Alongside the growing awareness of maintaining the skin barrier, ceramides have gained popularity. Valued for their lipid-replenishing virtues, they have been incorporated into the formulation of numerous skin and hair care products, usually in combination with other active ingredients. Discover the cosmetic ingredients to combine with ceramides to ensure optimal effectiveness.
Library
All Topics
Which other active ingredients can ceramides be combined with?
Summary
- The reasons for combining ceramides with other active ingredients
- Ceramides + hydrating agents (aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerine, panthenol, etc.)
- Ceramides + Linoleic Acid (Omega-6)
- Ceramides + exfoliating agents
- Ceramides + Niacinamide
- Ceramides + Retinol
- Ceramides + Vitamin C
Published March 19, 2023,
updated on July 31, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
6 min read
The reasons for combining ceramides with other active ingredients.
The ceramide is one of the most significant lipid components of the skin for maintaining its hydration. It makes up more than half of the composition of the epidermis, where it is responsible for occupying the space between the cells of the stratum corneum. Various types of ceramides exist, of which the most important are the EOS, NP, and AP ceramides. By forming a mini-shield, they have the ability to limit moisture loss and protect the skin from visible damage caused by environmental factors, thus preserving the skin's appearance (plump and supple) and also preventing feelings of discomfort.
It can be safely combined with other ingredients. Pairing ceramides with other actives is a way to strengthen or even multiply their actions. The synergy between the different ingredients enhances the effects on the skin and also helps to enjoy other benefits. Another advantage is that it can be beneficial to use them with potentially irritating ingredients in order to minimise the risk of compromising the skin barrier. There is a plethora of active combinations with ceramides, of which here are a few examples.
Ceramides + hydrating agents (aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerine, panthenol, etc.).
While the hyaluronic acid, the glycerine, provitamin B5... are going to hydrate the skin on the surface and in depth, ceramides, on the other hand, will retain the water within the skin. Indeed, this combination of active ingredients thus helps to restore the skin's water balance, by combining the ability to attract and retain water and the ability to block evaporation by strengthening the skin barrier sustainably. The appearance and feel of the skin are thus improved: the skin is plumped, soft, luminous, supple and soothed.
Such a combination is found in our lip mask with 1% of ceramides (INCI name: Ceramides NG) andhyaluronic acid (INCI name: Sodium Hyaluronate). The aim? To hydrate, revitalise and repair the skin of dry and damaged lips, due to the moisturising and lipid-replenishing action of the two active ingredients, by applying a thick layer of treatment throughout the night.
Ceramides + Linoleic Acid (Omega-6).
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid for the formation of a specific category of ceramides, known as acylceramides. These are characterised by their connection to fatty acids of the linoleic acid type. Studies have shown that in cases of severe skin dryness or eczema, a deficiency in linoleic acid in the stratum corneum is observed. It would therefore be beneficial to apply a skincare product containing both ceramides and linoleic acid in order to instantly regenerate, restore, and strengthen the epidermis' barrier function for visibly more supple and comfortable skin.
Ceramides + exfoliating agents.
You can also combine ceramides with chemical exfoliating agents (AHA, BHA, PHA) or granular ones. These keratolytic ingredients help to remove dead cells on the skin's surface that may be responsible for a rough appearance, lack of radiance, and the emergence of blemishes. They thus facilitate the penetration of ceramides to regenerate the skin and enhance the natural defences of the epidermis against external aggressions. Moreover, this combination also helps to control inflammation and minimise the irritations that exfoliating actives can cause. It is an interesting combination that focuses on cellular renewal and skin strengthening.
For instance, it is possible to combine our lip peel rich in mandelic acid and pomegranate enzymes (INCI name: Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract) with our lip mask composed of restorative ceramides (INCI name: Ceramides NG), hydrating hyaluronic acid (INCI name: Sodium Hyaluronate) and nourishing mango butter (INCI name: Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter).
Ceramides + Niacinamide.
The combination of ceramides and niacinamide provides an ideal solution for rebalancing sensitive skin, prone to inflammation. The niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is tasked with reducing sensitivity, irritation and improving redness. On the other hand, ceramides strengthen the skin's natural barrier to make it more resilient against external aggressions.
Ceramides + Retinol.
Working in synergy, the combination of ceramides and retinol visibly helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, while improving the texture, elasticity and complexion of the skin. Indeed, treatments with such a combination combine the recognised properties of retinol on skin ageing by strengthening the collagen naturally present in the skin, and the moisturising and repairing benefits of ceramides by replenishing the hydration barrier.
Ceramides + Vitamin C.
Ideal for dull skin and those prone to hyperpigmentation, this unique vitamin C/ceramides combination will stimulate and prolong the skin's radiance. How? The vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, will restore radiance, even out the complexion by minimising the appearance of brown spots, while protecting the skin from free radicals, a primary factor in premature ageing. Meanwhile, ceramides will protect the skin against moisture loss by strengthening the epidermal barrier and soothing sensations of discomfort due to external aggressions.
Diagnostic
Understand your skin
and its complex needs.
