Ceramides are the lipids that keep our skin barrier strong & hydrated.
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of our skin. Our skin cells are held together by a mortar of oils (lipids) that seals moisture in and keeps irritants, pollution and bacteria out. Ceramides make up about half of that mortar.
But our ceramide levels can be affected by the environment, especially during cold, dry and windy weather, and they can also decline as we age. When this happens our skin starts to feel extra dry, sensitive and reactive, so adding ceramide-rich skincare to your routine can help rebuild and strengthen that barrier.
What are the types of ceramides in skincare?
There are technically 12 types of ceramides in our skin, but the main three are ceramide NP (ceramide 3), ceramide AP (ceramide 6-II) and ceramide EOP (ceramide 1), with NP the most abundant. These lock in moisture and hold the skin cells together, while EOS, NS and NG (ceramides 2, 4 and 7) act as the glue. The ceramides in natural skincare are sourced from plants like wheat, rice, sweet potato and konjac, as well as man-made, toxin-free versions identical to our own skin.
Here is my step by step guide to adding ceramides into your entire skincare routine.
Step 1: Start with a ceramide cleanser
MooGoo Ultra Gentle Cleanser with Ceramides
I love this MooGoo cleanser because you can use it on the face or body, and it’s specifically made for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. MooGoo measured its irritation score at 75% lower than a standard SLS wash. It uses Ceramide 3 and 3B, which are close to the ones already in your skin.
A Bit Hippy Face Cleanser
This is another great gentle cleanser, sulphate-free and made for normal to dry skin. It contains Ceramide NP as well as hyaluronic acid in a beautiful, thick and creamy formula, with a soft scent of bergamot, rosewood and patchouli.
Step 2: Choose a hydrating serum with ceramides
Weleda Skin Food Super Serum
This super hydrating serum uses Ceramide NP derived from olive as well as Hyaluronic Acid in a dermatologically tested and clinically proven formula. 100% of participants showed immediate moisturisation after one use and 73% felt their skin was stronger.
100% Pure Watermelon Cucumber Water Locking Serum
This water locking serum uses Oryza ceramide, a natural, plant-derived lipid complex extracted from rice bran, together with watermelon water, Hyaluronic Acid from sweet potatoes and Polyglutamic Acid from fermented Natto beans to attract and bind water to the skin.
Step 3: A ceramide moisturiser for day and night
MooGoo Ultra Hydrating Face Cream
This MooGoo moisturiser uses skin-identical Ceramide 3 and 3B alongside hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera and five fatty-acid-rich oils. It hydrates deeply and supports the barrier through the day, and sits well under sunscreen or makeup.
Vanessa Megan AEON Azure Regenerative Cream
This Vanessa Megan cream is built on ceramides and bakuchiol, a gentle plant-based alternative to retinol. It also contains a hibiscus oligopeptide from okra fruit, a blend of up to twenty plant peptides that softens the look of expression lines.
Mukti Queen of the Night Crème
For night, the Mukti Queen of the Night Crème is built on Mukti's signature ceramide complex, with antioxidant Queen Garnet plum, plant-based stem cells and collagen-boosting peptides. It is a rich, naturally pink cream for mature skin. In Mukti's trial of 50 users, 98% saw an improvement in moisturisation and smoothness.
Step 4: Finish with a ceramide sunscreen
Little Urchin Natural Face Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+
This Little Urchin clear zinc sunscreen uses a natural ceramide, Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP), with non-nano zinc oxide for SPF 50+. It rubs in clear so it sits under makeup without a cast, and it is fragrance-free. There is also a tinted version, which is titanium dioxide free.
Step 5: Add a ceramide lip serum
INIKA Organic Tinted Lip Serum Peptide + Ceramide
Our lips have a barrier too, and the skin there is thinner than anywhere else, so it dries out and chaps first. This INIKA lip serum brings Ceramide NG, a plant-derived lipid, together with peptides to soften the look of fine lines, in a cooling applicator with a sheer wash of colour. It also comes in a clear version for a no-tint finish.
About the Author ~ Irene Falcone
Irene Falcone is a clean beauty writer and co-host of a wellness podcast. She has spent more than 15 years reading the back of beauty labels, and is a Telstra Business Women's Awards winner and a judge for the Clean + Conscious Awards.
Leave a comment