Ceramide serums are often our go-to solution for tackling dry skin. You might be wondering if they are mainly used during cold, wintry weather. However, that’s not entirely true! Ceramide serums work wonders for dry skin even in humid climates.

Read on to find out more about why ceramide serums work and the best ones to quench your dry skin with. Don’t forget to pair your serum with a hydrating toner too!

What are ceramide serums?

Best Ceramide Serums What is Ceramide Serum - Polina Kovaleva on Pexels

Photo source: Polina Kovaleva on Pexels

Ceramides are lipids or fats that are naturally found in the skin that can help maintain the skin barrier, which in turn helps in retaining moisture while keeping environmental stressors at bay.

Similar to collagen, ceramides deplete over time, and without it, your skin may become desert-dry. Lack of ceramides in the skin can also cause redness, inflammation, tightness, itch, and acne.

This is why those with dehydrated and stressed skin can really stand to benefit from a ceramide serum, as well as those with eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

It is safe to frequently use a ceramide serum and it is even recommended to be applied twice daily. You can use it with other ceramide products like a ceramide moisturiser for an extra boost.

Plus, it is totally good to use with other skincare ingredients, so you can go ahead and layer these without worry.

They also have no known side effects, though it always recommended to do a patch test if you’re using a product for the first time.

Benefits of ceramide serums

When you incorporate a ceramide serum into your routine, you can expect these benefits:

  • Restores the skin barrier: A loss of ceramides leads to a compromised skin barrier, which can cause irritation. Replenishing your ceramides can in turn keep this barrier healthy.
  • Maintain moisture: Once your skin’s barrier is functioning well, it can seal in moisture into your skin and prevent the loss of water.
  • Reduces signs of aging: The boost in hydration in your skin can also lead to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, as wrinkles can be more exaggerated when the skin is parched.
  • Protect the skin: Ceramides can protect the skin against environmental stressors and pollution. These aggressors can be damaging to the skin and cause premature ageing.
  • Makes skin more tolerable: Active ingredients like AHA/BHA may be quite harsh on the skin but a good ceramide serum can help to withstand these active ingredients and therefore lead to less irritation.
  • Defends against inflammation: When the skin’s barrier is compromised and dehydrated, it can become dry and inflamed, and at risk of skin conditions like acne and rosacea. So, by maintaining your skin barrier, you can keep these conditions away.
  • Soften and smoothen the skin: Dehydration through a weak skin barrier can cause dryness and flakiness. This would make your skin rough and uneven, so restoring the lost lipids can increase hydration and improve your overall complexion.

Best ceramide serums

Safi Dermsafe Cica & Ceramide Serum

Safi Dermsafe Cica & Ceramide Serum Most affordable

Containing a generous dosage of ceramides and chamomile, this helps soothe irritation, reduce redness, and repair damaged skin. On top of that, it is infused with prebiotic to further strengthen the skin’s natural defence.

You’ll also love that it has a lightweight, non-sticky formula that absorbs quickly into the skin.

Safi Dermsafe Cica & Ceramide Serum retails for RM45.90. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Watsons

Y.O.U Biomecera Advanced Booster Serum

Y.O.U Biomecera Advanced Booster Serum

This booster serum is loaded with Ceramides, Probiotics, and Tulsi that help help balance the microbiome. This in turn helps rejuvenate skin, as well as strengthen the skin barrier.

The result? Hydrated skin that looks smoother and more radiant.

Y.O.U Biomecera Advanced Booster Serum retails for RM65.90.

Watsons

Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Serum

Skintific 5X Ceramide Barrier Serum

Formulated to optimise the repair of a damaged skin barrier, it contains five types of ceramides. It also contains BFL probiotics to regulate the skin’s microbiome, which can protect the skin against inflammation, infection, and environmental aggressors.

Those with sensitive skin can reach for this product as it also contains centella asiatica, a great ingredient that soothes and treats inflamed skin. This ceramide serum is suitable for all skin types, and is formulated without alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, and colouring.

It retails for RM78. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Shopee

TonyMoly Wonder Ceramide Mochi Ampoule

TonyMoly Wonder Ceramide Mochi Ampoule

Containing eight types of moisturising hyaluronic acid, this will keep your dry skin hydrated as soon as it is applied. The result? Skin that looks bouncy and soft like mochi!

You can also expect a green relief formula, which contains a long list of soothing and moisturising ingredients great for sensitive skin. It is free from 20 harmful ingredients and can be used on any skin type, so you don’t have to worry about stressed skin.

TonyMoly Wonder Ceramide Mochi Ampoule retails for RM79.90. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Shopee

Cosrx The Hyaluronic Acid 3

Cosrx The Hyaluronic Acid 3

A soothing ceramide serum, this product contains 3% hyaluronic acid,  a natural substance found in the fluids in the eyes and joints that helps the skin hold on to water.

