STEP 6 OF 7 IN THE BARRIER RITUAL

The Barrier : Ceramide Repair Night Cream

ceramide barrier-repair night cream

A rich overnight cream that replenishes the lipid matrix, holds moisture through until morning, and leaves the face feeling settled and deeply restored at waking.

4.6 (57 reflections)
$60
  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Made fresh once you order
  • Dispatched within 2 working days
  • Free US shipping over $75

Made fresh for you once you order · dispatched within 2 working days.

On the skin

What this bottle brings

  • 01

    Replenishes ceramides and lipid matrix

  • 02

    Holds moisture through the night

  • 03

    Softens visible surface texture by morning

The Barrier : Ceramide Repair Night Cream

Why this exists

Night is when trans-epidermal water loss peaks and when the skin's repair mechanisms are most active. A cream that simply adds moisture at this window, without addressing the structural integrity of the barrier itself, is missing the opportunity the body creates each evening. This formulation is built around ceramides : the naturally occurring lipids that sit between skin cells and determine whether water stays in and irritants stay out. Supplementing ceramides topically at night, alongside a full suite of emollient oils and humectants, addresses both the structural deficit and the immediate moisture need simultaneously.

Inside the bottle

The key actives

01

Ceramide Complex

Glycosphingolipids · Glycolipids

Replenishes the intercellular lipid matrix that holds the barrier together and governs transepidermal water retention.

02

Shea + Cocoa Seed Butter

Butyrospermum Parkii · Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter

Lipid-rich emollients that mirror the fatty-acid composition of skin's own sebum, supporting comfort without an occlusive film.

03

Hyaluronic Acid + Sodium PCA

Sodium Hyaluronate · Sodium PCA

Humectants that pull and hold water at the surface for immediate softness, working with the lipid layer rather than against it.

04

Peony + Sea Buckthorn

Paeonia Albiflora Root · Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract

Antioxidant botanicals that contribute a luminous morning finish and help neutralise overnight oxidative stress.

On the skin

Dense on the fingertip, then softens into the skin within seconds. Sixty to ninety seconds to absorb on normal to dry skin. No residue on the pillow. No tightness on waking.
The Barrier$60

Where this sits

Your place in The Barrier Ritual

From first cleanse to final seal, this is step 6 of 7 in the full Barrier Ritual : the overnight cream that seals in moisture and restores the skin barrier.

  1. Step 1The Cloud Gentle Cleansing Foam
  2. Step 2The Settle Hyaluronic Daily Face Cream
  3. Step 3The Calm Sensitive Daily Moisturiser
  4. Step 4The Quiet Sensitive Overnight Cream
  5. Step 5The Velvet Nourishing Rich Face Cream
  6. Step 6The Barrier Ceramide Repair Night CreamYou are here
  7. Step 7The Comfort Sensitive Skin Body Cream

Build it as a ritual

Build yourBarrier Ritual

Add the steps you don't already use. Your bag updates in real time. Rewards apply at checkout, automatically.

The Cloud Gentle Cleansing Foam

$40

The Settle Hyaluronic Daily Face Cream

$40

The Calm Sensitive Daily Moisturiser

$50

The Quiet Sensitive Overnight Cream

$50

The Velvet Nourishing Rich Face Cream

$55

The Barrier Ceramide Repair Night Cream

$60

The Comfort Sensitive Skin Body Cream

$50

Complete the ritual. Qualifying orders enjoy Complimentary Shipping, a Complimentary Candle and 10% OVESSI Reward.

Selected ritual subtotal $0
Estimated checkout total Includes The Barrier. $0

Rewards apply automatically at checkout. Complimentary Shipping over $75. Final price calculated by Shopify at checkout.

The application

How to layer this

  1. 1

    Cleanse and treat first

    Apply every evening to clean, dry skin after any serums have fully absorbed.

  2. 2

    Warm between the fingertips

    A pearl-sized amount, pressed gently between the fingertips to soften the texture before contact with skin.

  3. 3

    Press into face, neck and décolleté

    For very dry or disrupted skin, a second thin layer may be applied while the first is still slightly tacky.

What to expect

On the skin, over time

  1. Day 1

    The face feels measurably more comfortable on waking. The sensation of tightness after evening cleansing is absent by morning.

  2. Week 1

    The fine surface texture looks smoother in daylight. The micro-roughness that accumulates with dehydration begins to resolve.

  3. Week 4

    A consistent softness that does not require effort to maintain. The barrier reads as more stable across temperature changes and seasonal stress.

The deeper detail

The formulation, the provenance, the standard

Formulation

The base of this cream is Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, which replaces the simple water phase found in most moisturisers with an already-soothing, bioactive alternative. Into this, Cocoa Seed Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Shea Butter are emulsified to create a lipid-rich environment closely resembling the skin's own sebum composition. This fatty acid diversity means the cream supports the barrier without crowding it: linoleic-dominant oils alongside oleic-dominant ones, calibrated to leave the skin balanced rather than coated.

