Vitamin C, retinol and hyaluronic acid often dominate skincare conversations, but a new survey suggests dermatologists are placing their confidence in a different ingredient when it comes to long-term skin health: ceramides.
According to a June 2026 survey conducted by skincare brand Skinara, 63 board-certified dermatologists were asked which ingredients they most commonly recommend for concerns including aging, acne, pigmentation and sensitive skin. When asked to identify the single most important ingredient for maintaining healthy skin over time, the majority selected ceramides.
Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up roughly half of the skin’s protective barrier. Their primary role is to help retain moisture, defend against environmental irritants and support overall skin resilience. However, factors such as sun exposure, pollution, over-cleansing, aging and seasonal weather changes can reduce the skin’s natural ceramide production. According to Skinara, production may decline by as much as 60% by age 40.
“People spend hundreds on skincare and wonder why nothing works,” said Dr. Moushumi Das. “In most cases, it’s a damaged skin barrier and decreased levels of ceramides. The barrier has thinned to the point where nothing can do its job.”
Skin experts say a compromised skin barrier can reduce the effectiveness of other skincare products by allowing moisture to escape while making skin more vulnerable to irritation.
The survey also highlighted the role ceramides play in retinol routines. Retinol is widely recognized for improving fine lines and skin texture, but it can also cause redness, peeling and dryness, especially when the skin barrier is weakened.
“The standard in the industry is prescribing ceramides with retinol,” said Ada Hathway. “When you take care of your barrier, the skin can tolerate higher and more frequent doses of retinol, helping you achieve better results.”
David Chyou, principal scientist in computational biology at Skinara, noted that healthy skin depends not only on visible skin cells but also on the microbiome, the community of beneficial microorganisms that supports the skin’s natural defenses.
Unlike some popular active ingredients, ceramides are generally considered suitable for nearly every skin type and age group. Because they naturally occur in the skin, they have few of the usage restrictions associated with stronger ingredients such as retinol or exfoliating acids.
Dermatologists recommend incorporating fragrance-free ceramide products into daily skincare routines to help maintain the skin barrier, improve hydration and create a healthier foundation for other active ingredients. While ceramides may not receive the same attention as trendier skincare ingredients, experts say they could be one of the most essential components of an effective long-term skincare routine.