The 13 Best Ceramide Moisturizers of 2024

Key Ingredients: Plant ceramides, peptides, niacinamide | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with three types of ceramides, this lush moisturizer from Eadem can do a little bit of everything—heal a damaged skin barrier, quench dry skin, soothe irritation, and even lift dark marks. It’s packed with some of our favorite ingredients for all skin types—including niacinamide (to even the skin tone), peptides (to treat signs of aging), squalane (to hydrate), and more for an overall healthy complexion. The whipped, creamy texture makes it easy to spread across the face and sinks in easily without any stickiness. While it seems heavy at first, it’s pretty much unnoticeable on the skin seconds after applying. 

When testing this product, I loved that my skin would look glowy and smooth upon waking, and that the cream would immediately soothe my skin that gets very dry after taking a shower. I found that my skin also felt more hydrated overall—even before I had applied my skincare. I also love that it comes with a little golden spatula to apply the cream, making the experience even more luxurious.

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This deeply hydrating cream is the perfect pick for those dealing with eczema or rosacea—it contains everything recommended by dermatologists to soothe irritated skin, including colloidal oatmeal, shea butter—and ceramides, of course. “Not only does this cream help with hydration, but it also helps to protect the skin and offers a barrier effect, protecting the skin against irritation and sensitivity,” says Dr. Garshick, who personally recommends this if you’re looking for softer—and stronger—skin. It has a rich consistency that’s able to quickly calm inflamed skin without feeling heavy or leaving a residue. We love that the hydration it provides lasts long (for 24 hours, according to the brand) and can nourish dry, chapped skin without causing burning or stinging.

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, centella asiatica, glycerin | Size: 2.82 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This moisturizer from Cosrx has a rich balm texture, but acne-prone skin types will be pleased to find that it can deeply hydrate the skin without triggering breakouts. I’ve used this formula for years, and it became the first thick moisturizer that I could use that didn’t result in little whiteheads across my complexion. While it is rich, it spreads easily, instantly absorbs and doesn’t feel sticky on the skin after application. It’s formulated with ceramides, centella, and beeswax—meaning it can soothe and moisturize without causing irritation to the skin.

If you deal with consistent acne but still lean on the dry side, this is a great pick if you’re looking for a nourishing cream to apply before bed.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol, glycerin | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If a compromised barrier is your biggest skin concern, a formula packed with ceramides and panthenol (a humectant that’s great for wound healing and strengthening) like this one is exactly what you need to get your complexion back in tip-top shape. Dr. Garshick is a big fan, and she loves that it contains five different ceramides to keep the skin healthy and hydrated. It has a silky consistency that can feel a bit heavy when you first apply it, but it does absorb into the skin quickly. Aside from keeping the barrier supported, it also has glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E to add moisture back into the skin.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramide NP | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Belif’s Aqua Bomb has been popular with beauty editors and fanatics alike for its light-as-air gel-cream formula that’s able to efficiently hydrate the driest skin types. According to the brand, it can increase the skin’s hydration levels by 231.4% in just 10 seconds after application, which they found in a clinical study with 30 test subjects. Alongside ceramide NP, the powerhouse formula contains squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to keep dry skin moisturized and soothed for hours. We love that it’s lightweight enough to be used in the morning and nourishing enough to be applied before bed and that it’s able to plump up the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines with continued use.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a high-quality moisturizer under $30 can be a tough feat, but this ceramide cream from affordable brand The Inkey List works just as well as many high-end picks. It has a rich texture that feels luxurious but sinks into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Shea butter and ceramides also work together to add bounce to the complexion, so that wrinkles and other signs of aging look visibly lifted. The end result is skin that looks dewy and smooth, with a skin barrier that’s strong and supported.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, panax ginseng, glycerin | Size: 2.45, 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re a fan of Korean skincare, you’ve most likely tried (or at least heard of) this ceramide moisturizer from Illiyoon. It has a rich texture that absorbs quickly and still feels light on the skin, and is filled with ingredients to soothe and hydrate all skin types—such as ginseng, glycerin, and probiotics. This is a great pick for those who are dealing with dry patches and itchy skin, as it’s able to heal irritation—so you’ll wake up with a smooth, moisturized complexion. Another plus is that it’s seven-free, meaning it’s free of common potential skin irritants and fragrances (so perfect for sensitive skin types).

