Your skin produces enough ceramides naturally…until it doesn’t. By the time you reach your 40s, your skin is producing roughly 60% fewer ceramides than it did in your 20s. When you add harsh weather that strips them away or acne treatments that deplete them faster than they can be replaced, your barrier eventually hits a breaking point.
The fix is straightforward: replace what’s missing.
But there are ceramide moisturisers at every price point, from £5 Superdrug dupes to £80 luxury creams. Which ones actually work? We’ve analysed formulations, compared ceramide types, and cross-referenced clinical data to find the moisturisers worth your money.
Want to understand the science first? Read our guide to what ceramides are and how they work.
Quick Picks: Top Ceramide Moisturisers at a Glance
| Product | Price | Size | Best For | Key Ceramides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Moisturising Cream | £15-17 | 454g | All skin types, budget pick | NP, AP, EOP + HA |
| The INKEY List Bio-Active | £15-19 | 50ml | Anti-ageing, 40+ | Bio-active ceramides + peptides |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive | £22 | 40ml | Sensitive, reactive skin | NP + niacinamide |
| CeraVe PM Facial Lotion | £12-17 | 52ml | Oily, acne-prone | NP, AP, EOP + niacinamide |
| Dr Jart+ Ceramidin | £30-38 | 50ml | Very dry, compromised barriers | 5-ceramide complex (2.3%) |
| Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR | £61-77 | 50ml | Anti-ageing + barrier repair | Ceramide blend + retinol |
| Vanicream Daily Facial | £14-16 | 89ml | Severe sensitivity | EOP, NG, NP, AS, AP |
| The Ordinary NMF + Ceramides | £20 | 100ml | Budget minimalist | NP (high concentration) |
| Skingredients Skin Good Fats | £49 | 45ml | Barrier-compromised | NP + oat kernel extract |
| COSRX Balancium | £12-18 | 80ml | Lightweight K-beauty | 7-ceramide complex |
| Kiehl’s Ultra Facial | £29-35 | 50ml | Year-round use | Pro-ceramides + squalane |
| Superdrug Me+ | £5 | 50ml | CeraVe dupe | NP, AP, EOP |
12 Top Ceramide Moisturisers
1. CeraVe Moisturising Cream — Best Overall
Price: £15 – £17 (454g tub) | Ceramides: NP, AP, EOP
This is the ceramide moisturiser every other brand gets compared to. Dermatologists recommend it because the formula mimics skin’s natural lipid composition: three essential ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) alongside cholesterol and fatty acids, a ratio inspired by barrier-repair research on ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.
MVE technology helps release ingredients gradually over time, extending hydration compared to standard creams. One application provides long-lasting comfort for most. The texture is thick without being greasy, absorbs within two minutes, and doesn’t pill under makeup or sunscreen.
The tub format isn’t ideal for ingredient stability, but at this price point, you’re getting barrier repair ingredients that cost luxury brands £80 to replicate.
The formula feels heavy in summer humidity, but that’s the trade-off for serious barrier repair. If you’re new to ceramides or dealing with compromised skin from harsh treatments, this is where you start.
Best for: Anyone new to ceramides, dry skin, post-retinol barrier repair, and eczema
2. The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Moisturiser — Best for Anti-Ageing
Price: £15 – £19 (50ml) | Ceramides: Next-gen bio-active ceramides
Launched in early 2024, this product uses bio-active ceramides designed to integrate into the stratum corneum to support barrier function. According to The INKEY List, clinical trials showed 100% of participants experienced improvement in six ageing signs: fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, elasticity, plumpness, and barrier strength within 28 days.
The texture is velvety and cushioning, but surprisingly lightweight. Gransil Blur (soft-focus silicone) instantly blurs fine lines on application while shea butter seals in moisture.
At £18, this delivers anti-ageing benefits that compete with products three times the price. It’s particularly effective for the 35-50 age bracket, dealing with early barrier decline and emerging lines. If you’re debating between a basic ceramide cream and adding a separate anti-ageing product, this combines both.
