15 Best Barrier Repair Products to Replenish Dry, Damaged Skin

Exfoliating too much? Replenish your skin with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and squalane to strengthen its barrier function.

When it comes to skincare, we often get caught up in the latest TikTok trend and try trendy ingredients like witch hazel.

We forget that skin care is ultimately a science in itself. Our skin’s job is to protect us—it acts as a barrier, shielding the body from outside influences like bacteria, pollution, and UV rays.

But by frequently using harsh chemical peels, we can inadvertently damage our skin barrier. The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin (also known as the epidermis) that protects against outside stressors.

Here are 15 of the most effective anti-inflammatory formulas for treating barrier damage and caring for damaged skin—you’re welcome.

Best Overall Winner: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizer

Dr. Jart+ Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer

Dr. Jart+ has launched an improved version of its popular Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizer. It contains a dual 5-Cera complex to build the skin barrier.

It’s also enriched with hydrating panthenol, making it suitable for all skin types, but especially for those with rough, dry, and itchy skin.

Our tester, who suffers from extremely dry skin and papulopustular rosacea herself, noticed more hydrated skin and less irritation after just three days of use.

Allure Commerce editor Sarah Han was so enthusiastic that she loves combining this cream with the matching Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner ($39) for an extra-smooth skin feel.

Best for more radiant skin: SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen Activating Serum

SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen Activating Serum

A true visual feast, this fast-acting Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen Activating Serum contains ten clinical-grade active ingredients, including niacinamide and peptides.

According to the brand’s clinical studies, it leaves skin visibly brighter in just one hour. Dr. Saedi is also enthusiastic about the Best of Beauty Award-winning Barrier + Lipid Peptide Cream because it “contains a combination of peptides and lipids to smooth and strengthen the skin barrier.”

Best Redness Relief: Dermalogica Stabilize Repair Cream

Reactive skin has found its partner in Dermalogica Stabilize Repair Cream. When the formula hits the skin, the soothing effect is immediate. This balm contains a patented Ceramide Forming Complex to stimulate the production of ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier over the long term.

For redness and itching, a blend of intensely hydrating resurrection grass, anti-inflammatory lanceolate, and daylily root (a plant often used for pain relief) can help, whether you have naturally sensitive skin or have just undergone treatment.

Best for Post-Treatment Skin: SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair Cream

While the texture of Epidermal Repair Lotion is light and breathable, its effectiveness is not to be underestimated. You only need a pea-sized amount to restore your skin barrier after an intense facial like laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion.

The formula contains a soothing combination of Sodium Palmitoyl Proline and Water Lily Extract to soothe irritated skin and relieve discomfort.

Ideal for treating fine lines: Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol

Lightweight and creamy, Paula’s Choice Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer absorbs in seconds to visibly reduce redness and uneven skin tone for plumper-looking skin.

It also has an elasticity-boosting effect, thanks to the retinol. It’s proven to visibly tighten skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Dermatologist Recommended: Tower 28 SOS Daily Barrier Repair Cream

Just dial SOS Daily Barrier Repair Cream – because this non-irritating, skin-loving moisturizer for sensitive skin is just that. Pamper your skin with four hydrating hyaluronic acids, barrier-strengthening ceramides, and soothing allantoin to fight redness and irritation day and night.

If you’ve struggled with moisturizer in the past, you’ll be happy to hear that Daily Barrier Repair Cream, like the rest of the fragrance-free SOS (Save Our Skin) products, has earned the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval.

Best for Extremely Dry Skin: Caudalie Premier Cru The Rich Cream

For immediate relief from redness, flaking, and peeling (signs of a compromised skin barrier), consider Caudalie’s Premier Cru The Rich Cream. It may be a little pricey, but it’s worth it to pamper your skin with a luxurious blend of hydrating bioceramides and prevent moisture loss.

Did we mention that its sister product, The Cream, won a 2022 Best of Beauty Award? If you think this formula is too forgiving, wait a minute.

Best Serum for Effective, Affordable Results: KraveBeauty Great Barrier Relief

This creamy, nourishing Great Barrier Relief Serum from KraveBeauty is the perfect combo: It regenerates a damaged skin barrier while evens out skin tone. It’s packed with restorative ingredients like tamanu oil, niacinamide, and ceramides, which are essential for healthy skin.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Another top recommendation from Dr. Saedi, this lightweight moisturizer from La Roche-Posay contains ceramides and glycerin to strengthen the barrier and retain moisture. Because it’s oil-free, it’s ideal for any acne-prone skin. Apply thickly to the face and neck daily for instant wellness.

