Ceramides for skin: what do they do?

Our skin does an excellent job at protecting our bodies from the environment, but sometimes it needs some help. For example, if your skin feels dry, it might be because it lacks a type of fatty acid called a ceramide.  

Let’s take a look at what ceramides are and why they’re used in many skincare products.  

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Ceramides are lipids (fats) that are naturally found in your skin cells and make up a major part of your skin’s outer layer (epidermis) (Borodzicz, 2016). They enhance the integrity of your skin’s protective barrier and help keep your skin moisturized.

While our bodies naturally produce ceramides, they are also found in some foods like sweet potatoes, soy, wheat, and rice and are active ingredients in many skincare products (Tessema, 2017).  

To understand how ceramides help your skin, let’s take a step back and learn about what they’re made of. 

Ceramides are made up of a structure that contains fatty acids and an amino acid called sphingosine. This structure strengthens the top layer of the epidermis (the stratum corneum) and protects your skin and the rest of your body from the outside environment.

As we grow older, our ceramide levels decrease, resulting in moisture loss, dry skin, and fine lines. This is why ceramides are added to some skincare products. Synthetic ceramides can provide your skin with some of the same benefits as natural ceramides, including (Wang, 2020):

• Preventing moisture loss and dry skin

• Protecting your skin from bacteria and germs

• Creating a moisture barrier to keep skin hydrated 

• Improving skin cell function

• Reducing signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity)

When shopping around for products with ceramides, you’ll see different types of ceramides listed. The most common types of ceramides found in skincare products include (Moore, 2017; Tessema, 2017): 

• Ceramide 1 (EOS)

• Ceramide 2 (NS or NG)

• Ceramide 3 (NP)

• Ceramide 6-II (AP)

• Ceramide 9 (EOP)

Each type has different uses and benefits. For example, products containing ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II may be useful if you have dry skin (Lueangarun, 2019).

In specific concentrations, ceramides are safe for cosmetic and skincare products (CIR, 2015). 

For example, ceramide 3 is safe and effective in the following ceramide concentrations (Choi, 2015):

• Body lotion on the back: 5% 

• Body lotion on the hands: 1% 

• Body lotion on face: 3%

• Lipstick: 10%

• Shampoo: 0.5%

While ceramides are considered safe, it is a good idea to do a patch test on your skin before committing to a new product. Discontinue use if you experience redness, itching, or skin irritation.

Skincare products are ideally designed to mimic the skin’s natural moisturizing systems to enhance hydration and skin barrier function (Spada, 2018). So, choosing the right ceramide skincare product may help you achieve healthier skin. 

But before you can set up a skincare routine that includes ceramides, it would help to know your skin type. The five skin types are (AAD, n.d.): 

• Normal skin (clear and not sensitive)

• Oily skin (shiny and greasy)

• Dry skin (flaky, itchy)

• Sensitive skin (sting or burns after product use)

• Combination skin (dry in some areas, oily in others)

Since ceramides are natural to our skin, they’re universally effective for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Still, knowing your skin type is important because it will help you narrow down what types of ceramide products will work best for your skin.

For example, if you have dry skin, a moisturizer that contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid may be helpful.

Here’s a look at several types of products that may contain ceramides:

• Moisturizers, which are sealing agents with the goal of hydrating skin and preventing dryness

• Lotions, which are thinner than moisturizers in texture with higher water content and less oil 

• Creams, which have a thicker consistency, create a stronger skin barrier to prevent water loss

• Ointments, which have a thick texture with more oil and create a protective barrier

• Serums, which are light oils easily absorbed into the skin to provide specific benefits

• Facial cleansers, which remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts

• Facial toners, which refresh the skin without removing natural oils

• Sunscreens, which protect the skin from ultraviolet rays

Additionally, ceramide isn’t a stand-alone ingredient when it comes to skincare. It is commonly found alongside other exfoliating agents, antioxidants, and acids to address certain needs. Some ingredients you might see paired with ceramides include (Pandey, 2021): 

• Hyaluronic acid (increases skin hydration)

• Retinols (vitamin A derivatives used in many anti-aging products)

• Peptides (amino acids that promote collagen and elasticity to slow the aging process)

• Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 that helps with anti-aging and reducing hyperpigmentation)

• Glycerin (a moisturizing agent)

Found in many skincare products, synthetic ceramides are designed to hydrate the skin, protect it from germs and toxins, and prevent signs of aging. They are generally safe to use and benefit all skin types.

Ultimately, understanding your skin type and consulting with a dermatologist are the best ways to choose the right skincare products. Looking for products that contain multiple hydrating ingredients can increase the effectiveness of your skincare routine and keep your skin clear and healthy. 

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How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Current version

June 20, 2022

Written by

Amy Isler

Fact checked by

Chimene Richa, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Chimene Richa, MD

Dr. Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and medical writer for Ro.