Editor’s tip: Did we mention that its sibling, The Cream, won a 2022 Best of Beauty Award? When comparing the ingredient lists of The Cream and The Rich Cream, cosmetic chemist Ginger King noted that the oils (like grapeseed) are listed much higher in The Rich Cream, therefore making them more potent. Keep that in mind if you’re trying to choose between the two.
Key ingredients: ceramides, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil, shea butter | Fragrance-free: no
Best for Mature Skin: SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
Why it’s worth it: Board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD, who is based in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania loves SkinFix’s Best of Beauty-winning Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream because it “contains a combination of peptides and lipids to smoothen and strengthen the skin barrier.” It’s clearly a derm-favorite, as David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, has also vouched for its “super creamy and hydrating” formula. “It’s exactly what you need on a cold, dry winter night to restore and repair your skin barrier,” he says.
Editor’s tip: We love this jar’s push-top packaging, which ensures you don’t have to dip your finger into the product.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, jojoba oil, shea butter, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yess
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: Murad Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream
Why it’s worth it: Another recipient of the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, Murad’s Daily Defense Colloidal Oatmeal Cream contains a proprietary mixture of colloidal oatmeal, niacinamide, and mondo grass sugars, which retains essential moisture and lipids, strengthening the skin from within while also prolonging relief from eczema flare-ups. The sealed pump is also great for people prone to making a mess in the bathroom, and there’s less potential for spreading bacteria.
Editor’s tip: This cream has a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that’s perfect for dry and oily skin types alike.Key ingredients: niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal, shea butter | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the skin barrier become damaged?
“Our skin barrier gets damaged from extreme weather, sun exposure, medical conditions, physical damage such as over-exfoliating, and also age,” explains Dr. Saedi. “Over time, ingredients like alcohol and glycolic acid can be abrasive to the skin if overused.” And when this happens, it can lead to dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin.