Our skin barrier is our body’s first defence against the outside world, responsible for protecting us against external aggressors like bacteria, pollution, and UV rays, while locking in moisture. But what happens when we’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier? Everything from harsh weather conditions to over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, leading to dryness, dehydration, and increased sensitivity.
While our number one tip for preventing skin barrier damage is to go easy on the active ingredients and exfoliants, if you do find yourself with a compromised barrier, it’s time to focus on skin barrier repair. This is the first step to healthy skin and forms the basis of a good skincare routine. Incorporating barrier boosting products, like a hydrating skin barrier repair cream or a soothing skin barrier serum, can help to restore and strengthen your skin. Here are some of the best skin barrier repair products to get your skin back on track.
What is the skin barrier?
Think of your skin barrier as your personal bodyguard. It’s the outermost layer of your skin, made up of skin cells and lipids, working hard to keep the good stuff (like moisture) in and the bad stuff (like bacteria, pollution, and irritants) out. When it’s healthy, your skin feels smooth, hydrated, and resilient. But when it’s compromised, skin is left vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. In short, your skin barrier is a crucial part of your skincare routine and keeping it strong is the secret to achieving a happy, glowing complexion.
Best skin barrier cleansers
Cleansers are the first step in any skincare routine, effectively removing dirt, makeup, and impurities while helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier by balancing moisture and preventing irritation. Here are the ones your routine is craving.
By BEAUTY BAY Chamomile Oatmeal + Oat Lipid Cleansing Balm
This rich, nourishing Chamomile + Oat Lipid Cleansing Balm from By BEAUTY BAY effortlessly melts away makeup and SPF while supporting the skin barrier. With ceramide-rich oat lipid and soothing chamomile, it calms, replenishes, and cleanses. Perfect as your first cleanse, massage onto your face with wet fingers to emulsify, then wipe away with a warm, damp muslin cloth for healthier, stronger skin.
The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm
Dreaming of a gentle yet effective makeup remover and cleanser? Meet The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm. Packed with soothing colloidal oatmeal and hydrating oat kernel oil, it calms irritation while nourishing even the most sensitive skin. Simply massage onto dry skin, emulsify with water, and rinse thoroughly.
haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil
Kickstart your double cleansing routine with the haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil. Formulated with rice bran, olive, sunflower, jojoba, and macadamia seed oils, it removes makeup and impurities while nourishing the skin barrier. Massage onto dry skin, emulsify with water, and rinse for clean, nourished skin.
The Nue Co Barrier Culture Cleanser
The Nue Co’s Barrier Culture Cleanser gently cleanses without compromising your skin barrier. This soap and sulphate-free foaming gel effortlessly sweeps away makeup, dirt, and pollution, all while protecting your skin and balancing your pH levels. Work 2-3 pumps into a lather, massage onto the face, rinse, and pat dry.
Best skin barrier toners
Barrier-boosting toners hydrate, balance your skin’s pH, and prep it for better absorption of the rest of your skincare products – all while fortifying the skin barrier.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Essence Toner
Infused with patented ProBio-Cica (a fermented centella asiatica derivative), the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella-Probio-Cica Essence Toner soothes irritation, strengthens the barrier, hydrates, and softens with trehalose, panthenol, and ceramides. Use after cleansing, applying with hands or a cotton pad, and pat gently to aid absorption.
Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser
Unlike regular toners which are thin and watery, this Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser from Laneige combines the benefits of a cream and toner to deeply hydrate and reinforce the moisture barrier. It’s firming, nourishing, and essentially acts like a moisturiser via the form of a toner. Use it to provide an initial layer of hydration to skin before applying your serums and moisturiser.
ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
The ANUA Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner calms and strengthens with heartleaf extract and centella asiatica. Infused with panthenol for hydration and AHA-rich sugarcane extract for gentle exfoliation, it reduces redness, soothes irritation, and restores balance. Apply a small amount to a cotton pad after cleansing and sweep over the face, or apply to the hands and pat into the skin if you prefer.
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner
More like a serum in texture than a toner, the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Serum Toner packs moisture into skin, nourishing and strengthening the skin barrier. It’s the perfect extra step to boost hydration, and should be applied after cleansing, but before serum and moisturiser.
Best skin barrier serums and ampoules
The best skin barrier serums deeply nourish, hydrate, and repair the skin, helping to strengthen the barrier and lock in moisture for a healthier, more resilient complexion.
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
If you’ve overdone it with acids, retinoids, and excessive exfoliation, this Soothing & Barrier Support Serum by The Ordinary is the antidote. It’s thick, soothing, and packed with skin barrier-nourishing ingredients. No matter how sore or sensitive your skin feels, this is the ultimate comfort blanket. Simply apply a coin-size amount to a clean, dry face, and enjoy a stronger, restored skin barrier.
AXIS-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule
The AXIS-Y Artichoke Intensive Skin Barrier Ampoule is a powerful treatment that strengthens and repairs the skin’s barrier. Packed with artichoke, hawkweed extract, and antioxidants, it soothes redness, dryness, and irritation while protecting against external stressors. Apply 1-2 drops after cleansing and toning, then follow with moisturiser for resilient, smooth skin.
The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
Boost your skin’s resilience with The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum. This lightweight, milky formula works its magic in just 15 minutes, hydrating up to 10 layers deep and strengthening your skin barrier. Packed with ectoin, hyaluronic acid, and a 1% barrier blend, it locks in moisture, smooths, and leaves your skin bouncier than ever in just seven days. Use it morning and night after cleansing, and apply to damp skin for an extra hydration boost.
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe are the go-to for providing hydrating, barrier-repairing products that are suitable for sensitive skin. We’re particularly obsessed with their Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, featuring a thick texture that provides an immediate moisture boost. Apply liberally before your moisturiser for smoother, softer skin.
Glow Hub Barrier Builder
Designed with the skin barrier in mind and packed with skin-strengthening ingredients like ceramides and amino fatty acids, this lightweight but nourishing Barrier Builder serum by Glow Hub is the ideal product to apply underneath your moisturiser. Simply smooth 3-4 drops onto the face after cleansing during your morning and evening skincare routine.
Best skin barrier moisturisers and balms
Barrier-boosting moisturisers lock in hydration while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier, preventing dryness, irritation, and sensitivity for soft, nourished skin.
By BEAUTY BAY Rich Moisturser
This rich, yet non-greasy Rich Moisturiser from By BEAUTY BAY stars two powerhouse oat-based ingredients: colloidal oatmeal and oat lipids, both celebrated for their soothing and reparative properties on inflamed or damaged skin. Simply smooth a thin layer over the skin after cleansing or apply a thick layer and leave on overnight for ultra-hydrating results.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Cream
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Cream is a lightweight, hydrating formula that works overtime to strengthen the skin barrier. Enriched with birch tree sap, jojoba esters, and a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, it replenishes moisture, reduces inflammation, and locks in hydration. Apply morning and night for clear, refreshed skin.
Dermalogica Super Rich Repair
Ideal for very dry or damaged skin, the Dermalogica Super Rich Repair combines a rich, balm-like moisturiser texture with soothing and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, evening primrose oil, and allantoin. Smooth an even layer over the face and neck twice a day for a replenished, rejuvenated complexion.
Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
The Avène Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm works in just 30 seconds to soothe skin that’s feeling sore and irritated. What’s more, it works in the long-term to restore the skin barrier within 48 hours. Apply morning and evening to the face, neck, and eye contours for next level nourishment.
