Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The 10 Best Barrier Creams for Ultimate Skin Protection
Including expert picks from Kiehl's, Avène, and more.
Skin Barrier Creams We Tested and Loved:
If you want to improve your skin’s health, you might want to pick up a skin barrier cream.So, what is your skin barrier? “The skin barrier is both a physical and functional barrier to keep the good things, like moisture, in and keep the bad things, like external irritants out,” explains Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. It serves as a shield or an actual wall.
When your skin barrier weakens, moisture can seep out of the skin and cause dryness and dehydration; irritation and allergens can trigger inflammation; and unwanted bacteria and other germs can cause an infection. (Translation: You really want to keep that barrier intact.) Fortunately, a skin barrier cream is like drywall for your epidermal layer. "Skin barrier creams often contain ingredients that are similar to substances naturally found in the skin barrier such as ceramides and cholesterol," says Rebecca Marcus, a broad-certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas. "[They] reinforce and strengthen the skin barrier, often soothing inflammation and helping to restore a compromised skin barrier to its optimally functioning state. "
Ahead, we tested and reviewed dozens of skin barrier creams to find the 10 best ones for all skin types and goals.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Five ceramides work together to repair the skin barrier
- Ultra-hydrating
Cons
- Not the best for those with acne
- Tube packaging is polarizing
If you're looking for a skin barrier cream that ticks off all of the boxes, and then some, this moisturizing option from Dr. Jart+ is a consistent crowd-pleaser—and for good reason. The brand's Dual Barrier Solution comprises five ceramides to strengthen your stratum corneum all while improving your skin's elasticity. It also uses a mix of panthenol and glycerin to deliver a whopping 100 hours of moisture after a single use. Though this fast-absorbing formula is a particularly good match for dry skin, Dr. Jart+ claims that it's also good for normal, oily, and combination complexions. In other words, there's a little something for everyone here.
Customer Review:
"I have been buying this for five years and got my boyfriend on it, too. It’s great year round, and leaves my skin feeling hydrated all day. The scent is faint and refreshing (not floral), and it’s also great for tossing in a travel bag. Works in multiple climates as well — dry, humid, you name it."—Blinkspots
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Panthenol, and Glycerin |
| Skin Types | Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry |
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Affordable
- Offers lasting hydration
Cons
- The smell is polarizing
- Some say the formula is greasy
Dry, dehydrated skin is a common symptom of a weakened barrier. To give your body the moisture boost it's been craving, Dr. Marcus recommends La Roche-Posay's moisturizing cream. "It provides lasting hydration for 48 hours and helps to rebalance the skin microbiome through prebiotics, in addition to restoring the skin’s protective barrier and replenishing the skin’s lipids," she explains. In addition to a trio of ceramides, this formula contains shea butter and glycerin to hydrate and moisturize. Plus, niacinamide and the brand's signature, antioxidant-like thermal water soothe dry skin back to its nourished glory.
Customer Review:
"I've been using this product since I was a baby and it keeps my extra sensitive skin hydrated and smooth."—Ana
| Size | 13.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Thermal Water, and Niacinamide |
| Skin Type | Dry |
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Oil-Free Moisturizer + Niacinamide
The INKEY List Omega Water Cream Oil-Free Moisturizer + Niacinamide
Pros
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula
- Helps control oil
Cons
- Smell is polarizing
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
Admittedly, finding the right skin barrier cream for oily skin can be tough: the wrong mix of ingredients can make your skin break out or appear straight-up sebaceous. The good news is that this oil-free moisturizer from The INKEY List was made with a laser focus on everything your skin needs—and doesn't need. In addition to barrier-building ceramides, this formula uses glycerin to help draw moisture to the skin without clogging your pores. Meanwhile, five percent niacinamide can even your skin's tone while reducing the appearance of excess oil.
