Phytoceramides sound fancy but they are simply ceramides derived from plants. Humans have ceramides in their skin, too. They are fatty acids that make up the epidermis and help keep in moisture.
As we age, our bodies make fewer ceramides, leading to dry skin and wrinkles. Conditions like eczema are linked to low ceramide levels, too (1). Happily, moisturizers with ceramides and also oral supplements can help restore these crucial lipids.
Let’s talk about the best phytoceramides for skin: what they are and how they work.
Contents
- 1 What is a phytoceramides supplement for skin?
- 2 Where do phytoceramides come from?
- 3 How do phytoceramides work?
- 4 Do phytoceramides have side effects?
- 5 Best Phytoceramides for Skin in 2024
- 5.1 We Like Vitamins Phytoceramides
- 5.2 Natural Phytoceramides PhyGLOW by LEAN Neutraceuticals
- 5.3 Model off Duty Beauty Ceramide Super Flawless Serum
- 5.4 Pacifica Beauty Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Lotion
- 5.5 Boscia Plant Stem Cell and Ceramide Barrier-Defense Moisturizer
- 5.6 Acure Ultra Hydrating Plant Ceramide Facial Moisturizer
- 5.7 CERAMEDX – Restoring Body Lotion
- 6 Conclusion
What is a phytoceramides supplement for skin?
Oral supplements with phytoceramides provide lipids for the body to refill the skin with what it needs to stay hydrated and healthy. They may help erase fine lines and wrinkles and lead to a younger, radiant complexion.
Moreover, phytoceramides are suitable for anyone to take as they are a vegan ingredient. Unlike laboratory-synthesized ceramides, they come from natural sources.
Although phytoceramides are quite popular, sometimes called a “facelift in a bottle”, please don’t expect rapid results or dramatic changes from taking them or applying them to the skin. It doesn’t matter if they were featured on the Dr. Oz show or on your favorite beauty site, there just hasn’t been much clinical evidence that oral phytoceramide supplements work miracles (2).
Where do phytoceramides come from?
Just as human ceramides are produced in our epidermis, plant ceramides are found in plants like wheat, soybeans, konjac, corn, and rice. (You can also obtain ceramides by consuming eggs and dairy products). Oral supplements and skincare products with phytoceramides are derived from a variety of plant sources. Throughout the reviews below, we will mention the source of the phytoceramides if the manufacturer discloses it.
How do phytoceramides work?
Oral phytoceramides, like the ones that Ellen Degeneres and Jennifer Aniston supposedly take, are like any other vitamin in that the body has to digest it and send the nutrients to where they’re needed. It can take several weeks to several months to see a noticeable difference.
Nevertheless, topical phytoceramides might make an instant difference when you apply them. Depending on the formula, they should leave the skin softer, smoother, and plumper. Repeated applications should cause a visible improvement that remains as long as you continue to use a product.
Also, people with eczema often find that ceramides calm irritation and help the skin stay moisturized and infection-free. The ceramides fill in the cracks of the skin’s protective barrier.
Do phytoceramides have side effects?
Phytoceramides are unlikely to cause side effects if you follow the directions when using them. It never hurts, though, to do a patch test in the case of a topical product or to start with a low dose of an oral supplement. Pay close attention to your body to see how it reacts over the next day or two.
Furthermore, check the label to see if any of the other ingredients might be problematic. It’s always a good idea to discuss a new oral supplement or skincare product with your doctor especially if you have sensitive skin, are taking medications, or have health conditions that might be impacted.
Now, let’s check out the best phytoceramides for skin hydration.
| The best phytoceramides for skin | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| We Like Vitamins Phytoceramides |
|
| Natural Phytoceramides PhyGLOW by LEAN Neutraceuticals |
|
| Model off Duty Beauty Ceramide Super Flawless Serum |
|
| Pacifica Beauty Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Lotion |
|
| Boscia Plant Stem Cell and Ceramide Barrier-Defense Moisturizer |
|
| Acure Ultra Hydrating Plant Ceramide Facial Moisturizer |
|
| CERAMEDX - Restoring Body Lotion |
|
Best Phytoceramides for Skin in 2024
We Like Vitamins Phytoceramides
What is the proper phytoceramides dosage? This maximum strength product provides 700 mg if you take 2 capsules daily. There are 200 capsules in the bottle so there’s more than 3-months supply. That’s plenty of time to see results like smoother skin and a more radiant complexion.
The phytoceramides come from sweet potatoes so they are completely wheat-free and gluten-free. The ingredients are simple: phytoceramides, gelatin, and rice powder. If you’re vegan, the gelatin is disappointing because unless it’s made from agar, it comes from animals.
On the bright side, the capsules come with a money-back guarantee. Plus, the manufacturer partners with Vitamin Angels to keep children and mothers around the world supplied with essential nutrition.
Pros:
- 700 mg of phytoceramides provided by 2 capsules daily
- Gluten-free and derived from sweet potatoes
- The only filler is rice powder
- Large bottle with 200 capsules for 3 months+
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Not vegan
Natural Phytoceramides PhyGLOW by LEAN Neutraceuticals
This phytoceramides supplement is vegan as well as gluten-free. It’s designed to erase crow’s feet and firm crepey skin by helping hydrate the skin from the inside out.
The capsules are vegetable cellulose, not gelatin. They contain phytoceramides derived from yams as well as vitamins A, C, D, and E. (If you are currently taking a multivitamin or other supplements containing these vitamins, please consult with your doctor or a nutritionist to prevent overloading your body. Both vitamin A and vitamin D in excess can be toxic.)
In our reviews, we only selected products with a high dose of phytoceramides. As this American manufacturer points out, some popular oral phytoceramide supplements contain only 40 mg and are likely much less effective. Sadly, many of the most affordable options not only have a low concentration of phytoceramides but are also overflowing with fake reviews.