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, ceramides, rosemary leaf oil | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Spending $150 on a moisturizer is obviously not ideal for everyone, but if you want a formula that checks all of your boxes, this one from SkinCeuticals has you covered. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants to keep the skin protected from free radical damage, boost elasticity, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It’s formulated with ingredients that your skin needs more of as you age—such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids—to keep the complexion looking youthful and radiant. It has a thick texture (perfect for applying before bed), but it feels soothing and doesn’t make the skin oily. We especially love this formula for those who are using strong actives or retinol consistently, as it keeps the skin feeling ultra-nourished and comfortable.

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, ceramide 3, shea butter, niacinamide | Size: 6.7, 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Ceramides aren’t only beneficial for the skin on your face but are also a great ingredient to utilize if you deal with dry body skin. This lotion from La Roche-Posay contains the ingredient alongside prebiotic thermal water and shea butter to provide long-lasting hydration. Our favorite thing about this formula is that it effectively moisturizes parched skin and softens scaly dry patches but doesn’t feel sticky once applied. This makes it a great choice for applying right before bed or before getting dressed in the morning; you won’t have to worry about it sticking to your sheets or clothes.

Key Ingredients: Plant ceramides, phytosphingosine, African oil blend | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another recommendation by Dr. Garshick, this cream from Drunk Elephant is great for all skin types—but especially beneficial for those with rough, dry skin. It has three types of ceramides, a hydrating African oil blend, and a phytosphingosine, which is “a plant-derived fatty molecule to help replenish moisture,” according to Dr. Garshick. She also loves that it’s nongreasy without compromising on hydrating power. It comes in a hygienic pump-top tub, with a rich, whipped texture that provides the skin with long-lasting moisture and keeps the complexion smooth and line-free.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, tripeptide-5, watermelon seed oil, squalane | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If thick creams tend to cause irritation or trigger breakouts for you, this lightweight ceramide moisturizer will still boost hydration and barrier strength without feeling heavy on the skin. Coming in a convenient pump bottle, this formula contains multiple types of ceramides and peptides to keep the skin protected and reduce signs of aging in the complexion. Because it also has shea butter, vitamin E, and squalane, we think it’s a great pick for combination skin types who have both dry and oily spots—it keeps the skin moisturized without becoming greasy.

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NG, squalane, meadowfoam estolide | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dealing with bouts of sensitive skin and irritation? This rich formula will soothe while supporting the barrier—so you’ll have less instances of sensitivity in the future. It has a combination of peptides, lipids, and plant-based ceramides to heal and condition the skin from the inside out. Also included in the formula is squalane, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E to moisturize and keep the skin looking glowy and radiant. My favorite thing about this cream is that absorbs quickly, immediately making the skin feel soft and smooth. While it’s rich, it feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. It also never caused irritation or acne, which is common for me, and I loved that my skin still felt hydrated in the morning. Another plus—it can be used day and night and is gentle enough for all skin types.

Key Ingredients: Multi-ceramide complex, vitamin E, glycerin | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

When it comes to treating fine lines and wrinkles, it’s best to have a routine where every step has anti-aging benefits. If you’re looking for a moisturizer to do just that, we recommend this one from Medik8. Formulated with superfood antioxidants and a ceramide complex, it works to firm, nourish, and add a glow for skin that looks ageless and bouncy. The brand designed the cream specifically to be used after retinol (which you’re probably already using if anti-aging is your routine) to soothe any irritation caused by the ingredient and provide a boost of hydration. We also love that it has a creamy, whipped texture that feels luxurious when applying, and it’s made without artificial fragrance or dyes.