Ceramides are not something new in the beauty industry. They have been in the market for more than a decade. Internationally popular brand Cerave is quite famous for their Ceramide Moisturizers which contain 3 types of Ceramides. But it is only in the past few years that it has gained the attention of Indian consumers. So every brand has been coming up with a Ceramide Moisturizer, Cream, or Serum. But have you known that there are tons of Ceramide Creams that are Recommended by Dermatologists for Barrier Repair? Since they aren’t marketed heavily, they remain hidden to a normal consumer. This post will help you find out the Best Ceramide Moisturizer & Creams in India. I have categorized it into two sets – one from pharmacy brands that are affordable and the other from commercial brands that are known to be effective but are not very budget-friendly. You can choose one based on your preference. Before that let’s see a little about Ceramides.
Table of Contents
What is Ceramide?
Ceramides are lipids that are naturally found on the top layer of the skin. They make 50% skin composition, making it the crucial factor in the appearance of the skin. As we age, the effectiveness of the skin’s natural ceramides reduces and depletes them. This can lead to weakened skin barrier, wrinkles, dryness, roughness, and dehydrated skin. So using a good Ceramide Cream can help tackle those issues.
What is the ideal % Ceramides in Skincare?
For a product to be highly effective in repairing the skin barrier, it is best for the formulation to have Ceramides, Cholesterol & Free Fatty Acid in the ratio 3:1:1 at a total concentration of 1%-1.2%, where the Ceramide concentration should be .3-.7%. So don’t be worried if you see the Ceramides at the bottom of the ingredient list. Many brands use a standard raw material blend called SK-Influx which has all three.
Types of Ceramides
There are many types of Ceramides,
- Ceramide 1 (Ceramide EOS)
- Ceramide 2 (Ceramide NS)
- Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP)
- Ceramide 4 (Ceramide EOH)
- Ceramide 5 (Ceramide AS)
- Ceramide 6 (Ceramide AP)
- Ceramide 6 ll ( Caproyl sphingosine)
- Ceramide 7 (Ceramide AH)
- Ceramide 8 (Ceramide NH)
- Ceramide 9 (Ceramide EOP)
- Ceramide E
Benefits Of Ceramides
Ceramides have many skin benefits. Some of them are
- Ceramide Moisturizers are highly beneficial for those who use chemical exfoliators, harsh acne treatments.
- Reinforces skin barrier function.
- Seals in moisture preventing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)
- Lessens sensitivity of the skin.
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines giving you plumper, smoother and firmer skin.
- Ceramides are great for skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dry Skin.
Side effects and Precautions
- Typically, Well formulated Ceramide Creams can be used by all skin types including sensitive skin, acne prone skin and even oily skin.
- Just tread carefully in choosing one – check the ingredient list for any ingredient that you are allergic, look for the texture – go for gel based ones if you have oily skin.
- Ceramides can be easily layered and/or mixed with other products/ingredients.
- There are no major side effects reported while using a Ceramide Product.
Moving on to the list of Best Ceramide Moisturizers in India.
Best Ceramide Moisturizers in India
Editor’s Pick:
Top 3 Popular Ceramide Creams:
- Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume: Ultra soothing, anti-itching, repairing for sensitive, atopic skin.
- Cerave Moisturizing Cream: Contains 3 types of ceramides & hyaluronic acid to restore protective skin barrier.
- Paula’s Clear Oil Free Moisturizer: Formulated for blemish prone skin with soothing antioxidants to calm skin & Niacinamide to minimize pores.
Top 3 Korean Ceramide Creams:
- Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream: Patented Encapsulated Ceramide Complex, Extremely Moisturizing yet Non-Sticky, Fragrance Free.
- Klairs Midnight Blue Calming Cream: Contains Guaiazulene, which calms damaged skin tissues. Great as a spot treatment for soothing sensitivities.
- Cosrx Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream: Formulated with 50% Centella Asicatica Leaf Water and 1000ppm Cermaide NP to improve skin barrier.
Bonus: The Face Shop Rice Ceramide Emuslion is also quite popular among dry skin types for its soothing benefits.
Top 3 Deramtologist Recommended Ceramide Moisturizers:
- AquaOat Moisturizing Cream: With Colloidal Oatmeal & Hyaluronic Acid, Supremely Nourishing, Fragrance Free.
- Biosilk Moisturzing Cream: Soothing, Hydrating, Non-Greasy Moisturizer with Colloidal Oatmeal.
- Oryza Moisturizing Lotion: Lightweight, moisturizing, Fragrance Free Ceramide Lotion in golden ratio.
Top 3 From Popular Indian Brands:
- Dr.Sheth’s Cica Ceramide Serum: My personal favourite. Lightweight lotion that can be used by all skin types. Contains 1% Ceramide Complex, 2% Squalane & Marula Oil.
