8 Best Barrier Repair Creams 2025, Reviewed by Dermatologists

glamour.com:

for lighter options—which is partially true—but you should still keep the best barrier repair creams at the ready. Why? Well, damaged skin barriers aren’t just a winter issue.“The skin barrier is critical to our skin health and our overall well being,” says , a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. “The skin surface is our interface with the outside world, and the skin barrier helps keep the ‘good stuff’ in and repels the ‘bad stuff’ from gaining access.” TL;DR: barrier repair products act as a nourishing protective layer.So, when you’re dealing with breakouts, dehydration, rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, transepidermal water loss, or any other skin condition, there’s a major chance you’re in need of skin barrier repair.

The best way to rebalance your complexion is with a barrier cream. “Anyone who notices their skin change in appearance, especially in drier climates, can use a barrier repair cream,” says , a board-certified dermatologist and founder of in Alabama.After consulting with dermatologists and spending over a month testing the most popular options, we compiled the best barrier repair creams for all skin types, for healthy, happy, glowing skin.What do barrier repair creams do?Consider your skin barrier the gateway to your skin health.

When you're dealing with any sort of irritation or inflammation—including acne or eczema—your skin barrier is most likely compromised.