Description
The COSRX The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer is a clinically proven new-generation facial moisturizer that reconstructs, strengthens, and protects the skin barrier with one of the most comprehensive ceramide formulas on the market. Inspired by the science of skin barrier repair, it combines 7 types of ceramides, Cholesterol, and Fatty Acids — the triad that forms the natural structure of the skin barrier — with 5 types of Hyaluronic Acid for intensive, prolonged hydration of 200+ hours.
Clinically tested by the P&K Skin Research Center in Korea, the formula shows 96% improvement in the skin barrier from the first use — with visible results (softer, calmer, more hydrated skin) in 1 day and continuous improvement in 2–4 weeks.
With a light, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly, it suits all skin types and is an ideal finishing moisturizer for dry, sensitive or damaged skin. Fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic. Hypoallergenic — has passed skin irritation test.
SUITABLE FOR
• Dry & very dry skin (ideal — intensive hydration & barrier repair)
• Sensitive & reactive skin (fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, clinically tested)
• Skin with atopic dermatitis or rosacea
• Normal & combination skin seeking barrier prevention & enhancement
• Oily skin using strong actives (non-comedogenic formula)
• Skin using retinol, AHA/BHA or Vitamin C (ideal as a buffer moisturizer)
• Mature skin for anti-aging & lifting effect
• Post-procedure (after laser, peeling, dermapen) — soothing & accelerating recovery
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: The formula does not contain retinoids, BHA or suspicious actives — generally considered safe, consult your doctor
BENEFITS
• Skin barrier restoration & enhancement: 7 ceramides + Cholesterol + Fatty Acids replenish the natural lipids of the barrier — clinically proven 96% barrier enhancement from first use
• Intense 200+ hour hydration: 5 types of Hyaluronic Acid in different molecular weights (surface + deep hydration) + Glycerin + Squalane + Panthenol — lasting dewy, plump result
• Soothes redness & irritation: Allantoin + Panthenol + Phytosphingosine calm inflamed, sensitive skin — ideal after actives (retinol, Vitamin C, AHA/BHA)
• Anti-aging action: Ceramides + HA + Tocopherol (Vitamin E) boost elasticity, firmness, and reduce fine dehydration lines
• Antioxidant protection: Tocopherol (Vitamin E) + Squalane combat free radicals and protect from environmental stress
• Texture normalization: the cream fills the gaps between cells (intercellular lipid matrix) — visibly smooth, even skin & reduced pores
• Makeup-ready texture: lightweight, non-greasy texture that doesn't "show" under foundation — ideal base for makeup
• Fragrance-free | Paraben-free | Non-comedogenic: clean, hypoallergenic formula for even the most sensitive skin
WHAT ARE CERAMIDES — The Science of the Barrier
Ceramides are natural lipid molecules that constitute approximately 50% of the intercellular substance of the stratum corneum (outer layer of the epidermis). Together with Cholesterol (~25%) and Fatty Acids (~15–20%), they form a "cement-like" structure that holds cells together, prevents moisture loss (TEWL) and blocks external irritants (pollutants, allergens, microbes). When the barrier is weakened (dehydration, aging, harsh actives, air conditioning), the skin becomes dry, red, sensitive, and prone to acne. Replenishing ceramides = restoring healthy, protected skin.
The formula contains 7 types of ceramides, of which 5 are natural identical:
• Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3): the most common type — strengthens the barrier & reduces TEWL
• Ceramide NS (Ceramide 2): anti-aging action — restores lipid layer
• Ceramide AP (Ceramide 6-II): regulates keratinocyte differentiation — normalizes texture
• Ceramide AS (Ceramide 9): enhances cohesion between cells — denser, more elastic barrier
• Ceramide EOP (Ceramide 1): linoleic acid-rich — key for impenetrable barrier & prevention of atopic dermatitis
• Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA: bio-mimetic ceramide — mimics Ceramide 3 with improved absorption
• Hydroxypropyl Bislauramide MEA: additional synthetic ceramide-like molecule for enhanced barrier coverage
TARGETS
• Weakened or damaged skin barrier
• Dryness, tightness, "stretched" skin sensation
• Redness, sensitivity & reactivity to external factors
• Dehydration — skin that easily loses moisture (TEWL)
• Irritation from using actives (retinol, acids, Vitamin C)
• Atopic dermatitis, rosacea & sensitive conditions
• Uneven texture, visible pores & lack of radiance
• Signs of chronic dehydration & premature aging
KEY INGREDIENTS
• 5 Natural Ceramides (NP, NS, AP, AS, EOP): the core of the formula — replenish the natural lipids of the barrier, reduce TEWL, enhance elasticity and protect against external irritants
• Cholesterol: skin-identical ingredient — forms with ceramides & fatty acids the "cement" of the barrier. Emollient & barrier stabilizer
• Squalane: plant-derived fatty acid — extremely light emollient that softens without greasiness, strengthens barrier and antioxidant defense. Non-comedogenic
• 5 Types Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed HA, Sodium HA Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate): multi-level hydration from superficial to deep — plumping, anti-wrinkle & moisture-lock
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): hydration & healing — deeply absorbed, prevents TEWL, accelerates recovery & soothes inflamed skin
• Phytosphingosine: natural sphingolipid of the skin — a precursor molecule of ceramides that acts as an anti-inflammatory and enhances barrier renewal
• Glycerin: classic humectant — binds moisture from the air and deeper layers. Enhances every other moisturizing ingredient
• Allantoin: soothing & keratolytic — normalizes texture, calms irritation, accelerates repair. Ideal for post-active care
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E): antioxidant & anti-aging — protects barrier lipids from oxidation, enhances formula stability
• Hydrogenated Lecithin: plant phospholipid base — mimics skin's natural phospholipid layer, facilitates penetration of ceramides into deeper layers
How to Use
Ingredients