It seems like every skin-care brand has a barrier cream these days, but which ones are really worth it? “When it comes to repairing and protecting the skin barrier, the world of skin care offers a treasure trove of options,” says New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD. “From dermatologist-recommended U.S. brands to soothing European formulations and innovative K-beauty solutions, there’s something for every skin type, especially sensitive skin. By understanding the unique benefits of each brand and their key ingredients, you can make informed choices that cater to your skin’s needs. Whether you’re dealing with dry, sensitive or compromised skin, there are barrier creams out there for you.” Here, leading dermatologists share insight on what to look for when adding a barrier cream to your routine, and which ones they consider their favorites.
How Do Barrier Creams Work?
“Barrier creams help protect and strengthen the skin’s natural defense system, which is crucial for maintaining healthy, resilient skin,” says Boca Raton, FL dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens. “A strong skin barrier prevents moisture loss, shields against environmental stressors, and minimizes irritation and inflammation. They’re especially essential when treating conditions like hyperpigmentation, eczema or acne, where the skin can be more sensitive or compromised.”
Birmingham, AL dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD adds that barrier creams are typically are formulated with a mix of emollients (hydrating ingredients) and occlusives, which help lock in moisture on the skin. “They can be incorporated into your morning and/or evening skin-care routines and are usually applied after your moisturizer,” he explains. “Most skin types would benefit from using a barrier cream, especially those with dry skin and mature skin. Anyone who notices their skin change its appearance, especially in drier clients, can use a barrier repair cream.” Dr. Stephens also recommends them for people using active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids, as these can sometimes weaken the barrier. “Even oily or acne-prone skin types can benefit from a lightweight, noncomedogenic barrier cream to maintain balance and prevent over-drying.”
Ingredients to Look for in Barrier Creams
Dr. Kung recommends looking for barrier creams that prioritize the following ingredients. “Ceramides are essential for restoring the skin’s natural barrier and retaining moisture. Panthenol, aka pro-vitamin B5, soothes and repairs the skin while improving hydration. Shea butter is a rich emollient that nourishes and softens the skin. Glycerin is a humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. Petrolatum forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. Niacinamide improves the skin barrier, reduces redness and enhances hydration. And lastly, madecassoside, which is derived from centella asiatica, aka cica, and was popularized by Asian beauty brands. It’s a star soothing ingredient in many skin barrier creams.”
“I like barrier repair creams with a mix of ingredients, including emollients like ceramides and shea butter,” Dr. Hartman adds. “Emollients provide moisture directly to the skin, which helps restore the skin barrier. Humectants like hyaluronic acid are also beneficial for the skin barrier, as they pull in moisture from the surrounding area to boost skin’s moisture levels. Soothing ingredients like green tea, aloe and niacinamide can also benefit someone who is looking to restore their skin barrier.”
Barrier Creams Dermatologists Recommend
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“This is a dermatologist-recommended product that focuses on restoring and strengthening the skin barrier. Its hypoallergenic formula, packed with ceramides and cholesterol, is perfect for sensitive skin, too.” —Dr. Elaine Kung
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“I’ve used and continue to recommend this formula, which has a B-L3 complex that’s shown to help restore the skin’s moisture barrier quickly for hydrated, radiant and dewy skin. It also applies easily and absorbs quickly. —Dr. Corey L. Hartman
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“This cream contains the brand’s patented ingredient Naringenin, which has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by targeting the root causes of skin aging also known as inflammaging, which is the presence of chronic, low-grade inflammation caused by UV radiation, pollution and oxidative stress that leads to the degradation of collagen and elastin.
This 95-percent bio-based gel-cream is miraculously lightweight for how hydrating and nourishing it is, and has hyaluronic acid, a blend of biomimetic lipids for skin barrier support, and biotech derived polysaccharides—an ingredient commonly found in Korean skin care—that forms a biomimetic barrier on skin to prevent pollutant particulates from clinging to the skin.” —Dr. Tiffany Libby
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“This moisturizer is a standout for its ability to restore the skin barrier with a blend of three ceramides, hyaluronic acid and cholesterol. Its fragrance-free, noncomedogenic formula works for all skin types, earning it a permanent spot on bathroom shelves worldwide.” —Dr. Elaine Kung
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“One of my current favorites is this new moisturizer from TULA. “It’s a multitasking product that not only supports the skin barrier with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, but also provides essential sun protection, which is so important, especially for melanin-rich skin.” —Dr. Alexis Stephens
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“I love this moisturizer, as it uses the brand’s patented ingredient Malessezin, which helps strengthen the skin barrier cells and is chock-full of other ingredients like hyaluronic acid, growth factors, copper peptides, lipids and squalane. Together, they help boost hydration, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and offer antioxidant benefits against free-radical damage.” —Dr. Marisa Garshick
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“This product is a global sensation, beloved for its ability to calm and repair irritated or damaged skin. With panthenol, madecassoside and shea butter, it’s a must-have for post-procedure and everyday skin care.” —Dr. Elaine Kung
“Barrier creams like this one are excellent for post-procedure care after treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy, or retinoid use, aiding in faster recovery and minimizing irritation.” —Dr. Anna Chacon
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“This cream harnesses the power of Avène’s iconic thermal spring water to repair and protect sensitive skin. Its copper-zinc sulfate complex and shea butter work together to strengthen the skin barrier and promote healing.” —Dr. Elaine Kung
“If you’re experiencing irritated, dry skin, the best approach is to simplify your skin-care routine until your barrier has healed. Go back to the basics: a gentle cleanser, barrier repair cream and sunscreen. For an affordable, over-the-counter option, I recommend Avène Cicalfate.” —Dr. Sue Ellen Cox
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“This is a cult-favorite in the K-beauty world, known for its ceramide-rich formulation that repairs and soothes dry, sensitive skin. It contains ingredients that are more commonly found in Asian skin-care brands, such as natto gum, panax ginseng and even perilla seed extract. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, it’s a staple in many skin-care routines.” —Dr. Elaine Kung
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“No discussion of the skin barrier repair would be complete without mentioning Vaseline. This humble yet iconic product has been a skin-care staple for over a century, and for good reason. Vaseline made a huge comeback with the younger generation a few years ago as the last step for ‘slugging’ their skin during dry, rough winters. Made from 100-percent petrolatum, it forms a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and shielding it from external irritants. Petrolateum has been scientifically proven to offer most protection from transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to any other skin-care ingredient!
Vaseline is also fragrance-free, dye-free and suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. While it doesn’t contain the active ingredients found in many modern creams, its occlusive properties make it an excellent companion to other products. For example, applying a hydrating serum or moisturizer first, followed by a thin layer of Vaseline, can ‘seal in’ the moisture and enhance the effectiveness of your skin-care routine. It’s also incredibly versatile, working wonders on dry lips, cracked hands and minor wounds.” —Dr. Elaine Kung
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“My go-to barrier repair product is Alastin Nectar, which can soothe irritation and dryness and is also highly effective after procedures like laser resurfacing. This product is specifically designed for when your skin barrier is compromised, like from over-exfoliating or improper use of irritating products like Retin-A and hydroquinone.” —Dr. Sue Ellen Cox
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“This cream is rich in essential lipids to improve skin elasticity and barrier function. This product plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health by strengthening the skin’s natural protective barrier. The skin barrier is responsible for retaining moisture, shielding against environmental aggressors—such as pollution, UV rays and harsh weather—and preventing irritants from penetrating the skin. When the barrier is compromised, due to over-exfoliation, harsh skin-care products, or underlying skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, it can lead to dryness, sensitivity and increased risk of irritation.” —Dr. Anna Chacon