Customer Review:
"Love it!! If you like glowy skin, def try this! My friend let me try a bit of his on a trip and I was instantly obsessed! Made my skin look glowy and beautiful without feeling heavy or greasy. It absorbs fast and gives the skin a lovely finish and it’s a really good price."—Gabbz1251
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Glycerin, and Niacinamide |
| Skin Type | Oily |
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Pros
- Affordable
- A hydrating formula that doesn't clog pores
Cons
- Jar leaks easily
Anyone looking for a great value will find a lot to love in CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream. This option stands out by using three essential ceramides, which make up 50 percent of the lipids in the skin barrier. There's also a dose of hyaluronic acid that delivers 24-hour hydration.
"The patented MVE delivery technology helps deliver moisturizing ingredients to the skin over 24 hours, keeping the skin soft and smooth all day, making it great for those with dry skin," adds Dr. Garshick. This cream is not only fragrance-free, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin, but it's also non-comedogenic.
Customer Review:
"I've been using it for a few years already and definitely can recommend it. It nourishes, soothes, and hydrates the skin, and I feel an immediate and really long-lasting effect. It's really good for dry and sensitive skin. It's great for the face, body, and hands as a hand cream."—Masha
| Size | 17 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid |
| Skin Types | Normal to Dry Skin |
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Pros
- Works quickly to restore the skin barrier
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some people think the formula is too thick
Good things might come to those who wait, but you shouldn't dilly-dally on your skin barrier repair. That's where Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream comes in. While the colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan used here will help repair the skin's barrier, they're gentle enough to be used on sensitive or dry skin. Best of all? You can expect fast results. "It's been shown to improve the skin barrier function within one hour," Dr. Garshick shares.
Customer Review:
"Love this cream! I use it after I've applied all of my other products before bed. Since I started using it I have been waking up to plumper looking skin. Recommend trying!"—Abby7
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Colloidal Oatmeal and Beta-Glucan |
| Skin Types | Dry and Sensitive |
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Affordable
- Sold in large quantities
Cons
- Some found the formula to be greasy
Though technically an ointment, Garshick recommends Aquaphor's multi-tasking Healing Ointment as one of her top barrier cream picks. "It can be used not only for dry skin but also to protect the skin from external irritants and to help treat cuts and scrapes," she says. (Bonus points: It's also made without fragrances or preservatives.) Made with 41 percent petrolatum, this affordable option is built to protect the skin while allowing oxygen to flow. Plus, hints of panthenol and glycerin deftly moisture nourish and soothe the skin.
Customer Review:
"I love this stuff. I bought it to put on my heels to keep them from getting dry and cracking and it works amazingly for that. Great for dry skin anywhere."—Carly
| Size | 14 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Petrolatum, Provitamin B5, Bisabolol, Glycerin, and Lanolin Alcohol |
| Skin Types | Normal, Oily, Dry, Combination |
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle formula that won't clog pores
Cons
- Some shoppers didn't like the watery texture
If your skin is prone to redness, irritation, and inflammation, reach for Avène's Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. The brand's patented C+ Restore works to repair your skin barrier, while a combination of copper sulfate and zinc sulfate promotes a health skin environment moving forward. "It also contains a post-biotic restorative ingredient, helping to support the skin barrier and also protect the skin from external irritants," Garshick adds. Though this cream packs a punch, it's non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and delicate enough to be used on sensitive skin. In fact, a dose Avène Thermal Spring Water gently soothes and softens the skin.
Customer Review:
"I love everything from Avène and this is no exception. Really nice product to use on super dry patches, or all over if you're experiencing extra irritation. The most soothing moisturizer I've found for facial eczema."—Nicole
| Size | 3.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Avène Thermal Spring Water, Copper and Zinc Sulfates |
| Skin Type | Sensitive |
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Pros
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
Cons
- Not great for those with sensitive skin
Since your skin barrier's needs will change and evolve as you do, you'll need to find a cream that is suitable for more mature skin. Enter Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid. "A good moisturizer contains humectants to hydrate, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in the moisture," explains Hadley King, a broad-certified dermatologist in New York City. "This product contains all three."
While the hyaluronic acid used here proves 24-hour hydration, a bionymph peptide complex minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. The finishing touch? Vitamins C and E, which work in tandem to brighten and even the skin.