Amino acids and ceramide components in the formula also help the skin’s barrier to recover over time and give it a healthy look. You can  expect deep moisture as well as a soothing cooling effect when you apply this product.

Cosrx The Hyaluronic Acid 3 retails for RM98.50. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Shopee

Nerish Soy Ceramide Barrier Ampoule

Nerish Soy Ceramide Barrier Ampoule

Using ceramides derived from soy, this product gives a clean skin texture while recovering the moisture barrier. You’ll enjoy the smooth moisturising creamy texture of this serum that will spread like a dream and absorb just as well.

For those of you who have sensitive skin, you could try this ceramide serum as it has been tested to be hypoallergenic. You’ll also likely see an improvement in your skin’s overall complexion and a reduction in wrinkles.

Nerish Soy Ceramide Barrier Ampoule retails for RM145.

Shopee

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum Oil-free formula

A nourishing serum for both day and night, you can give your skin an extra boost of hydration. It is an oil-free formula that uses ceramides and extracts of gingko and ginseng, both of which are revered for their anti-ageing properties.

It also contains the moisture attracting hyaluronic acid, so you can expect softer and deeply moisturised skin without any greasy residue. Several reviews also mention how it has a lovely refreshing feel to it upon application, which brings them coming back for more.

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum retails for RM165.

Sephora

Neogence Ceramide 3% + NMF 15%

Neogence Ceramide 3% + NMF 15%

Lightweight and easy to absorb, this powerhouse serum is designed to give you plump and moisturised skin, thanks to its blend of ceramides that will improve your skin’s natural defenses.

It also contains oat extract, which is loaded with compounds good for the skin and body. Some benefits oat extract can provide include better water retention, skin barrier repairing, and free radical protection.

Neogence Ceramide 3% + NMF 15% retails for RM169. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Shopee

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Serum

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Serum Glowing reviews

A deeply moisturising serum, it delivers hydration to the inside using total ceramide, a patented ingredient.

Suitable for all skin types,  this ceramide serum improves the skin’s barrier function by accelerating your ceramide production so that it improves dryness, tightness, toughness, flakiness, and even sensitiveness in your skin.

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Serum retails for RM180. A discount is given at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Sephora

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum

Paula's Choice Omega+ Complex Serum Cult-favourite

With a five ceramide blend, this serum not only softens your skin but also helps diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles. What’s great is that it has an omega-rich complex that fortifies the skin against environmental damage, so you can say goodbye to premature ageing and sun damage.

This product definitely has a lot of repeat buyers and we can see why. Reviewers love how this is super lightweight, effective, and how it works for all skin types. One thing you have to note when using this ceramide serum is that you have to wear sunscreen if you are applying this in the morning, preferably SPF 30 or greater.

Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Serum retails for RM190. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Shopee and Paula’s Choice

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum

Made with antioxidant-rich avocado and ceramides, this serum repairs skin barrier so that redness and irritation caused by dehydration can be soothed.

Dermatologist-tested and clinically proven to reduce redness over time, this builds up your skin’s resilience and is especially great for skin that’s sensitised due to exposure to pollutants in the environment.

Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum retails for RM206.

Sephora

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum

An ultra-hydrating gel serum, it is formulated with pineapple ceramide to attract and hold moisture. It also has vitamin B5, which is another skincare ingredient that can moisturiser, improve the barrier function, and maintain skin elasticity.

This ceramide serum contains a rich blend of antioxidants that nourishes skin while defending it against free radicals, preventing the occurrences of dark spots and saggy skin. It also helps your skin look brighter, healthier, and more youthful with every application.

Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum retails for RM210.

Sephora

Skin Inc Ceramide Serum

Skin Inc Ceramide Serum

Described as a must-have for those with sensitive skin, this hydrating serum helps to soothe dehydrated and eczema-prone skin. It contains four types of ceramides to create lipid layers that mimic the skin’s protective barrier.

You can also see that it is encapsulated in seaweed patented capsules to protect these delicate active ingredients from exposure to light and oxidation. This means you can get more potent and stable ingredients that will work wonders on your skin.

Skin Inc Ceramide Serum retails for RM220.

Sephora

Ample:N Ceramide Shot Ampoule

Ample:N Ceramide Shot Ampoule

Give your skin a shot of ceramides with this product that is designed to soothe extremely dry and sensitive skin.

Usable in both the morning and evening, it contains arctigenin, a skincare ingredient with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.  It also has allantoin, another hydrating ingredient that helps to trap water in the skin.

Ample:N Ceramide Shot Ampoule retails for RM257.14.

Shopee

Pai Skincare Instant Kalmer Sea Aster and Schisandra Ceramide Serum

Pai Skincare Instant Kalmer Sea Aster and Schisandra Ceramide Serum Suitable for sensitive skin

If you have red, irritated skin, this ceramide serum will help, reducing redness by up to 27% immediately.

