Best Overall

Eadem Cloud Cushion Plush Moisturizer

$48

$38 at Amazon$48 at Sephora$58 at Eadem.co

Key Ingredients: Plant ceramides, peptides, niacinamide| Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Formulated with three types of ceramides, this lush moisturizer from Eadem can do a little bit of everything—heal a damaged skin barrier, quench dry skin, soothe irritation, and even lift dark marks. It’s packed with some of our favorite ingredients for all skin types—including niacinamide (to even the skin tone), peptides (to treat signs of aging), squalane (to hydrate), and more for an overall healthy complexion. The whipped, creamy texture makes it easy to spread across the face and sinks in easily without any stickiness. While it seems heavy at first, it’s pretty much unnoticeable on the skin seconds after applying. 

When testing this product, I loved that my skin would look glowy and smooth upon waking, and that the cream would immediately soothe my skin, which gets very dry after showering. I found that my skin also felt more hydrated overall—even before I had applied my skincare. I also love that it comes with a little golden spatula to apply the cream, making the experience even more luxurious.

Best Budget

The Inkey List Bio-Active Moisturizer

$20

$14 at Amazon$22 at SephoraView on Selfridges.com

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Finding a high-quality moisturizer under $20 can be challenging, but this ceramide cream from affordable brand The Inkey List performs just as well as many high-end options. It has a rich, luxurious texture but sinks into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. Shea butter and ceramides work together to add bounce to the complexion so that wrinkles and other signs of aging look visibly lifted. The result is skin that looks dewy and smooth.

Best for Eczema

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

$38 at Amazon$42 at Ulta$38 at Target

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, allantoin | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This deeply hydrating cream is the perfect pick for those dealing with eczema or rosacea—it contains everything recommended by dermatologists to soothe irritated skin, including colloidal oatmeal, shea butter—and ceramides, of course. “Not only does this cream help with hydration, but it also helps to protect the skin and offers a barrier effect, protecting the skin against irritation and sensitivity,” says Dr. Garshick, who personally recommends this if you’re looking for softer—and stronger—skin. It has a rich consistency that can quickly calm inflamed skin without feeling heavy or leaving a residue.

Adelaide Giesey, beauty editor with dry/sensitive skin (not shown): “I’ve gone through countless jars of the Ultra Repair Cream because of how much my eczema-prone skin loves the formula—it soothes my irritated skin and helps calm stubborn redness. The formula is extremely hydrating yet still holds a lightweight texture, so it is my go-to prep before any complexion products. Keeping this cream in my daily routine has become a no-brainer.”

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

COSRX Balancium Comfort Ceramide Cream

$22 at Amazon

$26

$19 at Ulta

$26

$19 at Cosrx.com

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NP, centella asiatica, glycerin | Size: 2.82 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This moisturizer from Cosrx has a rich balm-like texture, but acne-prone skin types will be pleased to find that it can deeply hydrate the skin without triggering breakouts. I’ve used this formula for years, and it became the first thick moisturizer I could use that didn’t result in little whiteheads across my complexion. While rich, it spreads easily, instantly absorbs, and doesn’t feel sticky on the skin after application. It’s formulated with ceramides, centella, and beeswax—meaning it can soothe and moisturize the skin without irritation.

If you deal with consistent acne but still lean on the dry side, this is a great pick if you’re looking for a nourishing cream to apply before bed.

Best for Barrier Support

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream

$50

$35 at Amazon$50 at SephoraView on Yesstyle.com

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, panthenol, glycerin | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If a compromised barrier is your biggest skin concern, a formula packed with ceramides and panthenol (a humectant that’s great for wound healing and strengthening) like this one is exactly what you need to get your complexion back in tip-top shape. Dr. Garshick is a big fan, and she loves that it contains five different ceramides to keep the skin healthy and hydrated. It has a silky consistency that can feel slightly heavy when first applied, but it absorbs into the skin quickly. Aside from supporting the barrier, it also has glycerin, shea butter, and vitamin E to add moisture to the skin.

Best for Dry Skin

belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

$24

$16 at Amazon$40 at Sephora

$40

$32 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramide NP | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Belif’s Aqua Bomb has been popular among beauty editors and enthusiasts alike for its light-as-air gel-cream formula, which efficiently hydrates even the driest skin types. According to the brand, it can increase the skin’s hydration levels by 231.4% in just 10 seconds after application, which they found in a clinical study with 30 test subjects. Alongside ceramide NP, the powerhouse formula contains squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to keep dry skin moisturized and soothed for hours. We love that it’s lightweight enough to be used in the morning and nourishing enough to be applied before bed—and that it can plump up the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines with continued use.

