Ceramides are a trusted ingredient you probably have in your beauty routine right now. According to Poshly (business.poshly.com), a California-based beauty technology company, 46% of beauty consumers already use them. So, what are ceramides and why should you try them? Let’s take a closer look.

“Ceramides are lipids which present in our own skin,” explains cosmetic chemist Ginger King (www.gracekingdombeauty.com). “They help to reinforce the skin barrier, to hold moisture, and prevent from environmental assaults.” The best part? “They not only protect our skin from ‘losing moisture’ and ‘getting irritation from environmental pollutants,’ they help to firm up our skin and give a younger presence,” King shares.

Many popular brands on the market flaunt this ingredient in their formulas. But, as with all skincare products, it is important to know the difference between using the good versus the bad.

“Ceramides happen to be one of the most expensive skincare ingredients available on the market, due to the time- and labor-intensive manufacturing process. There are only a handful of companies that make them globally,” notes Francine Krenicki, Vice President of Product Development & Regulatory for StriVectin. “Not many skincare products can afford to add ceramides to their formulas at efficacious levels. There are also different grades of ceramides, and a properly formulated product would include more than one type.”

For our top product picks, we suggest trying StriVectin’s Wrinkle Recode Moisture Rich Barrier Cream—an indulgently rich, comforting cream that strengthens and nourishes while diminishing the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles.

Free Agent Skincare has LIGHTSPEED Hydra Glow C. With only four ingredients, including ceramides, this serum also uses 10% BV-OSC vitamin C to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, sun damage, and dark spots, and leaves skin absolutely glowing.

Bluelene’s new Night Plus+ is a multi-tasking night cream and serum in one. It promotes UV exposure recovery, increases collagen and elastin production, and reduces hyperpigmentation as well as signs of aging.

For the delicate eye area, look for Vichy Laboratories’ Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes. This powerful eyelash-fortifying and wrinkle-fighting serum smoothens and illuminates eyes to restore a more youthful, wide-eyed appearance.

If oils are your go-to, Blissoma has its Omega Miracle Facial Oil. Without clogging your pores or causing greasiness, it provides an elegant shield to keep skin looking firm and glowing.

As we can see, this ingredient is definitely not one to be ignored. “Ceramides are so important because they protect the skin’s barrier,” agrees Nidah Barber-Raymond, owner of The Peel Connection in Beverly Hills (www.thepeelconnection.com). “As we age, we lose ceramides.” Therefore, she recommends using products with them on a daily basis to help rejuvenate skin. Sign us up!

1. StriVectin Wrinkle Recode Moisture Rich Barrier Cream $119.00 from www.strivectin.com 2. Free Agent Skincare LIGHTSPEED Hydra Glow C Serum $95.00 from www.amazon.com 3. Bluelene Night Plus+ $108.00 from www.bluelene.com 4. Vichy Laboratories Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes $35.00 from www.target.com 5. Blissoma Omega Miracle Facial Oil $62.00 from www.blissoma.com