Safety guide

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.

Focus

Barrier support

Guide type

Evidence-backed

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.

Related ingredients

Fragrance

High concern

Composite fragrance terms reduce transparency and may hide sensitizers.

View full evidence →

BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE

High concern

2,6-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Methylphenol is restricted in cosmetic products under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.

View full evidence →

ALCOHOL

Moderate concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 16385 composition records across product categories including Personal care, Construction and building materials, Furniture and furnishings.

View full evidence →

Niacinamide

Minor concern

EPA CPDat observed this chemical in 2264 composition records across product categories including Food and drug, Laboratory supplies, Personal care.

View full evidence →

PHENOXYETHANOL

Minor concern

2-Phenoxyethanol is listed in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (preservatives allowed in cosmetic products).

View full evidence →

Explore this topic

Other safety guides