The ceramide complex, provided as Glycosphingolipids and Glycolipids, replenishes the intercellular lipid lamellae that govern transepidermal water retention. Alongside these, Peony Root Extract and Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract contribute antioxidant support and a luminous morning finish. Sodium PCA and Sodium Hyaluronate address immediate moisture delivery at the surface, ensuring the cream reads as comfort from the first application rather than only after accumulation.

The texture is a medium-weight emulsion with a slight velvet finish on setting. It absorbs in sixty to ninety seconds on normal to dry skin, leaves no residue on the pillow, and layers cleanly with the fragrance declared in the INCI.

Provenance

A small-batch boutique skincare house, made to order. Every bottle is formulated and filled within two working days of your order, then dispatched from the fulfilment centre closest to you : our European facility for United Kingdom and European Union customers, our United States facility for North American customers. Because every bottle is bottled to order, what arrives at your door is at the peak of its actives : nothing has been sitting against light, heat, or oxygen for months. Two-day production is the price of formulation freshness, and the boutique standard we hold ourselves to.

Cruelty-free. Vegan. Gluten free. Allergen Label Free. Natural certified (Ecocert COSMOS Natural).

From our community

Reviews and reflections

4.6
Based on 57 reflections
  • 41
  • 10
  • 4
  • 2
  • 0
  • Verified

    too rich for me

    Feels nourishing but too heavy for my skin. Morning softness is nice though.

    Jessica I. Cambridge · Oily · 35-44 · 10 May 2026
  • Verified

    love the finish

    Smooth satin finish. Proper nice.

    Nada O. Newcastle · Dry · 25-34 · 8 May 2026
  • Verified

    Works quietly

    Does the job overnight. Skin feels more comfortable by morning, less irritated.

    Beatrice F. Glasgow · Mature · 55+ · 8 Apr 2026
  • Verified

    Solid night pick

    No heavy film like other night creams. Settles in nicely for evening use.

    Matilda U. Nottingham · Dry · 35-44 · 31 Mar 2026
  • Verified

    ok sometimes

    Too rich for regular use.

    Alex O. Oxford · Oily · 55+ · 23 Mar 2026
  • Verified

    Lovely on the skin

    Softens quickly after pressing it in. Dense but elegant texture, easy after serums. Face noticeably less rough by morning which is what I wanted.

    Matilda G. Liverpool · Sensitive · 55+ · 25 Feb 2026
  • Verified

    Almost ideal

    Love it in winter but too substantial on warmer nights. Leaves skin calm and smooth.

    Niamh S. Newcastle · Combination · 45-54 · 24 Feb 2026
  • Verified

    does what it says

    Barrier support is real. I used it over a hydrating serum on a cold night and woke with skin calmer and less tight. Texture is a touch rich, but it sinks in well.

    Hazel K. Los Angeles CA · Dehydrated · 45-54 · 21 Feb 2026
  • Verified

    Morning calm

    Biggest change is how calm my skin feels on waking. Holds moisture through the night really well and leaves no residue on pillow.

    Hannah E. Denver CO · Normal · 45-54 · 19 Feb 2026
  • Verified

    Smooth waking

    Starts dense then softens quickly, which is ideal because I don't want to wait around. Barrier feels better supported and I've noticed less surface roughness after a few nights. It's quietly luxurious rather than flashy, which suits me. The morning feel is just calmer overall.

    Marta B. Chicago IL · Mature · 25-34 · 27 Jan 2026
  • Verified

    good with retinoids

    Helps take the edge off dryness after retinoid nights. I used it over serum and my skin felt calmer by morning, though the pot is a bit smaller than I expected.

    Bronte R. Bristol · Combination · 25-34 · 23 Jan 2026
  • Ceramide focus

    Formula feels balanced. Enough emollience but not thick film. Best on dry nights.

    Esme C. Bristol · Mature · 45-54 · 22 Jan 2026
  • Verified

    no grease

    Softens beautifully. Non-occlusive finish suits me.

    Fatima S. Boston MA · Mature · 45-54 · 15 Jan 2026
  • less reactive

    Skin less reactive to temperature swings.

    Camille W. Atlanta GA · Acne-prone · 25-34 · 3 Jan 2026
  • Verified

    Good results

    Claim about looking smoother by morning is fair, seen it round my cheeks. Slightly too rich if I use too much so keep layer thin.

    Chloe B. Dublin · Oily · 55+ · 27 Dec 2025
  • Verified

    Quietly luxurious

    Quietly luxurious feel without perfume or drama. Love the soft luminous look by morning.

    Fatima L. Austin TX · Acne-prone · 25-34 · 19 Dec 2025
  • Verified

    Nice overnight feel

    Comforting feel from the oils. Face wakes up softer. Would prefer lighter finish in humid weather but for dry evenings it's excellent.

    Callum O. York · Dry · 25-34 · 15 Dec 2025
  • Verified

    Rested look

    The subtle glow is what I like most because my skin can look dull after late nights. Makes face look more rested by morning.