The only limitation is the 50ml size. Heavy users will go through it quickly. But the concentration is high enough that you need less product than traditional creams.
Best for: 35+, fine lines, loss of firmness, mature skin on a budget
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Cream — Best for Sensitive Skin
Price: £22.00 (40ml) | Ceramides: Ceramide NP
In the UK, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Cream is the product that mirrors the US Double Repair. It uses the same “prebiotic” logic: pairing Ceramide NP with a high concentration of Niacinamide and Glycerin. While the US marketing emphasizes “repairing twice,” the UK version focuses on the microbiome to stop the cycle of sensitivity.
The texture is a medium-weight cream that uses Squalane for a smooth, non-greasy finish. Shown in brand clinical testing to significantly reduce sensations of stinging and tightness over four weeks.. It is fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and so safe it is officially cleared for use on babies. This is the “safe bet” when your barrier is so compromised that almost everything else causes a reaction.
Best for: Sensitive skin, rosacea-prone, post-procedure recovery, eczema, reactive skin
4. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion — Best for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Price: £12 – £17 (52ml) | Ceramides: NP, AP, EOP
The PM version contains the same three essential ceramides as the cream but in a lighter lotion base. What makes it ideal for oily skin is the addition of niacinamide to help calm skin and regulate oil production, while ceramides repair barrier damage from acne treatments.
The lotion texture absorbs quickly, leaving no residue. It’s oil-free, non-comedogenic, and doesn’t interfere with tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. Dermatologists often recommend this alongside isotretinoin to manage the dryness without triggering breakouts.
One overlooked benefit: it layers beautifully under other products. If you’re using multiple serums or treatments, this won’t create that suffocating layered feeling. It also works under mineral sunscreens without pilling, which is rare for lightweight moisturisers.
The bottle is small (52ml) and goes quickly with twice-daily use, but the texture makes it worth the frequent repurchasing. This is the moisturiser that proves oily skin needs barrier repair just as much as dry skin.
Best for: Oily skin, acne-prone, tretinoin users, humid climates, layering under treatments
5. Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Cream — Best for Very Dry Skin
Price: £30 – £38 (50ml) | Ceramides: 5-cera complex (2x concentration)
The cult-favourite “yellow tube” has been officially upgraded. The new Skin Barrier version contains twice the concentration of ceramides (2.3%) compared to the original, making it a heavy-hitter for severely dry or compromised skin.
The reformulated 5-Cera complex uses a proprietary blend of five bio-identical ceramides (NP, AS, AP, NS, and EOP) designed to reinforce the lipid matrix at the skin’s surface. When combined with a high dose of Panthenol (Vitamin B5) and Glycerin, it creates a “liquid bandage” effect that effectively seals “moisture leaks” and prevents transepidermal water loss for up to 24 hours.
Despite its “night cream” density and buttery-rich texture, the new formulation melts into the skin much faster than previous versions. It features Shea Butter and nourishing lipids to recover even the most reactive barriers, yet it leaves a velvet, non-greasy finish that works surprisingly well under makeup. Whether you are battling harsh winter weather or recovering from intensive acne treatments, this is the ultimate recovery treatment.
At over £35, it’s expensive. But the 50ml tube lasts 3-4 months with nightly use, and the tube format protects ingredient stability better than cheaper jar formats.
This is the choice when your barrier is severely compromised by isotretinoin, harsh winter conditions, or chronic eczema. It’s too rich for daily use on normal skin, but for dry or damaged skin, it’s transformative.
Best for: Very dry skin, dermatitis, winter barrier damage, mature 50+ skin, post-isotretinoin
6. Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Water Cream — The One-and-Done Moisturiser
Price: £61 – £77 (50ml) | Ceramides: Proprietary ceramide blend + retinol
Elizabeth Arden built its reputation on ceramide technology, and this “Water Cream” is their modern solution for those who want anti-ageing results without sacrificing barrier health. It combines a Triple Ceramide Blend with HPR, a next-generation retinoid that is up to 10 times more potent than pure retinol, yet gentle enough to be used by those with sensitive skin. Because the ceramides buffer the retinol, you are significantly less likely to experience the “retinol uglies” (peeling and redness).
