1. What’s the difference between dry and dehydrated skin?

Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydrated skin lacks water. Both benefit from barrier-strengthening and hydrating ingredients like ceramides and peptides.

2. Can I layer multiple moisturizers?

You can, but most formulas here deliver both hydration and barrier repair in one step. Choose the texture that fits your skin type best.

3. How long before I see results?

You may notice softer, smoother skin immediately, with visible improvements in strength and texture over time with consistent use.

Hydrating and Repairing Moisturizers with Ceramides and Peptides

Dry or dehydrated skin can feel tight, rough, or uncomfortable. Supporting your skin’s moisture barrier and structural integrity helps it stay strong and smooth. Two key allies? Ceramides, which help protect and replenish the barrier, and peptides, which help strengthen skin. Here’s how to layer five Clinique favorites formulated with these ingredients to build lasting hydration and visible resilience.

1. Start your day with barrier strength

Use a moisturizer that immediately hydrates and supports skin’s natural moisture barrier. Peptides help skin feel smoother and more resilient throughout the day.
Product pick: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Wrinkle Correcting Cream — a peptide-powered daytime moisturizer that hydrates and protects against UV damage.
Quick Tip: Apply after your serum and before makeup to help seal in moisture.

2. Boost nighttime repair

Skin works hardest to recover overnight. Choose a rich, peptide-infused formula that deeply hydrates and strengthens the barrier as you rest.
Product pick: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Wrinkle Correcting Rich Cream — for very dry to dry skin; helps visibly repair lines and strengthens skin while you sleep.
Quick Tip: Warm a small amount between fingertips before applying for better absorption.

3. Target firmness and elasticity

As skin loses elasticity, peptides help support a lifted, firmer appearance. A formula designed for face and neck can visibly smooth and fortify these areas.
Product pick: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair™ Lifting Face + Neck Cream — with multi-peptide technology to visibly lift and support skin’s natural structure.
Quick Tip: Massage upward from the neck to jawline to encourage circulation.

4. Strengthen barrier recovery after stress

Environmental changes and dryness can weaken the barrier. A ceramide-focused moisturizer helps replenish what skin loses and keeps hydration balanced.
Quick Tip: Apply to slightly damp skin to help lock in moisture.

5. Refresh and soothe anytime

A lightweight hydrator with barrier-supporting ingredients can refresh skin throughout the day or layer easily under makeup.
Product pick: Clinique Moisture Surge™ 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator — with aloe bio-ferment and hyaluronic acid, helps boost the moisture barrier for lasting hydration up to 100 hours.
Quick Tip: Tap a small amount over dry areas midday to instantly revive hydration.

Summary

Ceramides and peptides are a powerhouse pair for smoother, stronger, and more hydrated skin. Clinique’s dermatologist-tested moisturizers bring both together to reinforce the barrier, improve resilience, and keep skin hydrated from morning to night.