Customer Review:
"This moisturizer truly is magic cream. It is thick and creamy, really goes an affect of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and does not leave you feeling greasy. Highly recommend!"—Steph41291
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Bionymph Peptide Complex |
| Skin Types | Dry and Mature |
Face Reality Skincare Clearderma Moisturizer
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Helps clear acne
Cons
- Some thought the formula is too mattifying
Acne-prone shoppers will find a lot to love about Face Reality Skincare's Clearderma Moisturizer, which is built to repair the skin barrier and keep blemishes at bay. "The non-comedogenic formulation contains humectants and emollients to hydrate the skin and support the skin barrier, without ingredients that clog pores," Dr. King shares. "It contains niacinamide, allantoin, and bisabolol to soothe the skin, help with oil regulation and improve tone and texture. Botanicals offer additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties." Nourishing, protecting, and clarifying—what could be better than that?
Customer Review:
"I love this stuff so much. It has helped tremendously with my acne. You only need a little at a time so this bottle usually last me two months!" —Taylor K.
| Size | 2 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Lilac Stem Cells, Green Tea Extract, and Allantoin |
| Skin Types | Acne-Prone |
Maya Chia Supercritical Chia Waterless Wonder Balm
Maya Chia Supercritical Chia Waterless Wonder Balm
Pros
- Organic and cruelty-free formula
- Hydrates and protects the skin
Cons
- Balm-like texture will require a learning curve
- Smell can be polarizing
King says Maya Chia's Waterless Wonder Balm is an excellent choice for head-to-toe protection. "For those who prefer a balm consistency for the body, this rich formulation contains shea butter, chia oil, apricot kernel oil, sunflower seed oil and beeswax to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture." Not only is this pick suitable for all skin types, but it's also made with organic materials. (Oh, and did we mention it's cruelty-free, too?)
Customer Review:
"This balm is wonderful! It smells so good and helps heal my dry hands and lips. I have one in my pocket book and one by my bedside. I love maya chia because if all the wonderful ingredients!"—Raine P.
| Size | 2 oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Butyrosperumum Parkii Butter, Apricot Kernel Oil, Beeswax |
| Skin Types | Normal, Oily, Combination, Dry, Acne-Prone, Mature |
Who are Skin Barrier Creams Best Suited For?
While just about any skin type can benefit from using one of these coveted creams, board-certified dermatologist Lauren Penzi notes that they're particularly ideal for those with skin conditions like eczema that directly affect its barrier. "This also includes those who have a weakened skin barrier due to outside factors, such as people who over-exfoliate their skin, as well as those with increased sensitivity to contact irritants and allergens," she explains.
How to Use the Best Skin Barrier Creams
"Skin barrier cream is often the last step in a skincare routine, used to reinforce the skin barrier and seal moisture, as well as actives applied via serums, into the skin," Marcus says. "During the day, a broad-spectrum sunscreen can be applied on top." For best results, Garshick says it's best to apply your skin barrier cream to damp skin to "help retain moisture." While most people will apply a skin barrier cream once a day, those with drier skin types might want to consider incorporating it into their daytime and nighttime routines.
What Ingredients Should You Look for in a Skin Barrier Cream?
For Marcus, the skin barrier creams feature ingredients that are similar to the substances naturally found in the stratum corneum such as ceramides and cholesterol. "These creams reinforce and strengthen the skin barrier, often soothing inflammation and helping to restore a compromised skin barrier to its optimally functioning state," she explains. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin can help add moisture, while non-comedogenic will keep your pores from clogging. As for which ingredients to avoid? "Detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate and other alkaline products strip away natural oils and disrupt the skin barrier, increasing transepidermal water loss," adds King.
Meet the Experts
- Lauren Penzi, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
- Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
- Hadley King, M.D. is a broad-certified dermatologist in Manhattan, NY.
- Rebecca Marcus, M.D. is a broad-certified dermatologist in Dallas, Texas.
Why trust Harper's Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
Watch Next
Acne or Dark Spots? You Need a Retinol Cream
The 25 Best Face Serums of All Time
The Best Cellulite and Stretch Mark Products
Remove Acrylics at Home Without Ruining Your Nails
