The cold weather is really working hard to destroy our faces at the moment, so you'll be glad to hear that barrier creams are here to save the day. If you're struggling with red, dull, dry or sensitive skin, that doesn't seem to improve no matter what best moisturiser you slather on, you may be dealing with a damaged skin barrier. What does this mean? Your skincare routine is about to get a little more intricate with one tiny addition called - you guessed it - a barrier cream.
The all-mighty barrier cream will heal your damaged skin boundary and also works to lock in that precious water moisture that your face desperately needs. If you're wondering how it's different from your basic moisturiser for dehydrated skin, we've got the ultimate guide on the best barrier creams to buy online. Glowy, plump skin pending.
Closer's best barrier creams to shop at a glance:
Editor's Choice: DrJart Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream, £42.50 on Boots
The best soothing barrier cream: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier Cream, £32 on Look Fantastic
The best barrier cream primer: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Nourishing Moisturiser, £21.99 on Cult Beauty
In order to heal your skin barrier, go for a protecting barrier face cream with ingredients such as fatty acids, Ceramides, panthenol, hyaluronic acids and antioxidants. We've got the best creams with said ingredients, and a whole lot more, below. Keep scrolling for more knowledge on the causes of barrier damage, and what to avoid in your face and body moisturiser skincare routine.
SHOP: The best barrier creams to buy
Barrier creams: best UK brands to buy, with reviews
1 of 7DrJart Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream, 50ml
Editor's Choice
Our Editor's Choice for the best barrier cream to buy online is a little expensive - but worth the cost. DrJart Ceramidin™ Ectoin®-Infused Cream boosts your moisture levels by 139% after just one use. Created from Korean skin beauty innovation (in K-beauty we trust), this barrier cream is bursting with five Ceramides and Ectoin® (Ectoin being an extremolyte that aids inflammatory irritation.) This is a no-brainer purchase.
Pros: Contains Ectoin and five ceramides, boosts your moisture levels by 139% after just one use, cures dry patches, comes with an applicator
Cons: Rich formula, better suited as a moisturiser for winter seasons
Customer review: "I struggle with super dry, sensitive skin in the winter and I always wake up with my face feeling dry and flaky, but once I started using this at night, I no longer have that problem! The texture is great, doesn't feel sticky or oily and doesn't clog pores! It just leaves your skin feeling hydrated and soothed, even after I've slept with the cream on all night. I'm not usually one to do reviews but this stuff is perfect and I hope they keep it in stock!"
2 of 7Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier Cream, 50ml
The best soothing barrier cream
Having skin that constantly flares up can be a nightmare, especially if you love trying new beauty products. If you suffer from redness and irritation which is affecting your self-confidence, never fear. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier Cream, a favourite among beauty influencers, is infused with finely ground oatmeal which helps to soothe and moisturise the skin. Another key ingredient is Beta-Glucan, a polysaccharide that attracts moisture to the skin.
Pros: for sensitive and dry skin types, Advanced Barrier Technology mimics the skin’s lipid structure, colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan improves skin tone
Cons: Doesn't work well as a primer for makeup
Customer review: "Hormonal changes meant my usual skincare regime was stinging my skin and realised I needed to repair my skin barrier. This has done the job perfectly."
3 of 7Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Nourishing Moisturiser, 75ml
The best barrier cream primer
Everyone and their mothers are using the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Nourishing Moisturiser. If you've managed to escape the internet hype on this product, then that is a most impressive feat. Embryolisse is used by many a celebrity on the red carpet as a makeup primer, but it also functions as an effective skin barrier cream to lock moisture under your makeup. Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, your skin will feel satin smooth. Or if you want to skip the foundation altogether, top this with a tinted moisturiser for a natural look.
Pros: Three-in-one product: a primer, moisturiser and makeup remover, recommended by celebrities and makeup artists, suitable for sensitive skin
Cons: described as having an "old fashioned" scent (although not strong)
Our review by Closer writer Ruby Barry: "All the celebs are obsessed, and I didn't believe the hype until I tried it myself but holy moly, this stuff is gold dust. Super-duper nourishing, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser leaves my skin feeling so plump and moisture locked in. Bonus points for being the best primer for makeup to lay on top of - yes, even better than marketed primers."