The water-cream texture is a standout; it absorbs with the lightness of a gel yet delivers the deep, lasting hydration of a heavy cream. This makes it a perfect “one-and-done” night moisturiser for anyone who finds traditional barrier creams too suffocating.
At £64, you are paying for a sophisticated dual-action formula. The convenience is in the buffered delivery system and the inclusion of a power peptide complex, which adds an extra dimension of firming.
Best for: 40+ looking for anti-ageing + barrier repair in one, retinol-sensitive skin, time-poor routines
7. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturiser — Best Fragrance-Free Drugstore Option
Price: £14 – £16 (89ml) | Ceramides: EOP, NG, NP, AS, AP
Vanicream is what dermatologists recommend when someone reacts to everything. The ingredient list is remarkably short: five ceramides, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. There is no fragrance, no dyes, no parabens, and no botanical extracts that could trigger sensitivity. It is the “medical-grade” choice for skin that has truly hit a breaking point.
The texture is thicker than CeraVe PM but lighter than the classic Vanicream “tub” cream. It takes about a minute to fully absorb, leaving the skin soft and protected but never greasy. Because it comes in a hygienic tube rather than a jar, the ceramides stay stable and the formula remains preserved from the first squeeze to the last.
This is the unsexy choice that works when your skin is angry and nothing else will. For eczema patients, those dealing with chemotherapy-related dryness, or anyone in post-laser recovery, this is the safe option that won’t add insult to injury. The packaging is uninspiring, but that’s the point. There is no added fragrance to make it feel “luxurious,” just barrier repair stripped down to the essentials.
Best for: Severe sensitivity, eczema, dermatitis, fragrance allergies, chemotherapy patients
8. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + Ceramides — Best Budget Minimalist Option
Price: £20 (100ml) | Ceramides: NP
While The Ordinary built its reputation on affordable basics, this ‘plus’ version is their most advanced barrier-repair formula to date. It contains significantly more emollients than the standard NMF formula and is boosted with a high concentration of plant-derived PhytoCeramides to mimic the skin’s natural lipid structure.
The texture is a significant departure from their standard line; it is a rich, dense cream that feels much more expensive than its £20 price tag. It is designed to provide “triple-action” hydration, targeting the skin surface while deep-conditioning the barrier. Because it is so concentrated, a pea-sized amount is usually enough to cover the entire face, making the 100ml tube last significantly longer than the others on this list.
This is the ideal choice for those who love a “slugging” effect but want the sophistication of a modern ceramide blend. It leaves the skin with a visible, healthy-looking glow and is completely fragrance-free, making it a safe bet for those with dry, parched skin who want high-end results on a high-street budget.
Best for: 20s-30s, normal to slightly dry skin, minimalist routines, tight budgets, gateway ceramide product
Buy: Lookfantastic, Cult Beauty, Beauty Bay
9. Skingredients Skin Good Fats — Best for Barrier-Compromised Skin
Price: £49 (45ml) | Ceramides: Ceramide NP + Oat Kernel Extract
This Irish brand created a formula specifically for barriers damaged by over-exfoliation or harsh actives. It’s a butter-soft barrier balm designed for skin that has physically hit its limit. While the name highlights “fats,” the real star is Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, a clinically proven anti-irritant that acts as a natural antihistamine to stop the itching and stinging associated with over-exfoliation or “retinol burn.”
The formula uses Ceramide NP alongside a lipid-heavy blend of Shea Butter glycerides and Grapeseed oil. Unlike many heavy balms, it is strictly non-comedogenic, meaning it replenishes the barrier without triggering breakouts in acne-prone users who are currently dealing with the dryness caused by active treatments.
