As a longtime beauty editor, I was thrilled when skin barrier health became the big trend. After years of watching people pile on exfoliating acids, retinoids and other actives, I love seeing them pare things back a bit and pay attention to what that’s actually doing to the skin barrier. But barrier health isn’t just about repairing damaged skin; it’s about maintaining healthy skin. One of my favorite products that does both is COSRX The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer ($23). Here’s my honest review.
The Benefits of COSRX’s The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer
When I’m experimenting with a new strength of retinol or testing dozens of products for our Beauty Awards, my skin can get angry. I get that dry, tight, irritated feeling that also strips away the radiant glow I’ve worked so hard to achieve. I used to freak out, rummage through my bin of balms and creams and slather on anything that said “calm.” Now, I have a bin designated just for barrier health and repair, and this moisturizer is a top pick in the group.
I’ve been using this COSRX formula for a year or so now (one of my many K-beauty favorites), and it’s never let me down. The texture is a cushiony cream that somehow feels lightweight and rich at the same time. It hydrates and moisturizes like a dream thanks to five types of hyaluronic acid, seven ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids and more. In clinical testing, participants saw a 92-percent improvement in skin-barrier strength, along with reduced dryness and irritation.
COSRX
The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer
If you’re someone who buffers your retinol (applying moisturizer before retinol to dilute its strength and ease irritation), this is a great moisturizer for that. It also works well under makeup—I’ve never had a pilling issue. Two other things I love are that it’s fragrance-free and it comes in a tube—and that tube contains 2.7 ounces for just $23! It doubles as a great body lotion, too, if you’re in a pinch.
The Bottom Line
This is a straightforward, science-backed moisturizer that nails it on formula, texture and packaging. For anyone with dry skin or a compromised skin barrier, I highly recommend it.