Most Soothing Treatment: Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar

“This salve is great for aftercare because it’s not too occlusive but still moisturizes, repairs, and protects the skin barrier,” explains Leah Ansell, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University in New York City.

In addition to laser treatments, if your skin feels dry or overly dry after exfoliation, use this soothing blend of arnica extract and naringenin to instantly calm the skin.The brand’s proprietary TriHex technology also boosts skin’s elastin and collagen production for plumper, stronger skin.

Best for Dry Areas: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream

This thick but fast-absorbing cream feels comfortable to apply. It soothes dry areas, makes skin look smoother, and reduces redness. The cream contains a blend of glycerin, urea, and squalane to intensely moisturize the skin. Any level of dryness is fine for this cream, especially for winter-prone skin.

Best for Gentle Exfoliation: Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Serum

This affordable serum contains five synthetic ceramides and lipids that mimic and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. Even a small amount is enough—you only need two to three for your entire face.

With regular use, you’ll notice a noticeable reduction in redness from ongoing skin irritation. Bonus: Lactic acid helps slough off dead skin cells, allowing treatments to penetrate deeper.

Best Lightweight Face Cream: Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Rich Barrier Moisturizer

This light cream is from the same family as the Best of Beauty-winning Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizing Body Cream. If you’re not convinced by its hydrating powers yet, this soft and lightweight formula contains the brand’s patented Moisture Barrier Complex to counteract the effects of dehydrating agents and provide up to 120 hours of hydration.

Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oat Cream

This cream, which also received the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, contains a patented blend of colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, and miscanthus sugar. It stores vital moisture and lipids to strengthen the skin from within while prolonging relief from eczema flare-ups. The airtight pump is also great for those who like to make a mess in the bathroom and reduces the risk of spreading germs.

Best Whole Body Treatment: Nécessaire Body Cream

It’s no secret that dryness doesn’t just affect the face or neck. That’s where Nécessaire’s Body Cream comes into play, soothing dry, flaky skin in often-neglected areas of the body. Formulated with five ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, 5% niacinamide, and 1% linoleic acid, this body cream works to regenerate dry, damaged skin barriers by hydrating, regenerating skin, and enhancing its health.

How does the skin barrier become damaged?

Without adequate protection, “the skin barrier breaks down, making the skin more susceptible to free radical damage,” Dr. Lesley Clark-Loeser, a dermatologist in Florida, explains to Allure.

More specifically, “our skin barrier is damaged by extreme weather conditions, sun exposure, illness, physical insults like over-exfoliation, and aging,” explains Dr. Nazanin Sadie, a dermatologist in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Ingredients like alcohol and glycolic acid can irritate the skin over time if used in excess. Dr. Clark-Loeser’s top tip: Exfoliate moderately—and keep your skincare routine as simple as possible—to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Frequent hot showers, lack of moisturizer, and certain medications can also damage the skin barrier. Keep this in mind.

What ingredients should I look for to repair my skin barrier?

Another way to maintain a healthy skin barrier is to use a barrier repair product. This is specially formulated to address the specific needs of your skin barrier in your daily life. While traditional moisturizers can provide extra moisture to the skin, “barrier repair products help repair the skin barrier so that the skin can better retain moisture and protect against environmental damage,” explains Dr. Clark-Loeser. If you’re not sure what ingredients to look for in a barrier repair cream, San Diego dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm recommends focusing on ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, natural moisturizing factors, and ceramides.

How often should I use a barrier repair product?

Consistency is key. Our experts recommend using the product at least once a day, preferably after cleansing, to strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier and keep it moisturized. For particularly dry or damaged skin, using it twice a day can help restore and maintain skin health. However, remember to use the product as directed and don’t overdose, as this can cause further irritation.

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When Allure tests a product, our editors examine it from every angle to provide you with the best possible service. We examine ingredients, question brand claims, and consult scientific and medical studies when necessary. In addition to testing every product included in every review, we rely on experts in fields such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to help us vet ingredients and formulas.

For our list of barrier repair products, we evaluated each product’s performance in five major categories: ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and comfort. Our editorial team, comprised of in-house writers and editors, as well as additional staff, specifically considered the expertise of board-certified dermatologists, ranked each product as a standout in each category. For more information on our reporting and testing procedures, visit our full testing and methodology page.

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Beauty products are personal purchases. Maybe you’re looking for a face cream to combat persistent dry skin or a new nail product for your Sunday skin regimen; maybe you’re just browsing the latest offerings on the hair market. Whatever you’re looking for, or what your personal needs and concerns are, Allure wants to make sure you’re comfortable with the recommendations in our articles. We believe a diverse team of writers and editors, in addition to the many outside testers and industry experts we regularly hire, is essential to achieving this goal.