The 14 ingredients that help
| Ingredient | Strength | Irritation | When | Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centella Asiatica | varies | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Ceramides | varies | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Exosomes | varies (plant- or stem-cell-derived) | AM/PM | Ask | |
| Hyaluronic Acid | 0.1% – 2% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| PDRN | varies (often with PN/polynucleotides blends) | AM/PM | Ask | |
| Panthenol | 1% – 5% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Peptides | varies | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Polyglutamic Acid | 1% – 3% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Snail Mucin | 70% – 96% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Squalane | up to 100% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Vitamin E | 0.5% – 1% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Copper Peptides | 0.1% – 1% | PM | Ask | |
| Niacinamide | 2% – 10% | AM/PM | Safe | |
| Urea | 5% – 10% (face), up to 40% (feet) | AM/PM | Safe |
Start here: gentle and effective
Centella Asiatica
The K-beauty hero known as cica (in India, gotu kola or brahmi). It calms irritation and redness and helps a stressed barrier recover. That makes it a perfect sidekick to strong actives.
Ceramides
Lipids that make up about half of your skin barrier. Topping them up reduces water loss, stinging and flakiness, which makes ceramides the best friend of anyone using retinoids or acids.
Exosomes
Tiny cell-signalling particles, most often derived from plant or stem-cell cultures for cosmetic use. In-clinic exosome treatments (injected or applied after microneedling) have more published evidence than the topical serums sold direct to consumers. Regulatory status varies by country, and topical evidence is still described as early and limited, so treat "regeneration" or anti-ageing claims with caution.
Hyaluronic Acid
A humectant that holds many times its weight in water, plumping skin and smoothing dehydration lines. It pairs well with almost everything and cushions harsher actives.
Combinations that work
Frequently asked questions
What is the best skincare ingredient for barrier repair?
Start with Centella Asiatica, Ceramides and Exosomes, which are effective and gentle.
Can I combine ingredients for barrier repair?
Yes. Proven pairs include Centella Asiatica + Ceramides, Centella Asiatica + Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Asiatica + Panthenol.
Which barrier repair ingredients are pregnancy-safe?
Centella Asiatica, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Peptides, Polyglutamic Acid, Snail Mucin, Squalane, Vitamin E, Niacinamide and Urea are generally considered safe, but always check with your doctor.