Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Glycerin

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP

Squalane

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan?

This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Barrier Repair Rich Cream

Cocoon Replenishing Ceramide Rich Cream

Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer

When to use

Vitamasques Barrier Repair Rich Cream 41 ingredients

Ghost Democracy Cocoon Replenishing Ceramide Rich Cream 32 ingredients

PURITO Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer 31 ingredients

VT Cosmetics TX Toning Cream 40 ingredients

17 Routines

47% use in am

53% use in pm

94% use every day

464 Routines

42% use in am

58% use in pm

91% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

4 Routines

75% use in am

25% use in pm

100% use every day

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Vitamasques Barrier Repair Rich Cream 41 ingredients

Barrier Repair Rich Cream hasn't been rated yet.

Rate it now

Ghost Democracy Cocoon Replenishing Ceramide Rich Cream 32 ingredients

5.0 /5

from 1 rating

Absorbs Well (1) Heavy (1) Hydrating (1)

Totoro

5 months ago

Review

One of the best attributes about this cream is that even though it’s very moisturizing it’s not at all greasy. It sinks into the skin extremely well and leaves a texture that isn’t quite matte but certainly isn’t shiny. In the cold dry NYC winter I use it after Purito Dermide (yes, two layers of moisturizer.) It has a high proportion of squalane and ceramides which lock in moisture before I put on Show more

#hydrating

#heavy

#absorbs well

#light scent

Ghost Democracy

Cocoon Replenishing Ceramide Rich Cream

PURITO Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer 31 ingredients

4.6 /5

from 25 ratings

Works Well (15) Hydrating (14) Great Value (13)

Lapaki

1 year ago

Review

I was looking for a ceramide-rich alternative to Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Cream and found this beauty. It contains five types of ceramides, is scentless and has a nice texture. The moisturizer works well with my other skincare and makeup products, doesn't pill and isn't heavy. It also has a practical pump - easy and hygienic. And it's silicone free, vegan & cruelty free. Do I and my dry Show more

#great value

#hydrating

#no scent

#works well

PURITO

Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer

Totoro

1 year ago

Review

I needed a ceramide moisturizer without silicone for my sensitive skin. Two dermatologists on YouTube recommended this (Dr. Ellis and Dr. Idriss) and I started using it in September 2023. It’s gentle, soothing, moisturizing and a great value.

#great value

#hydrating

#no scent

#works well

PURITO

Dermide Relief Barrier Moisturizer