Most people will only reach for a Barrier Repair serums when their skin is tight, flaky, red and irritated. But the trick is to incorporate them into your routine before the irritation occurs. I always use a hydrating barrier strengthening product in my routine, especially when using stronger actives like retinoids or acids.
Here are six that get on with the job at every price point.
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
A colour reminiscent of Calpol from my childhood. It feels milky and is packed with vitamins B12, B5, Gallic Acid Derivatives, Niacinamide, Centella Asiatic and Ceramides to name a few. Soothes, hydrates and restores without fuss. Functional and certainly one to try from The Ordinary.
💰 Geek and Gorgeous Stress Less*
Calm in a bottle. Beta-glucan and Madecassoside work to soothe, while Saccharide Isomerate hydrated. A solid addition to any routine and a hero for red, reactive skin. Fragrance-free and super lightweight.
💰 The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
Ectoin is the star here – a powerful barrier-supporting active which hydrates while supporting and strengthening the skin barrier. It’s a budget-friendly staple ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin.
💰 Naturium Barrier Bounce
A mid-price gem, and one I am currently obsessed with. 5% squalane, 2% urea and a ceramide complex create a silky, milky, oil-in-seurm that hydrates deeply and leaves skin feeling plump, not sticky, great for a glazed-doughnut finish.
💰 Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Serum*
One for the fans of luxe. A plush, soothing serum rich in ceramides, omegas and peptides. Ideal post-treatment or for skin in meltdown. Spendy, but excellent.
💰 Murad Cellular Hydration Repair Serum*
A sophisticated formula that delivers a repaired and soothed skin fast. With peptides, fatty acids and skin-identical lipids, it hydrates, soothes and strengthens in just 30 minutes.
Barrier Repair Serums are the quiet workhorses that keep your skin resilient and healthy. And frankly, that’s real skincare.
