Ingredients
What do ceramides actually do?
Short answer
Ceramides are barrier lipids. In a well-formulated moisturiser, they can help support the outer layer of skin, but they are not a cure for every dry-skin problem.
Full answer
What do ceramides actually do?
Ceramides are waxy lipids found between cells in the outer skin layer. Together with cholesterol and fatty acids, they help reduce uncontrolled water loss and support the organisation of the barrier.
A product containing a ceramide is not identical to the skin’s own lipid mixture, and studies of skin lipids do not prove that any one cream will restore an individual barrier. Formula, tolerability, and consistent use matter more than a single hero ingredient.