- Earth Rythm Phyto Ceramide Deep Moisturizer: Contains 6 essential ceramides & 1.5% Hydronav. Best For Dry & Dehydrated Skin.
- Suganda Squalane Ceramide Moisturizer: Great combination of ingredents to restore damaged skin barrier. Fragrance Free.
Bonus: Re’equil Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer: Popular choice in this category. Basic Ceramide Cream at an affordable price.
In detail on some of the Best Ceramide Creams in India
1. Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume
This ultra-soothing balm from Bioderma is the Best Ceramide Cream for Dry Sensitive Skin. It has got a thick balmy texture but heals your skin like nobody’s business. And it comes from the well-researched french pharmacy brand, so you don’t have to worry about its quality. The price of the Bioderma Atoderm Baume in India is quite reasonable as well, compared to other Ceramide Creams in the market that are heavily priced.
Notable Ingredients: Ceramide NP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Zinc Gluconate, Phytosphingosine & Vitamin E
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Top-rated Ceramide Cream, internationally. | 1. Its balmy texture is not suitable for oily skin. |
| 2. Soothes, nourishes, and reduces any discomfort of the skin. | |
| 3. Repairs damaged skin barrier within a few uses. | |
| 4. Fragrance-free, Essential Oil Free & Alcohol-Free formula. | |
| 5. Excellent for Dry Atopic Skin and those who are on drying acne treatments. | |
| 6. You don’t need a lot of product; a little goes a long way. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
2. Regaliz Truederma Moisturizing Lotion
Coming from a reputed pharmacy brand, this is a Dermatologist Recommended Face Moisturizer. It’s enriched with Liposomal Ceramide Complex that not only soothes irritated skin but also leaves your skin intensely nourished and moisturized. It’s has a beautiful, non-greasy neutral finish to the skin that makes it suitable for all skin types, including oily and dry skin types. The pricing is also good for 150 ml of product.
Notable Ingredients: Ceramide 3, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, Shea Butter, D-Panthenol, Cucumber Extract, Ivy Extract, Mallow Extract, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, and much more.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Watery yet creamy lotion-like texture. | 1. None |
| 2. Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, colorants-free moisturizer. | |
| 3. Non-comedogenic, non-irritating formula. | |
| 4. It’s both hydrating & moisturizing on the skin. | |
| 5. Claims to improve skin density & inhibit skin aging process. | |
| 6. Suitable for all skin types. |
Where to buy? Amazon.in
3. Biosilk Moisturizing Cream
If you want to experience soft, silky, and hydrated skin, then you need to try this Biosilk Moisturizing Cream from Ajanta Pharmaceuticals. It’s enriched with not only Ceramides but also Colloidal Oatmeal which is an excellent skin-soothing ingredient. The formulation is great such that it restores moisture, maintains a protective skin barrier, and provides complete nourishment.
Notable Ingredients: Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 11, Ceramide 1, Cholesterol, Colloidal Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Argan Oil, and much more.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Dermatologist Recommended. | 1. It contains added fragrance, though it’s barely detectable. |
| 2. Excellent combination of ingredients. | |
| 3. Contains oils & butters to deeply nourish the skin. | |
| 4. Soothes Irritated and Inflamed Skin | |
| 5. Affordable price. | |
| 6. Sets to a non-greasy semi-matte finish. | |
| 7. Suitable for Normal, Combination, Dry skin Types. Oily skin can use in winters too. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
4. AquaOat Moisturizing Cream
This is yet another Dermatologist Recommended Ceramide Cream with Hyaluronic Acid & Colloidal Oatmeal. It’s pretty much similar to Biosilk in the formulation. Except that Aqua Oat is fragrance-free. So Sensitive Skin Types can use this without any second thoughts.
