Found naturally in the top layers of skin, ceramides are lipids that aid in water retention and barrier function. If you think of skin like a brick wall, ceramides are the cement that hold the bricks (skin cells) together, keeping the wall (skin barrier) strong. This keeps moisture in and prevents irritants entering the skin.
Fact checked by Dr Joseph Hkeik, MB.BS FFMACCS FRACGP, Director and Founder, All Saint Clinic and Le Petit Saint