It’s an “add-on” moisturiser; you use it when your skin is angry, and it settles into a comforting, non-greasy seal.
At £49, it is an investment in recovery. However, the refillable system means you only buy the outer tube once, with refills costing slightly less. It is completely fragrance-free, though the high concentration of seed oils gives it a faint, natural nutty scent that fades quickly. This is the “safe bet” you keep in your kit for emergencies when your skin is raw and reactive.
Best for: Damaged barriers from over-exfoliation, acid burns, reactive skin, retinoid adjustment
10. COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream — Best Lightweight K-Beauty Option
Price: £12.19 – £18.40 (80ml) | Ceramides: 7-Ceramide Complex + 2 Pseudoceramides
This is COSRX’s direct answer to the luxury barrier market. For 2025, they’ve replaced the singular Ceramide NP with a massive 7-ceramide complex (including NP, NS, AP, AS, and EOP) paired with two types of pseudoceramides. This mimics the exact lipid structure of human skin more accurately than almost any other budget-friendly option, claiming to provide up to 200 hours of continuous hydration.
The texture is a “breathable balm”, it looks thick in the tube but “melts” into a weightless, satin finish that doesn’t leave the greasy residue usually found in heavy-duty repair creams. It’s also packed with 5 types of Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol (B5), making it a “dual-threat” product: it pulls moisture deep into the skin (hydration) while simultaneously sealing the barrier (occlusion).
Crucially for sensitive users, this 2025 version is fragrance-free and oil-free, fixing the common complaint that the original Balancium was too heavily scented with bergamot. It is clinically tested for acne-prone skin and even pediatric use, making it one of the safest “reset” buttons for a barrier that has been completely stripped by weather or actives.
Best for: Combination skin, humid environments, lightweight texture preference, PIE, summer use
11. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream — Best for Year-Round Wearability
Price: £29 – £37 (50ml) | Ceramides: Proprietary ceramide technology
Kiehl’s has been making this formula for decades, but the 2025 version is a significant upgrade. They have added Pro-Ceramides to their signature base of 4.5% Squalane and Glacial Glycoprotein. The result (according to Kiehl’s) is a cream that is clinically proven to repair the skin barrier in just one hour and provide up to 72 hours of hydration, even in extreme environments.
The texture remains its greatest asset: it goes on thick but “melts” into a dry-touch finish that never feels greasy or heavy. This makes it unusually good under makeup and ensures it doesn’t interfere with high-SPF sunscreen application. While many barrier creams feel like they sit on top of the skin, this formula is designed to hydrate up to 10 cell layers deep.
At over £30, you are paying for the elegance of the formulation and the brand’s heritage. This is the choice for someone who wants one reliable moisturiser for all seasons: rich enough for a UK winter but light enough for a humid summer morning. It is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a safe, high-performance option for those who want results without the clinical “balm” aesthetic.
Best for: Variable climates, makeup wearers, normal to dry skin, year-round consistency, single-product simplicity
12. Superdrug Me+ Ceramide Moisturiser — Best CeraVe Dupe
Price: £5 (50ml) | Ceramides: NP, AP, EOP
If you want the CeraVe ingredient profile but refuse to pay the “brand tax,” this is the smartest move you can make. It contains the exact same “essential” trio: Ceramides NP, AP, and EOP alongside Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, and Sodium Hyaluronate. The 2025 version has been reinforced with a blend of Amino Acids (Arginine, Alanine, Serine) to boost the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF).
The texture is a lightweight, non-greasy lotion that dries down to a matte finish. This is a significant point of difference: while the CeraVe “tub” cream can feel heavy and occlusive, the Me+ version is better suited for those who want their barrier repair to sit invisibly under makeup. It is completely fragrance-free and comes in a hygienic squeeze tube, which is objectively better for ingredient stability than a wide-mouth jar.
