Here’s (Literally) Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Ceramides
You’ve probably heard the word ‘ceramides’ dozens of times in skincare. But do you actually know what they are? Or, most importantly, how they can benefit your skin?
Find out everything you need to know about ceramides once and for all with our essential expert guide. From *exactly* what they are and why they’re such a big deal, to discovering whether you should be using them and how to use them in your routine.
Thanks to some pro tips from board certified dermatologists Dr Shereene Idriss, Dr Adel Rammal and Dr Sina Ghadiri, you should never feel in the dark about ceramides ever again.
What are ceramides?
“Ceramides are lipids, or fats, that are naturally found in the skin’s outer later, the epidermis,” explains Dr Idriss. “Think of them as the glue that holds our skin cells together. They’re essential for keeping your skin’s barrier intact, which helps retain moisture and protect against harmful environmental stressors, like pollutants and irritants.”
Dr Ghadiri adds, “they can be derived from both plant (think wheat, corn) and animal sources, but are frequently developed within the lab to mimic naturally produced ceramides in the skin.”
Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
When you check the label of your skincare product, the words ‘Ceramide AP’, ‘Ceramide NP’ or ‘Ceramide EOP’ will usually be listed if it contains them, or the word Ceramide might be followed by a number (1, 2, 3, 4 or 5). “Some products may also include ‘Ceramide Complex’ or ‘Ceramide Blend’ which means multiple ceramides are combined for a more comprehensive effect on your skin’s barrier,” explains Dr Idriss.
You might also see phytosphingosine and sphingosine on the label which help to stimulate skin and therefore produce ceramides, “as well as related compounds such as phospholipids and fatty acids, which contribute to skin barrier repair,” adds Dr Ghadiri.
What are the benefits of using ceramides?
They are key to keeping your skin barrier healthy. “They help lock in moisture, preventing dryness and irritation, while also soothing inflammation,” Dr Idriss explains. “By reinforcing the skin’s barrier, ceramides protect against environmental stressors and help repair damaged skin.”
Ceramides are great for improving the look of your skin too. “They smooth texture, promote hydration and even have well-ageing benefits by plumping and reducing the appearance of fine lines,” she says.
How to tell if you need them
“If you experience dry skin (a lack of natural oil production, distinct from dehydration), ceramides can be highly beneficial,” explains Dr Ghadiri. “Those with sensitive or easily irritated skin can also benefit from their barrier-strengthening properties.”
Interestingly, he also says that some skin types naturally produce fewer ceramides. “For example, black skin naturally has lower ceramide levels and retains less moisture making ceramide-rich moisturisers a valuable addition to skincare routines in these cases,” Dr Ghadiri explains.
Should any skin types avoid them?
Dr Idriss says no. “All skin types can benefit from ceramides,” she explains. Dr Ghadiri adds, “however, those with oily, resilient skin without any barrier impairment may not necessarily need them in their routine,” he says. “That said, they pose no harm and can still provide beneficial hydration and protection.”
Image – Bruceandrebeccameissner/Stocksy
Dr Rammal adds, “Those with very oily or breakout-prone skin should opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas to maintain balance without clogging pores.”
Which ingredients can you use ceramides with?
Luckily for us, they are super versatile. “They work well with niacinamide, enhancing both barrier protection and skin texture,” Dr Ghadiri says. “They also complement peptides, supporting skin repair and overall health.”
“Combining ceramides with hyaluronic acid offers deep hydration, attracting moisture while ceramides lock it in,” explains Dr Rammal. “Fatty acids work alongside ceramides to nourish and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. Vitamin C brightens and repairs, while ceramides ensure lasting hydration and barrier protection. Together, these ingredients create a powerful synergy for healthy, radiant skin.”
And anything we should avoid? “They should generally be used separately from strong exfoliants like BHAs to avoid counteracting their barrier-restoring effects,” he warns.
Dr Rammal agrees. “Overloading your routine with too many potent actives like retinoids, AHAs or BHAs may lead to irritation, so balance is key,” he says.
Image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
How to use them
First and foremost, remember ceramides don’t protect from UV. “Always follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to safeguard your skin from UV damage and maintain a healthy, protected barrier,” Dr Rammal says.
All of our experts say that ceramides can be used every day. “This is the optimal way to use a ceramide containing product,” says Dr Ghadiri. Dr Rammal adds, “especially for those looking to strengthen and maintain a healthy skin barrier. They are gentle and beneficial for all skin types, including sensitive skin and can be easily incorporated into both morning and evening routines,” he says.
To maximise their effectiveness though, “avoid pairing ceramides with overly harsh or stripping products, such as strong exfoliants or those with high alcohol content which can disrupt the skin barrier,” he adds.
The takeaway
So it seems that ceramides are pretty universal and can be used by most, with the exception of those with oily skin who might not need help in the hydration department (though equally, ceramides won’t harm oily or breakout prone skin either).
Ceramides can be applied every day. In fact, the experts say that using them in your daily routine is how they work best. Just remember to not overload your skin with too many powerful ingredients like retinoids or strong exfoliants as this could lead to irritation.
Don’t forget to always use SPF too if applying ceramides in the morning, as they don’t protect the skin from UV rays. Overall though, you should notice a better hydrated, smoother, stronger skin barrier with consistent use.
Meet the experts
Dr Adel Rammal is chief scientific officer at Indeed Laboratories
Dr Shereene Idriss is a board certified dermatologist and founder of Dr Idriss Dermatology and Dr Idriss Skincare.
Dr Sina Ghadiri is consultant dermatologist and founder of Sinaesthetics.
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