Ceramides: Uses, Evidence and Cautions

Ceramides are waxy lipids that, together with cholesterol and free fatty acids, form much of the skin barrier that limits water loss and keeps irritants out. Ceramide moisturisers help replenish that barrier when levels fall with age, eczema or harsh actives, and they suit most people, including those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Key Facts

What it is: Waxy lipids that make up a large part of the skin barrier, used in moisturisers to restore barrier function and reduce dryness.
Also called: Ceramide NP, AP, EOP; sphingolipids; skin-identical lipids
Pairs with: Retinoids, exfoliating acids, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, sunscreen
Who should take care: Ceramide moisturisers are suitable for most people, including those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
In Singapore: Ceramides are common cosmetic ingredients in moisturisers, cleansers and barrier creams widely available in Singapore pharmacies and retailers.

What are ceramides and what do they do?

Ceramides are lipids that, together with cholesterol and free fatty acids, fill the spaces between cells in the outer skin layer and form the barrier that limits water loss and keeps irritants out. Levels fall with age, in eczema and after over-cleansing or harsh actives, which leads to dryness, sensitivity and flaking. Moisturisers containing ceramides, ideally in a balanced ratio with cholesterol and fatty acids, help replenish this lipid layer. They are commonly used for atopic eczema, dry skin and as a buffer when using retinoids, acids or after procedures. They do not treat pigmentation or wrinkles directly but improve the environment other treatments work in. [1]

Three small glass ampoules of clear and pale-blue solution standing on white marble

“They do not treat pigmentation or wrinkles directly but improve the environment other treatments work in.”
Dr Sin YongOn topical ceramides

What does the evidence show?

Barrier biology research is well established. A systematic review and meta-analysis found ceramide-containing moisturisers improved some measures of eczema compared with other moisturisers, although overall differences were modest and studies varied. Many clinical studies are small or industry-sponsored. Ceramides are reasonable for barrier support, but evidence that they outperform other well-formulated moisturisers is mixed, and formulation matters as much as the ceramide itself.

Who should avoid ceramides?

Ceramide moisturisers are suitable for most people, including those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Anyone who reacts to a product should check the full ingredient list, as fragrance, preservatives or other additives are more likely culprits than ceramides themselves. Very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer lighter formulations to avoid a heavy feel.

Are ceramides available in Singapore?

Ceramides are common cosmetic ingredients in moisturisers, cleansers and barrier creams widely available in Singapore pharmacies and retailers. Cosmetic products are notified to the Health Sciences Authority rather than individually approved. Some barrier creams for eczema are marketed in other categories, so check with a doctor or pharmacist if unsure.

If a dark patch, breakout or irritation is not responding to what you are using, the next step is a diagnosis rather than another product. See the Skin A–Z library for related ingredients.

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Questions Patients Actually Ask

What are Ceramides used for?+

Waxy lipids that make up a large part of the skin barrier, used in moisturisers to restore barrier function and reduce dryness.

Who should avoid Ceramides?+

Can Ceramides be combined with other skincare?+

It is commonly paired with Retinoids, exfoliating acids, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, sunscreen; introduce one new active at a time and stop if irritation develops.

Can ceramide moisturisers help eczema-prone skin?+

Ceramide moisturisers help replenish the skin barrier when levels fall, as in eczema, with age or after harsh actives, and they suit most people, including eczema-prone skin. They support the barrier but do not replace medical treatment, so see a doctor if eczema flares.

What do ceramide names such as NP, AP and EOP mean?+

They are different ceramide types, written on labels as Ceramide NP, AP or EOP, and described as skin-identical lipids. Moisturisers often combine ceramides with cholesterol and fatty acids, the other lipids that form much of the skin barrier.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong, MBBS (NUS), MRCS (Edinburgh) · Last updated 7 October 2026 · Editorial policy

Availability in Singapore

Ceramides are cosmetic ingredients in Singapore. Moisturisers containing ceramides NP, AP, EOP and related lipids are notified to the Health Sciences Authority under the Health Products Act and must comply with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive annexes, which impose no concentration limit on ceramides. They are freely sold in pharmacies, department stores and online, and no prescription is involved. Where the barrier problem is eczema, perioral dermatitis or an infection, a doctor assesses the skin first, because a ceramide cream supports treatment but does not replace it. Source.