Which ingredients help repair and support the skin barrier?
A healthy skin barrier prevents moisture loss and keeps irritants out. This guide covers the evidence behind barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and humectants.
Common questions
- What are the best ingredients for the skin barrier?
- Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids are the lipids that make up the skin barrier. Niacinamide stimulates ceramide production. Humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid help maintain hydration.
- Do ceramides actually work in skincare?
- Clinical studies show that ceramide-containing formulations can restore barrier function in conditions like eczema and dry skin. Formulation matters — ceramides need to be delivered in the right vehicle to be effective.
- What damages the skin barrier?
- Over-cleansing, harsh surfactants (SLS), low pH products, physical exfoliants used too frequently, and environmental factors like cold weather and UV damage can all degrade the skin barrier.
Ingredients in this guide
Zinc oxide
Minor concernMinor concern based on regulatory listings.
Hyaluronate sodium
Low concernLow concern — well-established and permitted without restriction (CIR safe as used; EU CosIng).
Glyceryl monostearate
Low concernLow concern — well-established and permitted without restriction (FDA GRAS; CIR safe as used; EU CosIng).
Palmitic acid
Low concernLow concern — well-established and permitted without restriction (FDA food additive; CIR safe as used; EU CosIng).
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Low concernLow concern — well-established and permitted without restriction (EU CosIng).
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