Notable Ingredients: Ceramide 3, Ceramide 6 11, Ceramide 1, Cholesterol, Colloidal Oatmeal, Cocoa Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, and much more.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Dermatologist Recommended. | 1. Thick texture is a bit difficult to spread. So use it on damp skin. |
| 2. Budget Friendly. | |
| 3. Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, and Hypoallergenic. | |
| 4. Intensely moisturizes the skin. | |
| 5. Suitable for normal to dry skin. | |
| 6. They have a lotion version that suits oily skin. |
Where to buy? Amazon.in
5. Cerasoft IMF
This is an intensely moisturizing cream with 0.5% Ceramides, 0.5% Squalane, 2% Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid. Cerasoft IMF is one of the Best Moisturizers Recommended by Dermatologists that provides long-lasting hydration and makes your skin plump and supple.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Fragrance-Free. | |
| 2. Intense Moisturizing Cream with a non-sticky finish. | |
| 3. Excellent for Normal, Dry, Combination Skin Types. | |
| 4. Soothes & Softens Skin. |
Where to buy? Amazon.in
6. Oryza Moisturizing Lotion
Oryza Moisturizing Lotion is from Alembic Pharma. It is said to have Ceramides, Cholesterol and Free Fatty Acid in golden ratio making it one of the Best Ceramide Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin in India. It soothes and repairs damaged skin and strengthens skin barrier function. The moisturizer is free from added fragrance hence suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
Notable Ingredients: Ceramide, Cholesterol, Ethyl Linoleate, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Squalane, Vitamin E, Sodium Hyaluronate and much more.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Claims to have ceramides, cholesterol & fatty acid in the golden ratio. | 1. None |
| 2. Lightweight yet Moisturizing formula. | |
| 3. Fragrance-Free. | |
| 4. Heals, repairs & soothes irritated skin. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
7. Xerina Soft Lotion
Xerina Soft Lotion is a pharmaceutical grade, dermatologist-recommended moisturizer for sensitive skin. It’s manufactured by Cheryl Laboratories and is marketed by Sun Pharma. The Soft lotion intensely nourishes the skin while leaving a matte finish. This is a great Ceramide Moisturizer For Oily Skin.
Notable Ingredients: Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, Oat Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Shea Butter, and much more.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Xerina is from Sun Pharmaceuticals. | 1. It’s marketed for dry skin, but it’s more suitable for oily, normal and combination skin. |
| 2. Fragrance free & Paraben free Moisturizer | |
| 3. Thick lotion texture absorbs to a matte finish. | |
| 4. Provides long-lasting moisturization for oily and combination skin types. | |
| 5. Makes skin soft and supple. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
8. Dr.Sheths Cica & Ceramide Overnight Repair Serum
Well, technically this is said to be a serum. But if you are looking for a Ceramide Moisturizer for your oily skin, then you’ll love this. It has a lightweight, gel texture that absorbs so quickly while leaving the skin hydrated and nourished without being heavy on the skin. It’s one of the Top rated Ceramide Products that you don’t want to miss out on.
Notable Ingredients: 1% Ceramide Complex, 2% Squalane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hemp Oil, Marula Oil, etc
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Lightweight, gel formula. | 1. Price is higher for the quantity. But it’s often available at discounts. So watch out for sales. |
| 2. Leaves the skin nourished and supple. | |
| 3. Soothes sensitized skin. | |
| 4. Repairs damaged skin barrier. | |
| 5. Reduces dullness and imparts a natural glow. | |
| 6. Can be used by all skin types. As a serum for dry skin types and as a moisturizer for oily skin types. | |
| 7. Non-toxic, Pregnancy Safe, and Vegan. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in
9. Re’equil Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
If you are looking for a Basic Ceramide Cream with an affordable price tag, then this moisturizer will be a great option. It’s a thick cream formulated to tackle dryness and dehydration. This Re’equil Moisturizer is suitable for Normal to Dry Skin Types.
Notable Ingredients: Ceramide 3, Hyaluronic Acid, Mango Butter, Squalane.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Budget-friendly. | 1. Contains added fragrance, it’s mild though. |
| 2. Soothes and calms skin. | |
| 3. Keep the skin moisturized. | |
| 4. Creates a protective barrier and prevents TEWL. |
Where to buy? Amazon.in
While this is a good affordable option, the Atorep Barrier Cream is a slightly better option. It has 3 types of Ceramides, Cholesterol, Free Fatty Acids. The Atorep is recommended for Atopic Skin and is fragrance-free as well.
10. COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream
Cosrx Balancium is a popular Korean Ceramide Cream in India. It’s comparable to the Bioderma Baume due to its balmy texture. The ultra-soothing cream is formulated with 50% Centella Asiatica Leaf Water and 1000ppm Cermakde NP. It is a pure comfort cream for sensitized and weakened skin.
Notable Ingredients: Ceramide NP, Asiaticoside, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Glycerin & much more.
| PROS | CONS |
| 1. Enriched with botanical extracts and nourishing oils. | 1. Expensive. |
| 2. Extremely soothing and calming on the skin. | 2. Has a natural fragrance that may not be liked by all. |
| 3. Matte balm texture doesn’t leave the skin greasy. | |
| 4. Effective in calming acne. | |
| 5. Suitable for most skin types. | |
| 6. Free of artificial fragrance, parabens, mineral oil, animal ingredients, and pthalates. |
Where to buy it? Amazon.in |Limese.com
These are some of the Best Moisturizers and Creams in India. While the market is saturated with so many options, I hope you found this post helpful in picking out the best one for your skin type.
