Let’s be real, skincare can get overwhelming. We’re flooded with actives, routines, and ingredients that sound like they belong in a chemistry lab. But every now and then, something cuts through the noise because it just… works. Ceramides are one of those ingredients. If your skin has ever felt tight, dry, dull or unpredictable, this might be the ingredient it’s been quietly asking for.
So let’s unpack what ceramides are, why your skin needs them, and how they work inside a formula like REMAKE’s. Whether you’re here for hydrated, glowing skin or you’re rebuilding a compromised skin barrier, this is the science that matters.
What Are Ceramides?
Ceramides are lipids [fats] that naturally occur in your skin. Think of them as the glue that holds your skin cells together. They sit in the outermost layer of your skin [the stratum corneum] and form part of your protective barrier. This barrier is your skin’s defence system. It keeps moisture in and irritants out.
You’re born with ceramides, but just like collagen and hyaluronic acid, their levels decline with age, environmental stress, over-cleansing, and UV exposure. When your ceramide levels dip, your skin becomes more vulnerable. It might feel rough, look red, or become extra sensitive to products that once felt fine.
According to Cleveland Clinic, ceramides help reduce inflammation, improve hydration, and support skin’s overall function.
Why Your Skin Barrier Matters
Your skin barrier is a bit like your favourite winter coat. When it’s in top condition, it keeps you warm, dry, and protected from the elements. But if it’s worn out or ripped, everything gets in. You lose hydration, and harsh weather or pollutants sneak through.
Signs your skin barrier might be compromised:
- Persistent dryness, even after moisturising
- Flaking or rough texture
- Redness and irritation
- A stinging sensation when applying skincare
- Breakouts or congestion that come out of nowhere
This is where ceramides step in. They're not about glow for glow’s sake. They’re about healing your skin at a structural level so it can thrive on its own.
The Science of Ceramides [Explained Simply]
Ceramides are part of a group of skin-identical lipids, alongside cholesterol and free fatty acids. Together, they help create the “lamellar structure” of the skin barrier. Picture bricks and mortar: your skin cells are the bricks, and ceramides are the mortar. Without this structure, hydration leaks out and irritants sneak in.
Now, here’s where it gets a little more specific.
There are different types of ceramides used in skincare, and each has a slightly different role:
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Ceramide NP: supports hydration and soothes sensitive skin
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Ceramide AP: helps restore flexibility and elasticity to the skin
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Ceramide EOP: strengthens the skin’s structure and resilience under stress
They all mimic the natural ceramides found in your skin, and when used together, they help repair and reinforce your barrier in a way your skin recognises and responds to. We use this exact trio, NP, AP, and EOP in our Snow Mushroom Barrier Relief Mask, a treatment designed to replenish and reset compromised skin.
Ceramides don’t just sit on top of the skin, they integrate with your natural lipid layer and improve how your skin holds onto moisture, smooths texture, and protects against environmental stressors.
Are Ceramides Suitable for All Skin Types?
Yes. That’s the beauty of them.
Ceramides are considered “skin-identical ingredients,” which means your skin recognises them and knows exactly what to do with them. They’re ideal for:
- Sensitive skin
- Barrier-impaired skin [post-retinoids, over-exfoliation, or sunburn]
- Mature skin
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Oily skin with surface dehydration
- And because they don’t clog pores or trigger oiliness, they’re also great for acne-prone skin.
Do Ceramides Actually Work?
Yes, and we’re not the only ones saying it. Clinical studies show that formulas containing ceramides help restore the skin barrier and improve hydration levels within days. The improvement is even greater when ceramides are combined with ingredients like cholesterol and linoleic acid, which help mimic the skin’s natural lipid profile.
The bottom line? Ceramides work best when the formulation respects the skin’s structure. That’s what we do at REMAKE, intelligent formulations that let skin repair itself.
How REMAKE Uses Ceramides
At REMAKE, we don’t overload you with dozens of products. We believe in fewer, better things that do what they say. Ceramides feature in our products because they support skin where it matters, at the barrier level.
Our formulas use skin-identical ceramides paired with calming actives like snow mushroom, glycerin, and hydrating botanicals. We keep the formulations minimal, purposeful, and aligned with circular beauty principles. No fillers, no fluff. Our I Want My Celium Moisture Mask, back with barrier strengthening ingredients.
It’s part of our belief that skincare should be sustainable, effective, and deeply considered. From using 100% PCR packaging to designing refillable formats, our circular skincare line is designed for real skin and real routines.
How to Incorporate Ceramides Into Your Routine
You don’t need to overhaul your routine. Ceramides can slot in where you need them most:
- Use a ceramide-rich mask as your final step to seal everything in
- Layer a ceramide serum under your SPF during the day
- Apply to damp skin after cleansing to support barrier repair overnight
Ceramides also play well with:
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Peptides
- Fatty acids
- Panthenol
Be cautious about layering with strong actives like AHAs, BHAs or retinol if your barrier is already impaired. Let the ceramides do their job first.
What to Expect When You Start Using Ceramides
Ceramides aren’t a quick-fix overnight glow ingredient. They’re about long-term repair and deep resilience. That said, here’s what many people notice:
- Less redness and tightness after just a few days
- Skin feels more elastic and hydrated
- Barrier feels stronger, especially in winter or after active treatments
- Products start working better because your skin can actually absorb them properly
- In short: your skin just feels... balanced again.
Why We Prioritise Barrier Health
At REMAKE, we believe in skin that feels healthy before it looks glowy. We’ve seen firsthand how over-layering and chasing trends can break down the skin’s natural defences. That’s why we build our products from the barrier up.
We formulate with barrier health in mind, and ceramides are part of that foundation. If you're looking for skincare that respects your skin and the planet, this is your sign to start with barrier repair, and start with ceramides.
The Ceramide Cheat Sheet
Ceramides are lipids that strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration
- They naturally exist in skin but decline over time and with damage
- Great for sensitive, dry, ageing and post-treatment skin
- Work best when combined with cholesterol and fatty acids
- REMAKE uses skin-identical ceramides in barrier-supportive formulas
- Expect long-term hydration, less irritation, and improved resilience
Want more REMAKE skin intel?
Explore our range built on circularity, minimal actives and smart design at byremake.com, where skincare gets a thoughtful, sustainable do-over.