4 of 7Q+A Ceramide Defence Face Cream, 50g
The best barrier cream for all skin types
If you're not a skin-care fiend who spends two hours doing their beauty routine in the morning, you'll want something that absorbs quickly so you can get on with your day. No matter your skin texture, Q+A's Ceramide Defence Face Cream sinks in super fast into the skin and leaves a smooth, matte finish that we love. Ingredients also include Squalane, which is the moisturising agent to beat all moisturising agents. Meanwhile, the pineapple extract provides plenty of vitamins and ceramides to keep your skin refreshed.
Pros: pineapple extract naturally rich in Vitamin, E, K and ceramides, ceramide NP aids skin barrier function, squalane delivers intense nourishment
Cons: not suited to very dry skin (not rich enough)
Customer review: "Living up to its name as a Ceramide cream, its luxuriously thick texture doesn’t disappoint. It absorbs perfectly into my skin and leaves a matte finish as opposed to the usual glowy look you’d expect from a thick cream. It works really well on my oily skin and really helps the dry patches too. I highly recommend this for any skin type."
5 of 7Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin, 40g
**The best barrier cream for sensitive skin
**
Sensitive skin people - this is the barrier cream for you. The Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream contains no fragrance, colourants or alcohol, and it's pH balanced. AKA no stinging or burning that'll have you running for your flannel as soon as you put it on. Reviews rave about its ability to clear up dry patches on the face, which can only worsen if not treated. As a bonus, Boots has a current deal running on its site - three for two on selected Curél products. What a steal.
Pros: replenishing ceramides for optimal moisture, pH balanced, fragrance, colourant and alcohol-free, natural lipids/oils added to strengthen barrier
Cons: May cause spots for combination and oily skin textures
Customer review: "For a skincare junkie who loves to try new skincare, this is the only cream that I keep using for years. I tend to have dehydrated combo sensitive skin especially during winter or in between seasons or stay in a heated room for too long, and this cream solves all the problems and acts as a barrier repair for my skin. If your skin feels a little tight and itchy during midday even though you have moisturised your skin, this cream would help (although you might have to revisit your skincare regimen) Compared to high-end beauty products, this cream is worth every single penny..."
6 of 7The Elements Skin Balancing Cream, 50g
The best budget barrier cream
Some people don't want to spend tons of money on beauty products, and we one hundred per cent respect that. If you want something cheap and cheerful that truly works, opt for The Element's Skin Balancing Cream. It contains azelaic acid (to even skin tone), zinc PCA (to decongest pores) and super grains extract - which includes quinoa. Yes, you heard that right, quinoa is not just for eating with broccoli.
Pros: formulated with skin-balancing ingredients, reduces signs of hyperpigmentation, protects against environmental stressors, calms irritation and reduces redness, dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
Cons: Azelaic Acid takes time to have its full benefit
Customer review: "Lovely cream with a good consistency which is very nice to massage into the skin and feels both enriching and soothing - great for me to use in-between harsher retinol etc. and just give my skin some nice deep nourishment and feels nice on too and not too clammy. Reasonable price too so would recommend as very happy with it so far."
7 of 7Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Restoring Barrier Gel Cream, 50ml
The best barrier cream for acne
For those currently suffering from acne, or those who have acne battle scars lingering - you too can use a barrier cream to nourish your skin, much like a typical moisturiser for acne-prone skin. Skinfix's Barrier+ Skin Restoring Barrier Gel Cream supports healthy skin microbiota, and the formula is free from known fungal blemish triggers. It also guarantees to fight shine and refine the appearance of pores on the face. Most importantly, the saccharide isomerate makes sure your skin is supported with long-term hydration throughout the day. The push-top dispenser also keeps outside bacteria influences from touching the cream.
