Our skin barrier is our body’s first defence against the outside world, responsible for protecting us against external aggressors like bacteria, pollution, and UV rays, while locking in moisture. But what happens when we’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier? Everything from harsh weather conditions to over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier, leading to dryness, dehydration, and increased sensitivity.
While our number one tip for preventing skin barrier damage is to go easy on the active ingredients and exfoliants, if you do find yourself with a compromised barrier, it’s time to focus on skin barrier repair. This is the first step to healthy skin and forms the basis of a good skincare routine. Incorporating barrier boosting products, like a hydrating skin barrier repair cream or a soothing skin barrier serum, can help to restore and strengthen your skin. Here are some of the best skin barrier repair products to get your skin back on track.
What is the skin barrier?
Think of your skin barrier as your personal bodyguard. It’s the outermost layer of your skin, made up of skin cells and lipids, working hard to keep the good stuff (like moisture) in and the bad stuff (like bacteria, pollution, and irritants) out. When it’s healthy, your skin feels smooth, hydrated, and resilient. But when it’s compromised, skin is left vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. In short, your skin barrier is a crucial part of your skincare routine and keeping it strong is the secret to achieving a happy, glowing complexion.
Best skin barrier cleansers
Cleansers are the first step in any skincare routine, effectively removing dirt, makeup, and impurities while helping to maintain a healthy skin barrier by balancing moisture and preventing irritation. Here are the ones your routine is craving.
By BEAUTY BAY Prebiotic Cleansing Whip + Sugar Complex
Prebiotics are one of most effective and gentle ingredients you can use on your skin barrier, as they help build a stable, balanced microbiome. Our ultra-gentle cleansing whip supports the skin barrier to balance and boost natural defences, leaving skin softer, clearer, and refreshed. And the added corn-derived sugar complex delivers hydration, leaving you with a healthier looking complexion. This one’s perfect for both AM and PM.
By BEAUTY BAY Chamomile Oatmeal + Oat Lipid Cleansing Balm
This rich, nourishing Chamomile + Oat Lipid Cleansing Balm from By BEAUTY BAY effortlessly melts away makeup and SPF while supporting the skin barrier. With ceramide-rich oat lipid and soothing chamomile, it calms, replenishes, and cleanses. Perfect as your first cleanse, massage onto your face with wet fingers to emulsify, then wipe away with a warm, damp muslin cloth for healthier, stronger skin.
The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm
Dreaming of a gentle yet effective makeup remover and cleanser? Meet The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm. Packed with soothing colloidal oatmeal and hydrating oat kernel oil, it calms irritation while nourishing even the most sensitive skin. Simply massage onto dry skin, emulsify with water, and rinse thoroughly.
haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil
Kickstart your double cleansing routine with the haruharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil. Formulated with rice bran, olive, sunflower, jojoba, and macadamia seed oils, it removes makeup and impurities while nourishing the skin barrier. Massage onto dry skin, emulsify with water, and rinse for clean, nourished skin.
Best skin barrier toners
Barrier-boosting toners hydrate, balance your skin’s pH, and prep it for better absorption of the rest of your skincare products – all while fortifying the skin barrier.
mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence
Infused with 100% Centella Asiatica extract, the mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence soothes irritation, strengthens the barrier, and reduces irritation, redness, and inflamation. Use after cleansing, applying with hands or a cotton pad, and pat gently to aid absorption.
Eucerin DermatoClean Clarifying Toner
Unlike harsh, alcohol-based toners that can strip the skin, the Eucerin DermatoClean Clarifying Toner is a mild, non-drying formula designed to refresh while supporting barrier health. With an APG cleansing complex, moisturising actives, and hyaluronic acid, it gently removes residue, replenishes hydration, and helps improve the skin’s ability to breathe. Use it after cleansing to tone and lightly hydrate before applying your serums and moisturiser.
COSRX Pure Fit Cica Toner
The COSRX Pure Fit Cica Toner is a calming, skin-conditioning step designed for times when your barrier feels irritated or overwhelmed. With a blend of seven cica-derived ingredients, it helps reduce visible redness, boost skin comfort, and support long-term strength and resilience. Apply after cleansing to soften, rebalance, and prep the skin so the rest of your routine absorbs more comfortably.
