The Best Moisturizers for a Strong Skin Barrier

When you’re experiencing dryness, irritation, inflammation or breakouts, it could be a sign of a damaged skin barrier. Skin barrier health is of the utmost importance because it plays a crucial role in keeping irritants out and necessary nutrients and skin-building components in. Not only should you tend to a damaged skin barrier when the damage is already done, but there are preventative measures you can take to avoid damaging your skin altogether, including supporting it with nourishing moisturizers.

Barrier-strengthening moisturizers often feature ingredients Ceramides, Cholesterol and Fatty Acids because they’re the components that make up the skin barrier. Add in calming and hydrating ingredients like Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Asiatica, and you’ve got yourself a staple moisturizer that fortifies your skin barrier and keeps skin troubles at bay.

Peep our extensive range of barrier-saving moisturizers for a variety of skin types and concerns to find the best formula for your needs–just keep on scrolling for your next routine faves.

No. 1

Aestura - AtoBarrier 365 Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Aestura

For many beauty lovers, the Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream is a year-round mainstay in their collections. It contains high density Ceramide capsules to provide up to 120 hours of moisture for compromised skin barriers, perfect for anyone experiencing dryness or irritation. The capsule technology employed in its production allows Ceramide to be captured within the gaps of the skin barrier, improving skin moisture levels immediately as well as long term.

No. 2

ETUDE - Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ETUDE

Combine soothing Madecassosside with moisturizing Panthenol and you get the ETUDE Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream, a mildly acidic cream that serves to balance the skin’s oil and water levels. The creamy but non-greasy formula skips out on additives and harmful ingredients, dermatologically tested to be suited for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone. Users of all ages have tried this staple cream and continue to return to it, damaged skin or not.

No. 3

Purito SEOUL - Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Purito SEOUL

This one’s for the VANA fans struggling with acne breakouts: the Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream features a blend of calming Panthenol and Damyang Bamboo extract that resembles moisture found in the skin to provide a lightweight solution for blemished and weakened skin. The dual action of its key ingredients relieves and brightens the complexion, boosting your natural glow and speeding up blemish recovery.

No. 4

CELIMAX - Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - CELIMAX

Editor’s review: everyone I’ve recommended the CELIMAX Dual Barrier Skin Wearable Cream to has ended up loving it, including my dad who is stubbornly against most skincare textures. Made for dry and tight skin in mind, this cream provides up to 72 hours of lasting moisture. Its formula includes 5 types of Ceramides that restores the skin’s natural defence ability and prevents transepidermal moisture loss, while supplying moisture with each application.

No. 5

Dr. Althea - 147 Barrier Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Dr. Althea

Did you know there’s a deeper meaning behind the numbers of the Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream? They stand for the key ingredients that included in its formula: 1 barrier-strengthening ingredient that is Guaiazulene for anti-inflammatory benefits; 4 types of Ceramides to nourish weakened skin; and 7 types of Hyaluronic Acid to ensure the complexion is sufficiently hydrated. The cream itself is silky and fast-absorbing, leaving behind no residue once the skin drinks it up.

No. 6

haruharu wonder - Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - haruharu wonder

The haruharu wonder Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream is a wholesome concoction of skin-loving ingredients, packed with upcycled Black Rice Lees extract for soothing sensitivity and refining skin texture; Allantoin for long-lasting moisture; and patented fermented Black Rice and Bamboo Shoot Bark that support skin elasticity and a healthy glow. Slick it on to foster a healthy and strong complexion that’s touchably soft and supple for your best skin yet.

No. 7

ANUA - 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ANUA

Reviewers of the ANUA 3 Ceramide Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream love how it can be applied in the AM and PM without disrupting their normal routines. This protective barrier cream is loaded with Ceramide capsules, Centella extract, Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid to recharge the skin with soothing moisture, effectively reducing redness caused by dryness and visibly refreshing the complexion.

Which cream are you shopping to strengthen your skin barrier? Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!