A gentle and alcohol-free ceramide serum, this also targets at signs of ageing as it stimulates collagen production. You’ll find that your skin is soothe, smooth, and with less visible fine lines and wrinkles.

Pai Skincare Instant Kalmer Sea Aster and Schisandra Ceramide Serum retails for ~RM268.62.

Look Fantastic

Dr. Wu Hyalucomplx Ultimate Hydrating Serum

Dr. Wu Hyalucomplx Ultimate Hydrating Serum

A highly concentrated serum, this is the 6th generation of a well-loved formula and contains micromolecular hyaluronic acids, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and a tri-ceramide.

These ingredients work together to not just hydrate the skin, but also relieve irritation and strengthen the skin.

Containing no alcohol or artificial fragrance, this gentle ceramide serum promises to effectively hydrate your skin with just one drop.

Dr. Wu Hyalucomplx Ultimate Hydrating Serum retails for RM269. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Watsons

Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex

Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex Cult-favourite

Lightweight, hydrating, and restorative, this serum is designed to support the barrier’s function.

It uses vitamin E derivative, ceramides, and macadamia seed oil to not only deeply moisturise the skin, but also nurture and fortify it. If you’re worried about sensitivity issues, this serum is suitable to treat dry, damaged, and sensitive skin.

Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex retails for RM275.

Sephora

MAC Cosmetics Hyper Real Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydration Serum

MAC Cosmetics Hyper Real Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydration Serum Launched in 2023

This hydrating ceramide serum doubles up as a moisturiser for those who prefer to keep their skincare routine minimal.

Used with or without makeup, this balances, retexturises, and strengthens the skin barrier, delivering a canvas with minimised pores and lit-from-within radiance so that you’re ready for makeup.

MAC Cosmetics Hyper Real Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydration Serum retails for RM280.

Sephora

Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion Face Oil

Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion Face Oil

Can’t decide between a vitamin C serum and a ceramide serum? This may just give you the best of both worlds.

This vitamin C serum nourishes the skin with its infusion of ceramides so that the skin barrier can be kept strong.

You’ll also love that this serum is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Indie Lee Daily Vitamin Infusion Face Oil retails for RM286.

Sephora

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

This product uses an enhanced ceramide lipid complex with combines fatty acids and tons of other skin loving ingredients to support the skin’s own protective barrier. It also contains sea fennel extract to enhance skin cell renewal, tsubaki oil to improve elascity, hops extract to increase radiance, and butcher’s broom extract to improve firmness.

Although more targeted towards the delicate eye area, this serum can still be used on the rest of the face to reduce the look of fine lines. You can rest well knowing that each capsule is biodegradable, fragrance-, and preservative-free too.

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules retail for RM288. A discount is available at the time of writing. Check the link to see if it’s still applicable.

Shopee

For Beloved One Advanced Anti-Aging Ceramide Squalane Serum

For Beloved One Advanced Anti-Aging Ceramide Squalane Serum

This anti-ageing ceramide serum is designed to give you younger-looking skin through an abundance of nutrition that is normally lost in the ageing process.

It also has a moisture-locking formula to seal in those antioxidants and revive fatigued cells. It promises to give you an extra boost of confidence from your newly revived skin, so your new mood can reflect your new skin!

For Beloved One Advanced Anti-Aging Ceramide Squalane Serum retails for RM310.

Sephora

Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum

Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum

Infused with 28 beneficial ingredients to nourish and prep your skin for a flawless makeup application, this is both a primer and a serum, hence the name. Look forward to a refined and retexturised surface for your makeup as well as an extended durability for your foundation with this ceramide serum.

A silky, lightweight oil, this sensorial botanical blend glides on and absorbs into the skin while hydrating the complexion. What’s interesting is that you can also use this on your hair to seal split ends, and that it helps to repel water, so your makeup will remain fresh-looking throughout the day.

Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum retails for RM320.

Sephora

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Enjoy smoother and softer looking skin in no time with this powerful hydrating super-serum.

Other than ceramides, it also contains hyaluronic acid and marine algae for a boost in hydration levels. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy the presence of antioxidant-rich watermelon extract and centella asiatica which is amazing at soothing stressed skin.

Dr. Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster retails for RM360.

Sephora

Fresh Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum<br />

Fresh Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum
Most luxurious

Besides ceramides, this face serum also contains other super ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, all of which work together to boost your skin’s overall resilience.

The result? Smoother skin with restored bounce, a visible glow, and less noticeable wrinkles.

This product also boasts a soothing and luxurious texture along with a refreshing tea scent for a more sensorial skincare experience.

Fresh Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum retails for RM500.

Sephora

Featured image credit: Anthropologie & Paula’s Choice