Move Over, Hyaluronic Acid — This Is The Only Serum I Use For Bouncy, Juicy Skin

Look, I have no personal qualms against hyaluronic acid. Love that humectant; I write about it not infrequently! However, I have noticed beauty fans starting to crave something a bit more than a stand-alone HA. Yes, hyaluronic acid was the reigning buzzy ingredient of the past few years, but now other star hydrators are coming for its crown. 

First, a quick refresher on ceramides: "Ceramides on a basic level are intercellular lipids housed in the uppermost layer of skin cells and are crucial for skin barrier function," clean cosmetic chemist Krupa Koestline tells mbg about the ingredient. Think of them as the "glue" that holds the skin barrier together. 

That said, they are vital for skin barrier function. The skin barrier works to keep precious moisture inside the skin and environmental aggressors and irritants out. Without ceramides fastening that shield, your barrier easily becomes compromised, which can result in irritation, dryness, and premature skin aging. 

So, yes, ceramide serums are a worthy addition to your skin care routine. And while I hate to pin hydrators against each other, I should note that ceramide serums are way less finicky than hyaluronic acid serums. See, humectants like HA draw water from the environment and into the dermis, which is why you should always apply them on damp skin. Otherwise, those humectants will pull water from your skin instead of the surrounding air, which can leave it even drier than before. 

I've heard great things about cocokind's famous ceramide serum from multiple beauty editors, yet I hadn't had the chance to snag one for myself. I'm so glad I finally did! 

I've been testing the serum morning and evening for two weeks now, and I've noticed my skin looking so much softer, plumper, and way more hydrated. The serum itself leaves behind such a nice glow that lasts all day long—and provides the perfect base for makeup, I should add. 

It's pillowy, conditioning, and fits seamlessly into my routine. On nights I exfoliate or use retinol (I'm an avid skin cycler), it helps calm my skin and nix any lingering redness. And I don't have to worry about re-wetting my face with a hydrating toner (as I do before applying hyaluronic acid) since the ceramide serum doesn't necessarily need a damp surface to do its job. 

I'm not alone in my obsession: One reviewer even considers it their "hyaluronic acid replacement," while another praises its skin-calming abilities. "My skin is so dry, and hyaluronic acid was not cutting it," they write. "I had also damaged my skin barrier with too many actives. This serum made such a difference in helping it heal! I don't have nearly as many flaky spots, I'm less red and sensitive, and my skin feels so much better."