Alyssa Kaplan, editor with oily skin: “It provides a boost of moisture without ever feeling heavy or greasy, and I love that it layers seamlessly underneath whatever SPF or foundation I apply on top.”

Best K-Beauty

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

$29

$18 at Amazon

$29

$22 at Kbeauty.shop$29 at Myshopify.com

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, panax ginseng, glycerin| Size: 2.45, 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re a fan of Korean skincare, you’ve most likely tried (or at least heard of) this ceramide moisturizer from Illiyoon. It has a rich texture that absorbs quickly and still feels light on the skin. It contains ingredients that soothe and hydrate all skin types, including ginseng, glycerin, and probiotics. This is a great pick for those dealing with dry patches and itchy skin, as it can heal irritation—so you’ll wake up with a smooth, moisturized complexion. Another plus is that it’s seven-free, meaning it’s free of common potential skin irritants and fragrances (so perfect for sensitive skin types).

Best for Mature Skin

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore

$155 at Dermstore

$242

$143 at Target$155 at Skinceuticals.com

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, ceramides, rosemary leaf oil | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Spending $150 on a moisturizer is obviously not ideal for everyone, but if you want a formula that checks all of your boxes (including anti-aging ones), this one from SkinCeuticals has you covered. It’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants to protect the skin from free radical damage, boost elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s formulated with ingredients that your skin needs more of as you age—such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids—to keep the complexion looking youthful and radiant. It has a thick texture (perfect for applying before bed) but feels soothing and doesn’t make the skin oily. We especially love this formula for those consistently using strong actives or retinol, as it keeps the skin feeling ultra-nourished and comfortable.

Hallie Gould, editor in chief (not shown): “This is my holy grail moisturizer, and it’s up there on the list of my absolute favorite skincare products of all time. It feels velvety and moisturizing and plumps my skin on contact. It also smells faintly of lavender—which is a delight before bedtime.”

Best for Body

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream

$23 at AmazonView on Dermstore$23 at Target

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, ceramide 3, shea butter, niacinamide | Size: 6.7, 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Ceramides aren’t only beneficial for the skin on your face but are also a great ingredient to utilize if you deal with dry body skin. This lotion from La Roche-Posay contains the ingredient alongside prebiotic thermal water and shea butter to provide long-lasting hydration. Our favorite thing about this formula is that it effectively moisturizes parched skin and softens scaly, dry patches without feeling sticky once applied. That makes it a great choice for applying right before bed or before getting dressed in the morning; you won’t have to worry about it sticking to your sheets or clothes.

Best for Rough Skin

Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Refillable Moisturizer

$66 at Sephora$66 at UltaView on Ecosmetics.com

Key Ingredients: Plant ceramides,phytosphingosine, African oil blend| Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Another recommendation by Dr. Garshick, this cream from Drunk Elephant is great for all skin types—but especially beneficial for those with rough, dry skin. It has three kinds of ceramides, a hydrating African oil blend, and a phytosphingosine, which is “a plant-derived fatty molecule to help replenish moisture,” according to Dr. Garshick. She also loves that it’s nongreasy without compromising on hydrating power. It comes in a hygienic pump-top tub, with a rich, whipped texture that provides the skin with long-lasting moisture and keeps the complexion smooth and line-free.

Best Lightweight

Paula’s Choice Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer

$42

$30 at Amazon$42 at SephoraView on Dermstore

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, tripeptide-5, watermelon seed oil, squalane| Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If thick creams tend to cause irritation or trigger breakouts for you, this lightweight ceramide moisturizer will still boost hydration and strengthen your skin’s barrier without feeling heavy. Coming in a convenient pump bottle, this formula contains multiple types of ceramides and peptides to protect the skin and reduce signs of aging in the complexion. Because it also has shea butter, vitamin E, and squalane, we think it’s a great pick for combination skin types who have both dry and oily spots—it keeps the skin moisturized without becoming greasy.

Best Soothing

Dieux Instant Angel

$45 at Dieuxskin.com

Key Ingredients: Ceramide NG, squalane, meadowfoam estolide | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dealing with bouts of sensitive skin and irritation? This rich formula will soothe while supporting the skin barrier—so you’ll have fewer instances of sensitivity in the future. It combines peptides, lipids, and plant-based ceramides to heal and condition the skin from the inside out. Also included in the formula are squalane, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E to moisturize and keep the skin looking glowy and radiant.

My favorite thing about this cream is that it absorbs quickly, making the skin feel soft and smooth immediately. While it’s rich, it feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin. It never caused irritation or acne, which is common for me, and I loved that my skin still felt hydrated in the morning. Another plus—it can be used day and night and is gentle enough for all skin types.