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From Alia Bhatt to Mira Rajput Kapoor, this holy grail ingredient has got celebrities’ nod of approval. Ceramide – a perennial buzzword in the skincare biz – is your ticket to supple, resilient skin that can brave oxidative damage and ultraviolet radiation, among other external aggressors.
While ceramides can be incorporated into any part of your routine, they’re most commonly found in face creams and moisturisers to quench and repair the skin overnight. As for me, my skin cannot survive without one (psst, d’you’s hard-working formula is my ride-or-die). But before I delve into recs from the beauty editor’s desk for the best ceramide moisturiser in India, let’s take a moment to first discuss what ceramides actually do.
Why Are Ceramides Touted As A Skincare Hero?
Essentially, ceramides are lipids or fatty acids that maintain the integrity of your skin barrier, prompting moisture retainment and shielding the epidermis from free radicals. With pollution at its peak and the perils of over-exfoliation, skin sensitivity is at an all-time high – necessitating skin barrier protection. Here’s where a topical ceramide formula comes in; a ceramide moisturiser can create an impenetrable barrier across the epidermis, curtailing water loss and sustaining hydration.
Ingredients To Look For In Ceramide Moisturisers
When choosing a ceramide moisturiser, it's essential to look for key ingredients that enhance skin hydration and strengthen the skin barrier. These ingredients, combined with ceramides, help restore dry, damaged skin, leaving it nourished and protected. Here’s what you need to look for:
- The most important ingredient is (obviously) ceramide itself. Typically listed as ceramide 1, 2, 3, or others, it helps restore moisture and protect the skin from environmental damage.
- Hyaluronic acid is often added to ceramide smoisturisers for its ability to draw moisture into the skin, complementing the ceramide’s barrier-repairing action.
- Fatty acids like cholesterol and free fatty acids also support the skin’s lipid barrier, enhancing ceramide's effectiveness.
- Glycerin acts as a humectant, attracting moisture and keeping skin plump.
- Niacinamide soothes and reduces redness while improving elasticity.
- Squalane provides lightweight moisture without clogging pores, boosting the overall moisturising effect.
10 Best Ceramide Moisturisers: A Skinvestment You Won’t Regret
Now that you know all about ceramides, let’s explore the best ceramide moisturisers in India, their key specifications, as well as pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
1. d’you In My Defence
Size: 50ml
Ceramide Type: Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AS, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP.
Key Ingredients: Portulaca Oleracea Extrac, Glycerin, Betaine, Euterpe, and Oleracea Sterols.
Skin Type: All
I said it once and I'll say it again – I swear by this barrier-building skin food. Lightweight, albeit heavy-duty, this efficacious formula melts into the skin and reduces transepidermal water loss while neutralising oxidative damage. Two pumps of the product are enough to cover your entire face, so trust it to last a long while.
Pro: Suitable for all skin types, age groups, and genders.
Con: Users with dry skin say it does not deliver the desired results.
2. Gabit Ceramide & Hyaluronic Face Moisturiser
Size: 50ml
Ceramide Type: Ceramide NP and Ceramide AP.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Betaine, and Acetyl Glucosamine.
Skin Type: All
Come summer, oil-free moisturisers slowly emerge from the forgotten section of your shelf. Gabit’s high-performance formula maximises moisture, curbs pigmentation, and evens skin tone and texture. Also featuring niacinamide, superfoods, prebiotics, and probiotics, the creamy concoction is sure to make your skin barrier more resilient.
Pro: It contains niacinamide to brighten your skin from within.
Con: This moisturiser may not be ideal for those with oily skin, especially in the summer.
3. Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser
Size: 100ml
Ceramide Type: Ceramide NP
Key Ingredients: Potent Ceramide Blend, Buckwheat Honey with Propolis, Royal Jelly Blend, Fig Fruit Extract, and Osmolytes.
Skin Type: Normal to dry skin
Supple, plump skin awaits you! Farmacy’s superior formulation intensely hydrates the skin, prepping and primping it for makeup application. Replenishing your epidermal barrier by 4x, it also soothes the skin and seals moisture, owing to potent plant-based ceramides and shea butter.
Pro: Makes the skin visibly plump and improves replenishes dry, distressed skin.
Con: May not be enjoyable for those who have an aversion to sweet honey scent.
4. The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream
Size: 50ml
Ceramide Type: Ceramide NP
Key Ingredients: Nano Ceramide Water, Rice Extracts, Rice Bran Oil, and Vegetable Rice Ceramide.
Skin Type: Dry, flaky skin
Meet this ultra-moisturising formula packed with ceramides, rice extracts, rice bran oil, nano ceramide water, and vegetable rice ceramide. Perfectly formulated to care for dry and flaky skin, it penetrates deep within, plumps, and helps prevent early signs of ageing. A 4.4 rating on Nykaa speaks for itself.
Pro: Locks in the benefits of products applied before the moisturiser.