Just make sure this supplement was really vegan, we checked the fillers. They include silicon dioxide, multi-crystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. These plus the included vitamins are all sourced from plants.
Pros:
- 600 mg of phytoceramides derived from yams
- Blended with vitamins A, C, D, and E
- Vegan
- Produced in the USA at a GMP-certified facility
Cons:
- Slightly lower dose of phytoceramides than the product above
Model off Duty Beauty Ceramide Super Flawless Serum
What happens if you take an oral phytoceramides supplement and apply a phytoceramide serum to your skin, too? We wish someone would do a study on whether it speeds up the results.
At any rate, you don’t need to use both products. Simply applying this phytoceramide serum daily for a few weeks may give you the youthful-looking skin you’re longing for.
Reviewers say it has a milky consistency and it absorbs quickly. The manufacturer says that your skin should be noticeably rejuvenated by the end of the first bottle.
It’s suitable for all skin types, even oily, acne-prone, and dry complexions. The formula features vegan ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe, vitamins, and avocado oil. It’s 100% natural and one-third organic, with ethically-sourced, non-GMO ingredients.
The brand is located in California where manufacturing rules are strict. Happily, the cruelty-free serum is also free from parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances.
Pros:
- 100% natural serum with organic ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive faces
- For a firmer, smoother, radiant complexion
- Made in California from vegan components, cruelty-free
- No artificial fragrance, parabens, or phthalates
Cons:
- Although the ceramides are sourced from plants, they are not labeled on the ingredients list as “phytoceramides”
Pacifica Beauty Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Lotion
If you love clean skincare products, chances are you’ve heard of Pacifica Beauty. It’s a vegan, cruelty-free brand that never includes harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or phthalates. It uses recyclable packaging, too. In this case, the plant-based ceramide lotion comes in a glass bottle with a pump top.
This moisturizer is pure and powerful. It carries the Seal of Approval from the National Eczema Association because it’s been allergy-tested and made for sensitive skin. Even though it’s lightweight, it seals moisture into cracked skin. The plant-based lipids (phytoceramides) combined with calendula and marshmallow root to soothe irritation and relieve dryness. Other notable ingredients include aloe juice, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and chamomile.
Users say lotion feels richer than it looks, leaving the skin refreshed and comfortable. It’s not sticky or greasy so makeup applies easily over the top.
Pros:
- Rich moisturizers in a lightweight lotion that boosts hydration and soothes the skin
- Carries the Seal of Approval from the National Eczema Association
- Allergy-tested
- No harmful chemicals like parabens or phthalates
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- None
Boscia Plant Stem Cell and Ceramide Barrier-Defense Moisturizer
It smells like cucumbers and melons and feels like soufflé. That’s the best description we can give of this excellent lightweight face cream. It’s made with natural ingredients – even the soft scent comes from botanical ingredients, not perfume.
The main components are ceramides, plant stem cells, and fatty acids. They restore the skin’s natural barrier and protect against free radicals that cause premature aging.
Reviewers say it’s bouncy but easy to spread, leaving the skin smooth and semi-matte. The only complaint is that it comes in a jar, so they recommend scooping it out with clean hands only to avoid contamination.
Pros:
- Blend of ceramides, fatty acids, and plant stem cells to restore the skin’s barrier
- Guards against premature aging
- Pleasant texture and scent (from natural ingredients)
Cons:
- Comes in a jar which doesn’t prevent contamination
Acure Ultra Hydrating Plant Ceramide Facial Moisturizer
We’ve always had a positive experience with Acure’s products so it was a no-brainer to try this one. It’s gentle and soothing on sensitive skin, plus it absorbs much more quickly than the blue tansy oil from the same brand. That’s just one of the reasons why it’s a good choice to apply in the morning.
Its goal is to make the skin more supple and help it retain moisture throughout the day. It uses plant ceramides and niacinamide to achieve this goal.
Like other products from this company, it’s dermatologist-tested and clean, with no parabens, artificial fragrance, or other nasties. In fact, a significant portion of the ingredients is certified organic, including aloe, sunflower seed, evening primrose, and argan oils.
Pros:
- Soothing morning moisturizer that leaves the skin supple
- Features plant ceramides, niacinamide, and certified organic botanicals
- No artificial fragrance or parabens
- Packaged in a pump top bottle that keeps it fresh and prevents contamination
Cons:
- None
CERAMEDX – Restoring Body Lotion
Phytoceramides aren’t just for your face. They help your body, too. Users say this lotion is a dupe for (the more expensive) CeraVe cream. Moreover, it’s dermatologist-recommended and clinically proven to work. Not surprising from a brand that’s been in business for over three decades.
The formula is based on the patented Riceramide-3 complex derived from rice bran. It uses fatty acids and cholesterol from plants to restore the lipid balance of the skin. It’s a vegan, pH-balanced lotion with no artificial fragrance, parabens, or gluten.
Pros:
- Clinically-proven, dermatologist-recommended body lotion
- With plant ceramides derived from rice bran
- Restores lipids in the skin
- Vegan formula with no artificial fragrance, gluten, or parabens
Cons:
- None
Conclusion
If you struggle with dry skin, phytoceramides might be the answer to restoring balance. Nature holds many healing benefits for the human body.
Whether you take an oral supplement or apply phytoceramides to your skin, you’re taking steps to restore the moisture balance and enjoy a younger-looking complexion.
Sources:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/phytoceramides Are Phytoceramides Really a ‘Facelift in a Bottle’? by Colleen de Bellefonds on October 25, 2020, Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.D., CDE, Nutrition
2. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/aging-controversial-science-cosmetics-health-quackery-supplements/phytoceramides Phytoceramides, by Joe Schwarcz PhD, published March 20, 2017