Best skin barrier serums and ampoules
The best skin barrier serums deeply nourish, hydrate, and repair the skin, helping to strengthen the barrier and lock in moisture for a healthier, more resilient complexion.
Dermatica Daily Hydration 5HA+Cica Serum
The Dermatica Daily Hydration 5HA + Cica Serum is a lightweight formula that delivers deep, multi-level hydration while supporting the skin barrier. With five sizes of hyaluronic acid, it helps plump and smooth the skin, while cica and niacinamide calm irritation and strengthen resilience. Use it after toning to boost moisture and cushion the skin, especially when using actives or managing sensitivity.
Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented
Calming and barrier-repairing, the Purito Seoul Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented designed for skin that feels irritated, reactive, or out of balance. Its lightweight, jelly texture delivers Centella Asiatica to soothe redness and discomfort, while ceramide NP and hyaluronic acid help restore moisture and reinforce the skin barrier. A touch of niacinamide smooths and brightens, making it an ideal daily reset for sensitive, stressed, or acne-prone skin.
The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
Boost your skin’s resilience with The INKEY List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum. This lightweight, milky formula works its magic in just 15 minutes, hydrating up to 10 layers deep and strengthening your skin barrier. Packed with ectoin, hyaluronic acid, and a 1% barrier blend, it locks in moisture, smooths, and leaves your skin bouncier than ever in just seven days. Use it morning and night after cleansing, and apply to damp skin for an extra hydration boost.
SOME BY MI Beta Panthenol Repair Serum
The SOME BY MI Beta Panthenol Repair Serum is an intensive treatment for skin with a weakened or damaged barrier. A high concentration of D-panthenol, enhanced with nano panthenol, helps calm inflammation and speed up recovery, while beta-glucan and multi-ceramides reinforce the skin’s natural defences and moisture barrier. Use it when your skin feels reactive, compromised, or over-exfoliated to restore comfort, strength, and balance.
Glow Hub Barrier Builder
Designed with the skin barrier in mind and packed with skin-strengthening ingredients like ceramides and amino fatty acids, this lightweight but nourishing Barrier Builder serum by Glow Hub is the ideal product to apply underneath your moisturiser. Simply smooth 3-4 drops onto the face after cleansing during your morning and evening skincare routine.
Best skin barrier moisturisers and balms
Barrier-boosting moisturisers lock in hydration while strengthening the skin’s natural barrier, preventing dryness, irritation, and sensitivity for soft, nourished skin.
By BEAUTY BAY Rich Moisturser
This rich, yet non-greasy Rich Moisturiser from By BEAUTY BAY stars two powerhouse oat-based ingredients: colloidal oatmeal and oat lipids, both celebrated for their soothing and reparative properties on inflamed or damaged skin. Simply smooth a thin layer over the skin after cleansing or apply a thick layer and leave on overnight for ultra-hydrating results.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Cream
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Cream is a lightweight, hydrating formula that works overtime to strengthen the skin barrier. Enriched with birch tree sap, jojoba esters, and a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, it replenishes moisture, reduces inflammation, and locks in hydration. Apply morning and night for clear, refreshed skin.
Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream
The Dr. Althea 147 Barrier Cream is a nourishing moisturiser that strengthens the skin’s protective barrier while calming visible redness and irritation. Paeonia albiflora and chamomile-derived azulene soothe sensitivity, while avocado, argan, and camellia oils provide lasting moisture and antioxidant support. With seven forms of hyaluronic acid and a silky, fast-absorbing texture, it leaves skin feeling balanced, resilient, and softly radiant.
Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
Want to deeply hydrate and reinforce a compromised skin barrier? Look no further than the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream. Powered by hyaluronic acid, it helps relieve dryness, reduce redness and itchiness, and lock in lasting moisture. Its balm-to-cream texture melts into the skin to restore comfort and leave even severely dry skin looking smooth, calm, and healthy.