Con: Users with acne-prone skin reported breakouts after use.
5. Deconstruct Skin Soothe Moisturiser
Size: 50g
Ceramide Type: Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP.
Key Ingredients: 1% Ceramide Complex and 0.2% Bisabolol.
Skin Type: Very dry to combination skin
A medley of ceramide complex and bisabolol repairs, revitalises and heals the skin, boosting moisturisation and lending soothing properties. The dermatologically-tested, pH-balanced cream is suitable for sensitive skin types, boasting an innovative scientific formula that promises to strengthen your barrier.
Pro: Fragrance-free, dermatologically tested, and pH balanced.
Con: Does not layer well over other skincare products.
6. CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Size: 177ml
Ceramide Type: Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin.
Skin Type: Dry to very dry skin
A blessing during harsh winter months, CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream is a rich albeit non-greasy, non-comedogenic, fragrance and paraben-free skincare staple featuring a unique three-ceramide formula that continually releases hydrating agents for optimal skin health. Dermatologist-backed and kid-friendly, this one’s a no-brainer.
Pro: Developed with dermatologists.
Con: Users with sensitive skin say the texture is not suitable for them.
7. SkinInspired Ceramide Cream Moisturizer
Size: 50g
Ceramide Type: Ceramide lIl B
Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, Calendula Extract, Squalane, and Lecithin.
Skin Type: Normal to dry skin.
Boasting ceramide III B, cocoa butter, sodium hyaluronate, calendula extract, and squalane, this potent formulation comes packed in a spill-proof and travel-friendly, airless container, helping you top-up on hydration on the go. Plagued by severe dryness? Make this your pick.
Pro: Easy absorption with melt-into--skin formulation.
Con: The lightweight texture is not ideal for those with very dry skin.
8. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
Size: 100ml
Ceramide Type: Phytoceramides (plant derived)
Key Ingredients: Moisturising emollients and hyaluronic acid.
Skin Type: All, especially dry skin
This moisture-rich, creamy offering by The Ordinary is suitable for all skin types – formulated with twice the level of moisturising emollients to boost hydration by up to 68%. Plus, the inclusion of plant-derived Phytoceramides helps improve skin quality, paving the way for a fresh, plumper appearance.
Pro: Vegan, alcohol-free, silicone-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
Con: Will make your skin appear greasy if you have oily skin.
9. Dr. Sheth's Ceramide & Vitamin C Oil - Free Moisturiser
Size: 50g
Ceramide Type: Ceramides 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 II
Key Ingredients: Ceramide complex, Vitamin C, and Ashwagandha Extract.
Skin Type: All
Formulated for Indian skin, Dr. Sheths Ceramide & Vitamin C Oil-Free Moisturiser has a lightweight texture that is non-sticky while still providing intense hydration. What’s more? It has Vitamin C complex that brightens your complexion and ashwagandha extract to calm inflammation.
Pro: Oil-free moisturiser great for those with acne prone skin.
Con: Users with combination skin did not get desired results.
10. Dot & Key Hyaluronic + Ceramide Barrier Repair Hydrating Face Moisturiser
Size: 100ml
Ceramide Type: Ceramides 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 II
Key Ingredients: Blueberry, Hyluronic Acid, Japanese Rice Water, and Probiotics.
Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, combination, and normal skin.
5 ceramides and hyaluronic acid are combined to create this power packed moisturiser that gives your the healthy, plum skin for your dreams. It is also non-comedogenic and fragrance free to ensure your skin only gets an intense boost of hydration and nothing else.
Pro: Clinically proven to repair skin barrier and improve moisture retention.
Con: Not for oily or acne-prone skin.
Key Takeaways
Applying a ceramide-infused moisturiser is one thing, but to leverage its full benefits, you must pair it with the correct ingredients. Look to couple ceramides with humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and niacinamide, or active ingredients, including retinol and lactic acid.
FAQs
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How do ceramide moisturisers work?
Ceramide moisturisers lipid molecules found naturally in the skin. The best ceramide moisturisers help restore the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors.
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Who should use ceramide moisturizers?
Ceramide moisturisers are ideal for those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers. They are also beneficial for those with eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.
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Can ceramide moisturizers be used on oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes, ceramide moisturisers are suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. Many best ceramide moisturisers formulations are lightweight and non-comedogenic, providing hydration without clogging pores. Ceramides also help repair damage to the skin barrier that is often caused by acne treatments.
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What are the best ingredients to look for in a ceramide moisturizer?
The best ceramide moisturisers often contain a combination of ceramides, hyaluronic acid for moisture retention, niacinamide for soothing properties, and fatty acids to support the skin barrier. Look for formulas with additional nourishing ingredients like squalane or glycerin.
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Can I use a ceramide moisturizer daily?
Yes! Ceramide moisturizers are safe and effective for daily use. They provide long-lasting hydration and repair, making them an excellent choice for morning and evening skincare routines.
