Ceramides or Niacinamide? Which One Your Skin Needs

Ceramides and niacinamide turn up on nearly every K-beauty list, and people mix them up all the time. They do different jobs, and plenty of routines use both.

What each one does

Ceramides

• Lipids your skin already makes, and a big part of its outer barrier.
• Work like the mortar between bricks.
• Help skin hold on to moisture and stay comfortable.
• Best for dry, sensitive or easily irritated skin.

Niacinamide

• A form of vitamin B3, usually found in serums.
• Helps skin look less shiny.
• Helps tone look more even over time.
• Most skin types get along with it, including oily and combination.

Barrier or balance?

A simple way to think about it: ceramides look after the wall, niacinamide looks after the surface. If your skin feels tight, flaky or reactive, start with ceramides. If shine, visible pores or uneven tone bother you more, start with niacinamide.

You don't have to choose. A ceramide moisturiser with a niacinamide serum underneath is one of the easiest, lowest-risk pairings there is, and many products already combine the two.

Still not sure?

The Skin MBTI quiz looks at hydration and oil together, so it can tell you which way your skin leans.

Shop: Ceramide Barrier Fix · Niacinamide Does It All

Korean corner: 수분크림 (soo-boon-keu-rim) means "moisturiser", literally "water cream".