Pros: barrier-nourishing saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, zinc PCA, and antimicrobial peptides support skin, shine-fighting and pore-reducing ingredients, free from known fungal blemish triggers
Cons: niacinamide means it's not suitable for sensitive skin types
Customer review: "First off, I love that this comes with a pump. So convenient and more hygienic that way. I always use a thicker moisturizer during the colder months as my skin gets dehydrated. However, the issue with many thicker moisturizers is that it's too greasy for those of us looking for a moisturiser for oily skin. This one is lightweight, but hydrating enough for winter. I love that this also includes niacinamide since I typically use a niacinamide serum for the tiny bumps on my forehead. I'm one who prefers fewer steps in my skincare routine so this cream allows me to have the same results with fewer steps. I received this complimentary from Skinfix."
Is my skin barrier damaged?
We spoke to chemical engineer, skincare formulator, and Founder of Skin Masterclass Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz. We asked her what the skin barrier is, how to know if it's broken, and why we should bother protecting it.
"Our skin barrier works as a protectant. If it becomes damaged this may allow external aggressors, irritants and allergens to penetrate the skin. This can cause issues such as skin sensitivity and dermatitis. You could apply the best, most hydrating moisturiser for dry skin in the world, but if your moisture barrier is compromised, then your skin will not retain water (known as transepidermal water loss), and that can lead to all sorts of trouble. Rough, dull, flaky, red skin are all outward signs that your skin barrier might not be functioning as it should."
Explaining the warning signs of a damaged skin barrier, Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz continues "Your skin is a clever organ and will alert you if your barrier needs some extra TLC. Healthy skin should look smooth, soft and hydrated, but with a compromised moisture barrier your face may feel dry and scaly and look dull and lacklustre. You may also experience increased sensitivity, inflammation, and itchiness.
In the colder months, it's normal to expect some flushing. But if the redness is ongoing, it's like you're experiencing seasonal irritation that may be a sign of a damaged skin barrier. Another clear warning sign is a stinging, burning sensation when applying even simple cleansers, serums, and creams."
What causes damage to my skin barrier?
Continuing her explanation of the complex world of skin barriers, Founder of Skin Masterclass Cigdem Kemal Yilmaz explains the five main reasons why your skin barrier might be compromised.
Seasonal extremes: "Between bracing winds, bitter temperatures and central heating, our skin takes a seasonal beating during the winter months. This constant flux in temperature can damage our protective barrier. Therefore skin feels more irritable and is more prone to flushing."
Harsh ingredients: "Harsh cleansers, soap bars and skincare with alcohol and fragrance can contribute to a damaged skin barrier, especially if you have sensitive skin. Overdoing it on the active ingredients won’t help either so go easy on the use of AHAs, BHAs and retinol. Although they are brilliant, Vitamin C moisturisers, for example, can cause reactions with sensitive skin types if used too much."
Hot water: "As tempting as it is to cleanse with a steaming washcloth and soak in a hot bubble bath, it will strip the skin’s natural oils and damage the moisture barrier. This can leave your skin feeling dry, tight and generally irritable. Stick with lukewarm water to cleanse your skin."
Over-exfoliation: "One of the biggest culprits of a damaged skin barrier is excessive exfoliation and using abrasive scrubs to perform it. However satisfyingly scrubby they may feel, a scratchy physical exfoliator (one with beads, rather than a leave-on chemical exfoliant) can cause teeny-tiny micro-tears in the skin."
UV exposure: "The sun’s rays disrupt the skin barrier function, which in turn makes the skin more susceptible to sun damage. Even worse, when the barrier is compromised, your sunscreen won’t bind as well to the skin. This means you’re even less protected—it’s a vicious circle. Wear a broad spectrum (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen in SPF40 or higher all year round. Choose one with antioxidants to protect the moisture barrier against free radical damage. Preferably if you have easily sensitised skin go for a mineral sunscreen (with ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) or a moisturiser with SPF built in."
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her "dupe queen", as there's not a product in the world she can't find a cheaper alternative for.