If you read skincare labels, three terms will keep showing up: ceramides,peptides, andsqualene. Each plays a distinct role in skin health. Understanding what they do helps you pick products that solve the real problems you notice in the mirror.

Ceramides: The skin’s natural barrier builders

What they are: Ceramides are lipid molecules that form part of the outer skin layer. They act like mortar between skin cells, keeping moisture in and irritants out.

How they work: Ceramides restore and strengthen the skin barrier. A healthy barrier reduces dryness, sensitivity, and trans-epidermal water loss. That means skin looks plumper and reacts less to environmental stress.

Best for: Dry, reactive, or barrier-compromised skin and anyone who wants long-lasting hydration and protection.

Dermasensa pick:UV-X Daily Replenishing Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 — UV-X combines 16% zinc oxide for broad-spectrum mineral protection with ceramides to help rebuild the lipid layer while you block sun damage. It’s a protective and restorative step you can use every morning.

Peptides: Your skin’s messaging system

What they are: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal skin cells to produce structural proteins like collagen and elastin.

How they work: Peptides tell skin to repair and renew. Over time they help improve firmness, smooth fine lines, and support elasticity. Many peptides also calm inflammation and boost natural repair pathways.

Best for: Aging or mature skin, loss of firmness, and anyone wanting to support collagen production without harsh treatments.

Dermasensa picks:

• UP Ultra Peptide Serum — The ultimate serum to combat dynamic wrinkles, relax muscles and smooth expression lines. A blend of peptides lifts and tightens the face’s outer contour.
  

• FS Facial Firming Serum — The first of its kind to firm, sculpt, tighten, and reduce the appearance of fine lines with daily use, especially after significant, rapid weight loss. A targeted blend of peptides supports your skin’s natural amino acids to visibly plump, smooth and hydrate – for instant and lasting visible results.

Squalene: Lightweight, skin-mimicking hydration

What it is: Squalene is a naturally occurring lipid that helps keep skin supple. In formulations, it is often used in its stable form, squalane, for long-lasting, non-greasy hydration.

How it works: Squalene mimics the skin’s natural oils, smoothing the surface, locking in moisture, and improving softness without clogging pores. It’s an excellent emollient for delivering a healthy-looking glow.

Best for: Dry or dull skin that needs emollient support, people who want hydration that feels light, and anyone looking to improve skin texture.

Dermasensa picks:

• Formula 5 Moisturizer — rich with squalane to deeply hydrate while supporting collagen and antioxidant protection. It’s a go-to for dry or mature skin that needs replenishment and smoothing.
  

• FS Firming Serum — formulated for lifting and tightening, FS also includes squalane for immediate skin comfort and long-term moisture support while peptides and humectants deliver plumping and firming benefits.

How to choose and combine

Match ingredient to concern: use ceramide-rich protection likeUV-X to strengthen the barrier; add peptide-forward products such asUP Ultra Peptide Serum,Hydro BF orA Super to help firmness and collagen; and use squalane-packed creams likeFormula 5 or theFS Firming Serum to restore smoothness and supple texture. These ingredients play well together when you follow a simple routine: cleanse, tone, treat, and hydrate.

If you’re ready to add one of these power ingredients to your routine, shop Dermasensa’s targeted formulas and discover products designed by physicians for real results. Add to cart now to start building a science-backed routine that improves hydration, resilience, and glow.