Ceramides are an essential part of our skin; they are waxy lipids in the top layer of the skin (also known as the stratum corneum or horny layer). Ceramides are also vital for maintaining a healthy barrier and keeping moisture in the skin.

Ceramides make up about 50% of the essential lipids of the skin, with other important ones being cholesterol and fatty acids. As they reinforce the skin barrier, they pair well with your retinoid of choice; it’s a win-win, really!

Generally, the best candidates for use of ceramide are “Normal to dry, dehydrated, sensitive, or mature skin, and anyone on retinoids, acids, or after procedures where the barrier needs extra support (once the skin is intact)”, Dr. Ewa Kania, an expert in regenerative aesthetics and skin longevity, told me.

They mainly support the barrier, hence “They can reduce dryness, rough texture, redness and irritation, and over time this can soften the look of fine lines and improve overall smoothness,” said Dr. Ewa Kania.

What do the Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules do?

The single-dose capsules enclose a potent oil-serum that hydrates and soothes the skin while minimising water loss. This ensures the ingredients are protected from light and air, keeping them stable and potent.

The brand has done clinical testing for this product in the US, and found that 100% of the women saw an improvement in the luminosity, skin radiance and overall appearance of their skin, after 12 weeks of daily use.

“The capsules are elegant and potentially more stable, but not inherently more effective than a well-formulated bottled ceramide serum or cream at a similar lipid profile,” said Dr. Ewa Kania.

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

Save when you shop for the best ceramide capsules with these LookFantastic discount codes.

The science behind the Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

The capsule concept is really interesting as it is meant to keep the product fresh and potent for longer, plus it’s great for travelling or on-the-go. The product in each capsule is enough for the face and neck, so no more guessing on how much you need to use.

Plus, the capsules are 100% biodegradable, created using vegetable and mineral-based materials!

The key ingredients in the Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

The key ingredient is the ceramide complex, which includes ceramides 1, 3 and 6, to protect the skin’s barrier and minimise water loss. There are a few other essential lipids in this product that are naturally found in our skin, like; cholesterol and phytosphingosine, with reparative and moisturising benefits. Plus a botanical complex (lipids from olive and alfalfa extract), that smooths and hydrates.

Also, tsubaki oil (derived from the camellia flower) is high in essential fatty acids like Omega-6 and Omega-9, improving elasticity and moisturising the skin.

Though ceramide creams or serums aren’t essential for everyone, if you experience dryness, sensitivity, visible ageing or frequently use retinoids or acids, they can be helpful as part of your ‘core’ routine, explained Dr. Ewa Kania. They work well with retinoids, AHA or BHA and vitamin C serums.

To note, this product contains silicones and botanical extracts, so if your skin is very oily, highly acne-prone or you have sensitivity to fragrance (even naturally occurring), you might want to give this a miss.

“You may find the rich ester and oil base (e.g. isopropyl myristate, coconut oil) too heavy. Also, those with known sensitivity to silicones, coconut derivatives or fragrance-like botanical extracts should patch test or avoid, even though the capsules are marketed as fragrance and preservative-free,” said Dr. Ewa Kania.