10 Best Phytoceramides 2024 in the US

Ceramide is a compound whose name is derived from the Latin word “cera”, meaning wax. The outer layer of a person’s skin is over 50% ceramide-- it provides the skin with a protective layer that keeps it from drying out and maintains the skin’s suppleness. (Actually, there are 7 different Ceramide compounds in human skin: Ceramide-1, Ceramide-2, Ceramide-3, Ceramide-4, Ceramide-5, Ceramide-6l, and Ceramide-6ll. Skin must contain a proper ratio of these compounds for healthy functioning.)

However, your body produces less ceramide as you get older--and hence people start to develop wrinkles as they get older, and they suffer from skin that is drier and rougher than they did in their youth. Also, sun exposure can also dry out and age the skin.

Fortunately, there are plant-derived ceramides, called “Phytoceramides”,  with “Phyto” meaning “related to plants”. Sources of phytoceramides include wheat, rice, soybeans, corn, and sweet potatoes. A topical ceramide cream or oil can help protect and hydrate your skin. However, there are still big differences in efficacy in the ceramide depending on its source, and there are also dietary supplements that you can take orally. These Phytoceramides can fight aging, dryness, and rough skin as well.

 We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting a phytoceramide supplement. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of phytoceramide supplement,

• See useful tips about that type of phytoceramide supplement,

• Read reviews of different phytoceramide supplements, and what customers are saying, 

• Select the right brand of a phytoceramide supplement, and 

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Capsules and gel caps: You can get Phytoceramides in gel cap form. An example is the ReserveAge Nutrition Collagen Builder, with Vitamin C, Amino Acids, White Tea extract (for antioxidants, which also combats aging of the skin), and wheat-derived phytoceramides. ReserveAge’s product is ceramides derived from wheat. Herbal Nutrition’s product uses ceramides derived from rice, while “We Like Vitamins” phytoceramide compound is derived from sweet potatoes.

ReserveAge Vegan Collagen Builder

• Topical Cream: You can also get Phytoceramides in the form of a topical cream that you apply to the skin. For example, Beau Visage makes a phytoceramide cream containing Ceramide-1, Ceramide-3, and Ceramide-6ll. 

Beau Visage’s Phytoceramide Cream

• Need for concern with allergies: As we mentioned, wheat is a common source of Phytoceramide. However, there are people who are allergic to gluten. Thus, even if the wheat-derived phytoceramide is touted to be gluten-free, such as in ReserveAge’s Vegan Collagen Builder, it can still cause a reaction in people allergic to wheat. Thus, they might prefer the alternatives, such as rice- or sweet potato-derived Phytoceramides. 

• Effective against wrinkles: Phytoceramides are touted to be effective in reducing wrinkles and fine lines in the skin. By sealing in the skin’s moisture, they reduce the signs of aging. A product with many different ceramides, such as the MDSUN Med-Eye Complex Cream, will be even more effective.

• Won't see results immediately: Some customers who took oral supplements said that it takes a few weeks to notice an improvement in the skin. Expect some skin peeling at first--afterwards, the skin underneath will be lighter and more supple.

• More than just a moisturizer: Ceramides do more than just a moisturizer than you apply to your skin. Ceramides will help the skin retain moisture, which allows the skin to appear firmer and more “plump”--and phytoceramides allow you to make up for any ceramide deficiencies you might have as you grow older. Also, you’ll notice that ceramides are used in hair conditioning products, for preserving the nutrients in the hair and strengthening the hair.

• Whether to prefer creams or capsules: Dermatologists say that a phytoceramide cream or oil that you apply to the skin would be good when applied before going to sleep, or before going out in the morning, to protect the skin. They are also preferred in cases of dry or aging skin. But capsules are recommended for correcting skin disorders, such as eczema or psoriasis, to restore the body’s overall balance of ceramides.

• Animal-based or plant-based ceramides:  People who want a “cruelty-free” product will prefer using plant-derived ceramides over something animal-derived. However, the drawback is that plant-derived ceramides--phytoceramides--treat the skin, but won’t induce the skin to produce more collagen and repair itself. Some companies, such as Paula’s Choice, make synthetic ceramide-enriched moisturizers that avoid the ethical problems of animal-based products, yet provide the skin with a full range of ceramides.

• With other supplements: You will typically find Phytoceramides in a formulation together with vitamins that are essential for skin health. For example, Herbal Nutrition’s Phytoceramides with Biotin contain Vitamins A, C, D, E and Biotin (= Vitamin B7). Also, dermatologists recommend that the skin has equal ratios of cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids. 

• Efficacy of different sources: Herbal Nutrition’s Phytoceramide formula is derived from rice. They cite a clinical trial conducted by Japan’s Institute of General Medical Sciences where they studied the skin’s surface after 3 and 6 weeks. They reported a percentage of moisture in the skin when treated with rice-derived Ceramides over treatment with Ceramides derived from wheat or konnyaku (a Japanese type of yam).

Herbal Nutrition’s Graphic of the Results of the Japanese Study

Beau Visage was established in 2011, with a laboratory in Paris, France and Atlanta, Georgia. They make topical skin renewal products, to achieve amazing results without resorting to oral supplements. They have products for removing lines and wrinkles, skin tightening, restoring collagen, enhancing skin volume, and more.

ReserveAge Nutrition was founded in 2009 in France, based on the idea of using antioxidants found naturally in wine grapes for extending a person’s youthful appearance by suppressing compounds that cause aging. They have treatments for increasing collagen, hair, nails, and skin care, and dietary supplements.

Herbal Nutrition is a “nutraceuticals” company, specializing in herbal supplements. They were founded in 2005, and are based in Atlanta, Georgia. Their offerings include diet products, muscle and fitness supplements, anti-aging compounds, and even products for pet health. 

Sports Research, founded in 1980, is based in San Pedro, California. They are makers of dietary supplements such as collagen peptides, krill oil, biotin, and more. They also make a line of “Sweet Sweat” products, including waist trimmers, loop bands, and topical gels.