active ingredients, including 5% ceramide-3, 1% hyaluronic acid, and perilla ocymoides leaf extract, this serum is an ideal candidate to treat dry, cracked skin with rough patches. And there's more! Our findings show that it helps calm down eczema flare-ups quite effectively.

11

ZealSea Hyaluronic Acid Repair Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

With 4 different types of hyaluronic acid at 3 different molecular weights, this is an incredibly hydrating serum. It comes packed with the power of ceramides, of course, as well as amino acids, squalane, blue tansy, oat extract, and cica. Together, this blend of ingredients works to deliver game-changing skin rejuvenation. It has a consistency that can be described as being slightly thicker than water. It is one of the best ceramides serum, thanks to its lightweight formula that offers superior hydration to the skin. Our investigation demonstrated that it makes skin more supple and soft over time.

12

Acure Ultra Hydrating Ceramide Day Serum

BUY ON AMAZON

You won't need a moisturizer with ceramides when you can have the next best thing on your vanity. This ultra-lightweight but ultra-hydrating serum can work wonders for your skin, especially if you have dry skin. It comes packing a powerful punch full of nourishment, all thanks to star ingredients like safflower oil, sunflower seed oil, aloe vera, glycerin, squalane, vitamin E, niacinamide, rice bran oil, and calendula, to name a few. We have found from using this product that it is perfect for thirsty skin.

We have made choosing the best ceramide serum easier than ever with our comprehensive guide that will help you make an informed choice. You only need to go through the aspects we mention below before planning your Ulta visit. It will help you navigate the confusing and slightly daunting market that is full of ceramide-based skincare products. So, here are the things you must keep in mind before buying a ceramide serum:

Skin Type

Consider what your skin type is, whether you have normal, dry, oily, or combination skin. You must also consider if you are acne-prone or have a sensitive skin type. This will help you pick the right kind of ingredients and formulations.

Skin Concerns 

The next aspect that you must consider is your skin concerns. Different ceramide serums offer different benefits. Some contain multiple ingredients and can target several skin concerns. Once you have ascertained your skin concerns and goals, you can opt for your ideal ceramide serum with ease.

Ingredients

Since we are talking about ceramides, ensure that the serums of your choice have ceramides as a key ingredient. The more types of ceramides in a serum, the better it is for your skin. Look for ceramide 1, ceramide 3, ceramide 6-II, or ceramide AP while reading the ingredients label. Make sure there are no ingredients that can cause irritation or allergies. Instead, opt for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, amino acids, cholesterol, fatty acids, peptides, sunflower seed oil, squalane, glycerin, panthenol, and antioxidants, to name a few.  

Formula

Look for a formula that contains ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids in a 2:4:2 ratio. This ensures the efficacy of ceramides. You must read the product description carefully and reach out to the brand if it isn't clear. Moreover, you should look for a lightweight formula that is hypoallergenic and doesn't clog pores.

Texture and Consistency

Ceramide serums, typically, come in various textures and consistencies. You must choose as per your skin's requirements. For instance, water and gel-based serums are suitable for oily and combination skin, while cream-based serums are ideal for dry skin types.

Reviews

Do some research on your own. Read customer reviews and feedback on various online platforms to gain valuable insights into the real-life experiences of people related to the efficacy and performance of the product of your choice.

Recommendations

If you are still confused, consult a board-certified dermatologist to get personalized recommendations. Talking to a dermatologist is also a must if you have extremely sensitive skin, or if you suffer from skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or melasma.

Using a ceramide serum is no rocket science, but you must still know how to use it properly and effectively to receive the maximum benefits. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a ceramide serum for optimal results:

• Skincare starts with clean hands so you must first wash your hands with a gentle soap. Once you have washed and dried your hands, focus on cleansing your skin
• Pick your favorite face cleanser and use it to wash your face. Make sure that all the dirt, dust, excess oil, and remnants of pollution have been washed away. 
• Gently pat your face with a soft towel. Don't dry out completely. Let your skin remain a little damp. 
• Apply a toner, if you have it, to your clean and damp skin. This will help with the absorption of other skincare products.
• Take a small amount of the ceramide serum into your palms or on your fingertips, depending on its consistency.
• Start with a pea-sized amount or about 3 drops. Taking a cue from the Koreans, pat the serum into your skin. You can also gently massage it in if that's what you prefer.
• Be careful when applying the serum under the eyes. Don't pull or tug at the area. Avoid getting the product in your eyes to avoid irritation.
• Allow the serum to absorb before following up with the remaining skin care.  
• You can use a ceramide serum in your morning as well as night routine.
• Don't forget to do a patch test before going all in with the serum.
• If the ceramide serum contains other actives like AHAs, BHAs, retinol, or vitamin C, take a look at their concentration and make sure they are as per your skin's tolerance.
• Be consistent with your routine to see its full benefits.

As mentioned earlier, ceramides keep our skin cells glued together. It plays quite an important function in maintaining the health of our skin. Here's a summarized version of it all:

Strengthens the Skin Barrier

Ceramides are lipids aka fat molecules which are a huge part of the outermost layer of skin, also known as the stratum corneum, or in layman's terms, the skin barrier. Ceramides help strengthen this barrier and prevent anything from going out or coming in. This may include possible allergens, microbes, or moisture.

Retains Moisture

Because they act as a wall, ceramides prevent the water from escaping. Moreover, they are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water, which ensures that the moisture stays locked in within the skin. The result is long-lasting hydration and plump skin.

Prevents TEWL

TEWL or trans epidermal water loss occurs at an increased rate when the skin barrier is compromised or damaged. Ceramides help reduce TEWL as they slow down the water loss and prevent the skin from getting dehydrated. 

Makes Skin Softer and Smoother

Ceramides help keep the skin barrier well-maintained and intact. It then ensures that the skin's surface is smooth and soft.

Skin Healing

When your skin has to face physical damage such as cuts, scrapes, or any form of irritation, ceramides promote faster skin healing. They repair and restore the barrier which aids the skin's natural healing process.

Reduces Sensitivity and Irritation

Ceramides are especially helpful if you have sensitive or sensitized skin since they repair and reinforce the skin barrier. They have proven to be soothing for any sort of redness, inflammation, flaky skin, dryness, or any other skin irritation. Dermatologists often recommend ceramide-based moisturizers and lotions for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin.

Anti-Aging

Since ceramides are essentially lipids or fat molecules, the absence of which can cause fine lines and wrinkles, adding ceramide products can have the opposite effect on the skin, which is a significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Skin Microbiome

Our skin has its own microbiome. It gets disrupted when the skin barrier is compromised, leading to issues like acne. However, ceramides help maintain the skin barrier's strength, preventing any microbe from entering and causing an imbalance.

Since skincare enthusiasts have grown more curious and aware of various ingredients in the last few years, they have come to understand the importance of ceramides in skin care. Including the best ceramide serums in your skincare routine is as close as you can get to a youth potion. After all, this incredible ingredient repairs the damaged skin cells and strengthens the skin barrier. These serums are your ticket to flawless skin with a youthful radiance that you have only dreamed about till now. With our recommendations and comprehensive guide, you can pick the serum that works best for your skin needs and preferences. Don’t miss out on this skincare secret and let your skin shine!