What the science says about Ceramides
Peer-reviewed research on Ceramides, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.
Ceramides for skin barrier
Some evidence for skin barrier- All of these studies found ceramides helped the skin barrier
- Skin held moisture better and lost less water through the skin
- People had less dry skin in the study of dry, sensitive skin
- One study found ceramides helped, but less than the comparison product
13 studies
Comprehensive Evaluation of Body Lotion in Alleviating Xerosis: A Multi-Omics Approach to Lipid Metabolism and Microbial Community Modulation.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2026RCTPositive
In a 4-week clinical trial in people with dry skin, a lotion with ceramides and natural oils improved skin moisture and lowered water loss through the skin.
A Split-Face Micro-Needling Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Consumer Perception of a Novel Moisturization Agent.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2025RCT30 participantsPositive
In a 4-week split-face trial of 30 adults after microneedling, a ceramide-containing cream helped the skin barrier recover and lowered water loss through the skin.
Efficacy of Pseudo-Ceramide Absorption Into the Stratum Corneum and Effects on Transepidermal Water Loss and the Ceramide Profile: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2025RCT52 participantsPositive
In a 4-week trial of 52 people with dry, sensitive skin, a pseudo-ceramide spray improved water loss through the skin and skin dryness more than a spray without pseudo-ceramide.
A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Comparator Controlled Trial Evaluating Topical Formulations for Skin Fragility of the Arms.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024RCT38 participantsPositive
In a 24-week clinical trial of 38 people with fragile arm skin, a ceramide moisturizer improved skin barrier measures, but less than the comparator.
Efficacy of ceramides and niacinamide-containing moisturizer versus hydrophilic cream in combination with topical anti-acne treatment in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A split face, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2024RCT40 participantsNeutral
In an 8-week split-face trial of 40 people using acne medicine, a ceramide moisturizer used with niacinamide improved skin barrier measures, but not more than hydrophilic cream.
Ceramide-Containing Adjunctive Skin Care for Skin Barrier Restoration During Acne Vulgaris Treatment.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2023RCTPositive
In people with acne using adapalene and benzoyl peroxide, a ceramide cleanser and lotion routine lowered water loss through the skin and dryness more than basic face wash.
The Effect of a Ceramide-Containing Product on Stratum Corneum Lipid Levels in Dry Legs.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2020RCTPositive
In a 4-week split-leg trial in women with dry, itchy legs, a ceramide-containing cream helped skin hold more water and reduced visible dry skin.
Efficacy and safety of a topical moisturizer containing linoleic acid and ceramide for mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.
Dermatologic therapy2020RCT178 participantsPositive
In a 4-week clinical trial of 178 people with psoriasis, a moisturizer with ceramides and linoleic acid used with steroid cream improved dry, flaky skin more than steroid cream alone.
The 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6-II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment.
Dermatologic therapy2019RCT24 participantsPositive
In a 28-day trial of 24 people with dry skin, a ceramide cream improved skin hydration and reduced water loss through the skin more than hydrophilic cream.
Amelioration of lactic acid sensations in sensitive skin by stimulating the barrier function and improving the ceramide profile.
Archives of dermatological research2018RCT39 participantsPositive
In a 4-week trial of 39 women with sensitive skin, a ceramide complex cream improved the skin barrier more than a placebo cream.
Topical application of a linoleic acid-ceramide containing moisturizer exhibit therapeutic and preventive benefits for psoriasis vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial.
Dermatologic therapy2015RCT106 participantsPositive
In a clinical trial of 106 people with psoriasis, a ceramide moisturizer used with steroid cream improved water loss through the skin and skin hydration more than steroid cream alone.
Evaluation of a new pressure ulcer preventive dressing containing ceramide 2 with low frictional outer layer.
Journal of advanced nursing2007RCT37 participantsPositive
In a 3-week clinical trial of 37 bedridden older adults, a dressing with ceramide 2 helped skin hold more water than no dressing.
Effect of lipid-containing, positively charged nanoemulsions on skin hydration, elasticity and erythema--an in vivo study.
International journal of pharmaceutics2006Clinical trial42 participantsPositive
In a study of 42 women, a cream with ceramides and other skin lipids increased how much water the skin held more than similar creams without those added lipids.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
How we grade research for skin barrierProducts with Ceramides
Products we have confirmed contain Ceramides, from their ingredient lists.