A barrier-repair moisturiser formulated on clinical principles rather than marketing ones. The skin barrier is built from three lipid classes in a specific ratio — ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. When that structure is depleted by over-exfoliation, harsh cleansing, retinoid use, cold weather or eczema, the skin loses water continuously and becomes reactive to products it previously tolerated. Most moisturisers respond by adding water and occlusives. This one supplies all three lipid classes directly, so the barrier is rebuilt rather than merely covered.

The formula delivers five distinct ceramides (NP, NS, AP, AS and EOP), cholesterol, and the fatty acids stearic and palmitic — the complete lipid set the barrier actually requires. Layered over that is a five-form hyaluronic acid complex and a full amino acid natural moisturising factor blend. The finish is rich but not heavy, and it absorbs cleanly enough to sit under makeup.

Who this is for: if your skin has become tight, stinging, flaking, unpredictably reactive or red after introducing actives, this is the corrective step. It is also the product that lets you keep using retinol, acids and vitamin C without your skin revolting.

Key ingredients

• Five-ceramide complex (NP, NS, AP, AS, EOP) — ceramides make up roughly half of the barrier's lipid content. Using multiple types rather than a single ceramide more closely mirrors the skin's own composition. Ceramide EOP in particular is critical to barrier structure and is among the first lost in compromised skin.
• Cholesterol and fatty acids (stearic, palmitic) — the two lipid classes almost every "ceramide cream" leaves out. Ceramides alone cannot rebuild the barrier; the research consistently shows all three classes are needed together.
• Phytosphingosine — a ceramide precursor with cell-communicating and antimicrobial properties, supporting the skin's own lipid production.
• Five-form hyaluronic acid complex — sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed HA, HA crosspolymer and sodium acetylated hyaluronate. Different molecular weights hydrate at different depths rather than all sitting on the surface.
• Amino acid NMF blend (serine, glycine, alanine, proline, arginine, threonine, lysine, glutamic acid) — a reconstruction of the skin's own natural moisturising factor, the water-binding system depleted in dry and barrier-damaged skin.
• Panthenol (provitamin B5) — one of the most reliably soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients available; reduces redness and the tight, uncomfortable feeling of compromised skin.
• Squalane — an emollient nearly identical to a lipid the skin produces itself. Absorbs readily, softens, and does not clog pores.
• Petrolatum — the most effective occlusive available, reducing transepidermal water loss by up to 99 percent. Non-comedogenic and non-irritating despite its reputation, and the reason this cream holds hydration through the night.
• Sodium PCA, sodium lactate and betaine — humectants that mirror the skin's own moisture-retention chemistry.
• Tocopherol (vitamin E) — antioxidant protection for the lipids in the formula and in the skin.

How to use

1. Cleanse, then apply toner, essence and any serums or ampoules first.
2. Take an amount roughly the size of a large pea for the full face.
3. Warm briefly between the fingertips, then press and pat into the skin rather than rubbing. Pressing is gentler on a compromised barrier and improves absorption.
4. Massage gently for 15 to 20 seconds, extending down onto the neck.
5. Allow one minute to settle before applying sunscreen in the morning, or before sleeping at night.

For acutely damaged or irritated skin

Apply a thicker layer as a leave-on overnight mask, or use the "sandwich" method: a thin layer of cream, then your active, then a second layer of cream. This buffers strong actives such as retinol or acids and substantially reduces irritation while you rebuild tolerance.

Recommended frequency

• Standard use: twice daily, morning and evening, as the final skincare step before sunscreen.
• Dry, mature or winter-affected skin: twice daily, with a heavier evening application.
• Actively compromised barrier — stinging, flaking, redness: twice daily minimum, and reapply during the day whenever the skin feels tight. During a repair phase, pause all exfoliants and retinoids for two to four weeks and use this alone alongside a gentle cleanser and sunscreen.
• Alongside retinol or acids: every evening those actives are used, without exception.
• Oily or combination skin: once daily in the evening is often sufficient; use a lighter gel in the morning if this feels rich.
• Timeline: immediate comfort on application. Meaningful barrier recovery takes two to four weeks of consistent use — barrier lipids regenerate on their own schedule and cannot be rushed.

Best suited to

Dry, dehydrated, sensitive, reactive and barrier-damaged skin. Eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin. Anyone using retinoids, exfoliating acids or vitamin C who needs barrier support. Post-procedure skin following microneedling, peels or laser, once cleared by your practitioner. Also appropriate for normal skin as a straightforward, high-quality daily moisturiser.

Specifications

• Volume: 80 ml
• Product type: Leave-on barrier repair face cream
• Key actives: 5 ceramides (NP, NS, AP, AS, EOP), cholesterol, fatty acids, 5-form hyaluronic acid complex, amino acid NMF blend, panthenol
• Texture: Rich, cushioned cream; not greasy or tacky
• Finish: Comfortable and slightly satin; layers under makeup and sunscreen
• Fragrance: Fragrance-free — no added perfume or essential oils
• Alcohol: Alcohol-free
• Fungal acne (malassezia) safe: Yes
• Vegan: Yes
• Skin type: All skin types; formulated for dry, sensitive and barrier-compromised skin
• Country of origin: Republic of Korea
• Approximate usage: 2–3 months at twice-daily facial use

Good to know

Fragrance-free, alcohol-free and free of essential oils, which makes this one of the safest choices in our range for genuinely reactive skin. It is also fungal-acne safe — a rare and meaningful distinction, as most rich moisturisers contain esters and fatty acids that feed malassezia. For external use only. Avoid direct contact with the eyes. Discontinue use if irritation develops. Apply with clean hands or a spatula to keep the product uncontaminated. Store away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Keep out of reach of children.