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Skin concern

Dryness

Primary source

Dryness: lower water content in the stratum corneum, with rough texture, flaking and sometimes itching. Cold dry air, harsh cleansing and ageing make it worse, and it can also be a symptom of another condition such as atopic dermatitis. The strongest evidence comes from a 2019 human trial: In adults with mild-to-moderate xerosis (senile xerosis), a cream containing ceramides 1, 3, 6-II improved stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin pH more than a hydrophilic cream, measured at 24 hours and after 28 days of twice-daily use. 4 ingredients have evidence for Dryness: Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Glycerin.

Flaking can follow winter air, a stripping cleanser, or a condition such as atopic dermatitis that has its own management. Dry-skin studies measured stratum corneum water content, water loss and visible scaling: 2019 · 24 adults with mild-to-moderate xerosis · PMID 31585489 · 2008 glycerol hydration review · PMID 18510666.

Where the definition comes from

Source wording

“Xerosis cutis refers to dry skin that may be caused or exacerbated by external triggers (e.g., cold weather), endogenous factors (e.g., aging), or present as a symptom of other diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis).” — the opening sentence of a 2025 International Journal of Dermatology review.

Clinical Benefits of Basic Emollient Therapy for the Management of Patients With Xerosis Cutis International Journal of Dermatology (Vestergaard, Torrelo & Christen-Zaech)

Ingredients at a glance

2019 · 24 people · adults (91.7% female, mean age ~55) with mild-to-moderate senile xerosis · PMID 31585489

Ingredient Measured outcome Based on Certainty Year
Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP Skin effect Human trial Moderate 2019
Glycerin Skin effect Review article Moderate 2008

Studies and results

  1. 1 Ceramide NP Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP Skin effect
    The 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6-II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment

    In adults with mild-to-moderate xerosis (senile xerosis), a cream containing ceramides 1, 3, 6-II improved stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss and skin pH more than a hydrophilic cream, measured at 24 hours and after 28 days of twice-daily use.

    Human trial · 2019 · 24 people · adults (91.7% female, mean age ~55) with mild-to-moderate senile xerosis · Leave-on moisturizers for dry skin. The study enrolled adults with mild-to-moderate xerosis. · Small single-site study (24 participants), split-site comparison on the shins, 28 days. It shows the tested formula outperformed a basic hydrophilic cream on measured skin parameters.

    PMID 31585489

    Read the full finding →
    Source:The 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6-II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment
  2. 2 Glycerin Skin effect
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions

    Topical glycerol improves stratum corneum hydration, barrier function and skin mechanical properties. The review also reports reduced irritation response and faster wound healing, and traces the effect to aquaporin-3 transport and to glycerol's own presence in the skin.

    Review article · 2008 · Humans in the cited studies, plus animal and in-vitro work on mechanism · Leave-on products. The review discusses both healthy skin and skin with dry or barrier-impaired conditions such as atopic dermatitis. · A narrative review. It compiles mechanisms and results from other studies.

    PMID 18510666

    Read the full finding →
    Source:Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions

Study limits

Study conditions and measured outcomes.

  • Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP Human trial · 2019

    Small single-site study (24 participants), split-site comparison on the shins, 28 days. It shows the tested formula outperformed a basic hydrophilic cream on measured skin parameters.

  • Glycerin Review article · 2008

    A narrative review. It compiles mechanisms and results from other studies.

Products with a basis for this

63 products · 3-Ceramide + Panthenol Moisture Barrier Cream · Acne Control Cleanser · 2019 · 24 people · adults (91.7% female, mean age ~55) with mild-to-moderate senile xerosis · PMID 31585489

Common questions

Which ingredients have been studied for Dryness?
Ingredients with evidence for Dryness: Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Glycerin.
How many people were studied?
2 findings · 2019 · 24 people · adults (91.7% female, mean age ~55) with mild-to-moderate senile xerosis · PMID 31585489
What can I use for Dryness?
Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP · 2019 · 24 people · adults (91.7% female, mean age ~55) with mild-to-moderate senile xerosis · PMID 31585489

Other concerns

Acne marks and scars Acne and breakouts Barrier damage Blackheads Bumps and rough texture Closed comedones Combination skin Dark circles Dark spots Skincare for deeper skin tones Dehydrated skin Dull skin Eczema and atopic dermatitis Hyperpigmentation Large pores Loss of firmness Melasma Skincare for men Oily skin Skincare while on acne medication Peeling and flaking Perioral dermatitis Skincare during pregnancy Psoriasis Facial redness Rosacea Sebaceous filaments Sensitive skin Sun damage Sun protection Teenage skin Uneven skin tone Wrinkles and fine lines