At just £5 for 50ml, this is the “unsexy” workhorse of the list. It lacks the advanced delivery systems of more expensive brands, but the formulation is remarkably honest. It’s the perfect choice for teenagers, those on a strict budget, or anyone who wants a no-frills daytime moisturiser that focuses entirely on barrier maintenance.
Best for: Budget-conscious, CeraVe fans seeking cheaper alternatives, UK-only availability
How to Choose A Ceramide Moisturiser Based On Your Skin Type
For Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Your skin needs barrier repair, but heavy creams will trigger congestion. Look for gel or lotion textures labelled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.”
Key features to look for:
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture (gel-cream or lotion)
- Contains niacinamide (controls sebum while ceramides repair)
- Non-comedogenic certification on packaging
- Pump or tube packaging (more hygienic than jars)
- Oil-free formulation
Avoid: Rich creams, formulas with heavy oils (coconut, olive)
Top picks from this list: CeraVe PM Lotion, COSRX Balancium, The Ordinary NMF + Ceramides
For Dry/Mature Skin
Prioritise cream formulations with higher ceramide concentrations and additional emollients like shea butter or squalane.
Key features to look for:
- Rich, occlusive texture for overnight barrier repair
- Multiple ceramide types (NP, AP, EOP together)
- Added humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) to attract water
- Peptides or retinol for anti-ageing benefits alongside barrier repair
- Airless pump packaging to preserve ingredient stability
Avoid: Lightweight gels, oil-free formulas (you need the oils)
Top picks from this list: Dr Jart+ Ceramidin, The INKEY List Bio-Active, Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR, CeraVe Moisturising Cream
For Sensitive Skin
Choose fragrance-free formulations with minimal ingredient lists and clinical testing on compromised skin.
Key features to look for:
- No fragrance, dyes, or essential oils
- Short ingredient list (fewer potential sensitisers)
- Dermatologist-tested on reactive or damaged skin
- Includes soothing ingredients (thermal water, panthenol, colloidal oatmeal)
- Free from common allergens
Avoid: Fragranced products, botanical extracts, formulas with long ingredient lists
Top picks from this list: La Roche-Posay Toleriane, Vanicream, CeraVe Moisturising Cream, Skingredients Skin Good Fats
The Verdict
Every skin type benefits from ceramide support, but your ideal formula depends on whether you’re dealing with oiliness, dryness, sensitivity, or ageing.
Your skin produces ceramides naturally—until it doesn’t. The right moisturiser simply replaces what time and environment take away. Want to understand the science behind why these formulas work? Read our complete guide to what ceramides are and how they repair your skin barrier.
FAQs
Can oily skin use ceramide moisturiser?
Yes, and it should. Oily skin often results from a compromised barrier, triggering compensatory sebum production. When you strengthen the barrier with ceramides, oil production frequently normalises because your skin stops overproducing oil to compensate for water loss.
The key is texture: avoid rich creams and heavy oils. Stick to lotion or gel-cream formulations that absorb quickly.
Do ceramides clog pores?
Ceramides themselves don’t clog pores; they’re non-comedogenic lipids that occur naturally in skin. However, heavy cream textures or occlusive ingredients (like petrolatum or coconut oil) in some ceramide formulations can trap oil and trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin. Check for “non-comedogenic” on the label.
Can you use ceramides with retinol?
Absolutely, in fact, dermatologists actively recommend this combination. Ceramides buffer retinol irritation by maintaining barrier integrity during the adjustment phase. Studies show ceramide use reduces retinol-induced dryness, flaking, and redness.
How long until ceramides work?
Results appear in stages:
- 24-48 hours: Immediate hydration and improved skin texture
- 1-2 weeks: Reduced sensitivity, less irritation, decreased redness
- 4-6 weeks: Measurable barrier repair, decreased TEWL (transepidermal water loss), improved resilience
Unlike acids or retinol, ceramides don’t provide dramatic overnight transformation. They’re maintenance ingredients that prevent decline rather than create visible change. This makes them essential but unsexy, and you notice their absence more than their presence.