It's hard to keep up with the ever-growing list of skin care ingredients, but two terms you're likely familiar with are peptides and ceramides. From drugstore to luxury beauty, chances are these buzzwords are front and center on packaging.
These ingredients boast tons of benefits and have become a staple in popular skin care items on the market, but is there a difference between the two? Below, dermatologists help us understand how ceramides and peptides work and differ. And spoiler alert: they're best used together.
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What are peptides?
There's a lot of science behind peptides; dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur explains that peptides are a short chain of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. "In skincare, they may signal the skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and other proteins that can help maintain a firm, youthful appearance," Marmur says.
Alongside anti-aging benefits like fine lines, dermatologist Dr. Helyn Alvarez adds that they also act as messengers that tell cells to calm inflammation and improve skin repair. "Some calm reactivity and support repair, and others help the barrier work better and can target puffiness or uneven tone," says Alvarez.
What are ceramides?
While peptides repair from the inside, ceramides work to protect the skin's top barrier. Both dermatologists explain that ceramides are lipids that naturally occur in the skin, making up the outer layer. "They form a critical part of the skin’s barrier, helping to lock in moisture and protect against environmental damage, irritants, and dehydration," adds Marmur.
However, as we age, Alvarez notes that certain factors will cause levels to drop, such as aging, eczema, harsh cleansers and overuse of retinoids. Thankfully, ceramides in moisturizers can help counteract this and restore and hydrate the skin's barrier, prevent dryness and reduce irritation.
Can you use ceramides and peptides together?
Dermatologists across the board agree that these ingredients complement each other well; while they do different jobs, they work best as a team, says Alvarez. And incorporating them into your skin care routine is easy.
"Layer a peptide serum first, then a ceramide moisturizer to lock it in. If your skin feels tight or reactive, prioritize ceramides for a few days, then add peptides," she says. If your skin feels comfortable, she says you can consistently use both for the best results, "plus daily sunscreen."
Best peptide products
A dermatologist previously recommended this peptide serum for its multi-skin benefits. It contains copper peptides, which help hydrate, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote collagen production.
A Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner, this peptide-infused toner works well with all skin types and can help hydrate and plump skin, say the brand.
Your scalp is considered skin, too, and this editor-loved and former Beauty Award-winning peptide serum supports the scalp to promote healthier and fuller hair. I [Garlin] love that this treatment also works to stop the scalp from flaking and feeling dry.
This serum is a previous dermatologist-recommended cream for its formulation of peptides, niacinamide and collagen. The trifecta of ingredients can help hydrate, improve dullness and the appearance of pores.
Deputy managing editor Jess Bender says this eye cream has become a part of her nightly skin care routine. “So far, it’s really done a great job ironing out some finer lines that come along during my everyday," she says.
Another Beauty Award winner, this gel-based peptide cream has a lightweight consistency to help plump and hydrate the skin, without feeling heavy.
Loved by multiple editors, including myself, this moisturizer contains nine different peptides to help retain moisture and plump the skin. This cream is in my current moisturizer rotation, as it's very absorbent, leaving my face feeling smooth and moisturized. Plus, I like that you can buy the refillable packs, so you're not paying the full $72 each time.
Best ceramide products
If you're dealing with eczema or extremely dry skin, this cream is packed with ceramides and colloidal oatmeal to help soothe the skin. One expert previously recommended it as it "contains licorice root extract, a natural anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce itching and burning of the skin." They also note that it's free of fragrance and dyes, too.
“CeraVe is always a winner for my sensitive, acne-prone skin,” shares editorial assistant Erica Marrison. “I use this as my face moisturizer morning and night, and it’s perfect! Plus, given that the price point is low and the container is huge, it lasts me a very long time before I need to repurchase.”
Reviewers say this cream is thick in texture, but absorbs well into the driest and eczema-prone skin.
"I use this at night when my skin is feeling dry," says production coordinator Camryn Privette. "I can immediately feel a difference. The brand really does its research on ingredients, so I feel great about putting this on."
One Shop TODAY contributor says she's used this on her face and hands and instantly felt softer and smoother skin.
"This product is so great! It's lightweight and cold to the touch," says social media editor Kara Quill. "It's a little more oily than other body moisturizers that I've tried, but it made it less heavy and the formula easily absorbed into my skin."
"This cream is super hydrating and also contains key ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin," says associate editor Allie Wise. She notes that it is thicker in texture, so it's better suited for very dry skin.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Helyn Alvarez, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.
- Dr. Ellen Marmur, MD, is a boar-certified dermatologist in New York, New York and founder of MMSkincare.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products and sales out there. We use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
We selected the best ceramide products and peptide products based on insights and recommendations from board-certified dermatologists. We also include approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. Other products were sourced through verified shopper reviews.
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