description
CeraMilk is a milky, barrier-loving serum that combines two barrier-supporting superstars: 10% Glycerin & 1% pure Ceramides. The formula also contains several other skin-soothing and replenishing actives, including Ectoin, NMFs derived from watermelon, apple and lentil, cholesterol, plant sterols, and fatty acids.
It helps strengthen a weakened skin barrier by both keeping the skin well hydrated and replenishing the lipids naturally found in the barrier. The gorgeous, milky formula leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated & comfortable, making CeraMilk a great addition to any routine when your skin needs extra barrier support & protection.
The 10% concentration of Glycerin is a real sweet spot: glycerin's amazing moisturizing & barrier-strengthening properties are well documented at this level, while this amount still allows the formula to remain light and non-sticky.
The 1% pure Ceramides might not sound like much, but when it comes to Ceramides, it is. With a few exceptions, most formulas either do not disclose the ceramide amount or say something like “X% ceramide complex”. But the easy-to-overlook word “complex” after ceramide (or any other active, for that matter) can be misleading. A "complex" is a blend of several ingredients, and its percentage does not tell you the amount of pure active. For example, a popular ceramide complex, sold as a raw material, contains 1.5% pure Ceramides. So when a product uses 10% of this raw material in its formula and claims “10% Ceramide Complex”, it actually contains just 1.5%*10%=0.15% pure Ceramides. (By the way, even 0.15% is more than many ceramide products on the market contain...) When it comes to ceramides, it's always worth checking whether the percentage refers to pure ceramides or a ceramide complex.
who is it for?
Anyone looking for a milky, barrier-strengthening serum, especially those with sensitive, dehydrated skin or a compromised skin barrier. It’s also a great addition to your routine if you’re using strong actives, such as retinoids or exfoliating acids that can sometimes leave the skin feeling dry or more sensitive.
Skin type
all skin types, especially sensitive
Skin problem
compromised skin barrier, sensitivity, irritation, dehydration
Texture
nourishing, but lightweight milky texture
how to use
Apply a few pumps to the face after cleansing and liquid or gel-textured serums, before creams. Can be used AM and/or PM.
Shelf life: 2 years from production (unopened), 6 months PAO (period after opening)
ingredients & research
key ingredients:
Glycerin: The gold-standard, best-studied humectant that goes beyond simple hydration. It keeps the skin lipids between our skin cells in a healthy (liquid crystal) state, protects against irritation, and helps to restore the barrier. At 10%, Glycerin is used at a generous level, suitable for all skin types.
5 types of Ceramides: Waxy lipids that make up about 50% by weight of the goopy stuff (the “mortar” in the brick-and-mortar model of the skin barrier) between our skin cells in the outer layer of the skin. They play an important role in keeping the skin hydrated and the barrier healthy.
(Vegan) Sterols & Fatty acids: The other key types of lipids that make up the goopy stuff between the skin cells. All three - Ceramides, Sterols and Fatty acids - work together to help replenish the skin barrier.
Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) derived from watermelon, apple and lentil: An outstanding moisturizing technology commonly found in high-end products that gives both instant & 24-hour hydration to the skin, as well as barrier support & environmental protection.
Ectoin: An amazing, all-around skin protectant. This well-researched, multi-functional active helps hydrate the skin, soothe irritation, support barrier repair & protect against environmental stress.
full inci list:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Tapioca Starch, Cetearyl Alcohol, Squalane, Ceramide NP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AS, Ceramide AP, Ceteth-20 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Cholesterol, Euterpe Oleracea Sterols, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Allantoin, Ectoin, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Oleic Acid, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, 2,3-Butanediol, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
research:
Fluhr, J. W., et al. "Glycerol accelerates recovery of barrier function in vivo." Acta dermato-venereologica 79.6 (1999): 418-421.
Dry Skin and Moisturizers: Chemistry and Function, Marie Loden, Howard I. Maibach, chapter 20: Glycerol — Just a Moisturizer? Biological and Biophysical Effects
Leslie Baumann, MD, Cosmetic Dermatology, 2nd edition, Glycerin - pages 275
Meckfessel, Matthew H., and Staci Brandt. "The structure, function, and importance of ceramides in skin and their use as therapeutic agents in skin-care products." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 71.1 (2014): 177-184.
Choi, Myeong Jun, and Howard I. Maibach. "Role of ceramides in barrier function of healthy and diseased skin." American journal of clinical dermatology 6.4 (2005): 215-223.
Schild, Jennifer, et al. "The role of ceramides in skin barrier function and the importance of their correct formulation for skincare applications." International Journal of Cosmetic Science 46.4 (2024): 526-543.