    Joel U. Newcastle · Combination · 35-44 · 13 Dec 2025
  • Verified

    proper barrier cream

    Feels like a proper barrier cream rather than just a rich moisturiser. Cushioned slip but sets to smooth satin finish instead of sitting on top. The oils give it body without any greasiness. Great for cold weather nights, been using it most evenings this month.

    Oscar P. Sheffield · Sensitive · 55+ · 17 Nov 2025
  • Verified

    Worth the wait

    Made to order isn't usually my thing but the cream feels thoughtful. Face feels less winded by morning.

    Lucia K. Brighton · Combination · 18-24 · 9 Nov 2025
  • Verified

    Gentle richness

    Richness is not greasy residue. Finish is neat and satin-like. Wake to calm face.

    Eleanor N. Glasgow · Acne-prone · 35-44 · 2 Nov 2025
  • Verified

    Night shift

    Sits nicely over my hydrating serum, doesn't pill or drag. Enough slip to press in easily and skin looks rested next day. I like that it's designed for the hours when the barrier is already doing its own repair work, feels like it works with my skin rather than over it.

    Chloe F. Birmingham · Oily · 45-54 · 30 Oct 2025
  • Very dependable

    Very dependable after acids and on plain dry evenings alike. Substantial without being difficult to spread, settles into soft satin finish. Face properly nourished by morning.

    James B. Edinburgh · Dry · 35-44 · 19 Oct 2025
  • Best at night

    Wouldn't use this but at night it performs beautifully. Keeps moisture in place until waking, finish is smooth enough that I don't wake greasy.

    June I. Seattle WA · Dry · 18-24 · 16 Oct 2025
  • Verified

    changes morning feel

    Genuinely changes how skin feels by morning. I used it over serum after a few cold nights and my dry patches looked calmer. Rich texture, but worth it.

    Priya V. Birmingham · Dry · 25-34 · 12 Oct 2025
  • Verified

    locks everything in

    This night cream really locks in my serum and leaves skin comfortable by morning. Slightly richer texture than I expected, but it sinks in well and never feels sticky on the pillow.

    Lottie J. Nottingham · Sensitive · 55+ · 17 Aug 2025
  • Verified

    Settled by morning

    Applied a thin layer before bed and, my face still felt comfortable. No tightness around my mouth or cheeks. It even looked a bit fresher by breakfast, which was a nice surprise.

    Eddie O. Bath · Dry · 25-34 · 9 Aug 2025
  • Verified

    Morning difference

    First thing I noticed was lack of tightness after waking. Use it after exfoliating acids and it helps face feel more settled by morning. The base makes it feel fresher than expected for a night cream which I appreciate, not as heavy as some others I've tried.

    Iona J. Oxford · Dehydrated · 55+ · 8 Aug 2025
  • Verified

    neat

    Dense then settles quickly. Face smoother by morning.

    Aisha R. Leeds · Sensitive · 35-44 · 25 Jul 2025
  • Verified

    Bedside favourite

    What I reach for when I want substantial cream that behaves well. Non-occlusive finish matters to me. Face feels rested.

    Jaya U. Cardiff · Combination · 25-34 · 23 Jul 2025
  • Verified

    Too rich for me

    Good idea, but this night cream is just too heavy for my combo skin. By morning, Seattle WA feels a bit slick and I only reach for it when it's really cold. Wish it sat lighter.

    Lila T. Seattle WA · Combination · 18-24 · 19 Jul 2025
  • Very balanced

    I appreciate that the oils are lined up in a way that feels balanced rather than crowded. The different butters give comfort while the base keeps it from feeling too dense. It's become my dependable winter night cream, keeps my dry skin happy through cold months without any fuss.

    Ava V. Brooklyn NY · Dry · 25-34 · 7 Jul 2025
  • Velvet finish

    Dense on fingertip then softens in seconds as promised. Finish is more velvet than shiny. Wake with skin comfortably cushioned rather than greasy.

    Hazel S. Lisbon · Acne-prone · 25-34 · 1 Jul 2025
  • Verified

    Good in dry weather

    Works fine when Amsterdam air gets dry and my skin wants more help. When it is warmer, though, this feels a bit heavy and I only use a tiny amount. Good result, just not something I reach for all the time.

    Laura W. Amsterdam · Dry · 18-24 · 26 Jun 2025
  • Verified

    Worth keeping

    Decent barrier cream with a real lipid-rich feel. Helps when skin has been stressed by cold weather. Just wouldn't use heavy hand with it.

    Sophie F. Cambridge · Dehydrated · 55+ · 21 Jun 2025
  • Verified

    Softened texture

    After about a week the little rough patches on my cheeks looked less obvious in daylight. Very good final step.

    Caoimhe J. Copenhagen · Sensitive · 55+ · 17 Jun 2025
  • Verified

    layers well

    Sits neatly after vitamin C. Morning softness.

    Lily R. Austin TX · Oily · 55+ · 5 May 2025
  • Verified

    Properly soothing

    Keep this for evenings after cleansing. Gives quick comfort then feels properly nourishing. Layers neatly after serum, doesn't leave heavy film on pillow.

    Sinead F. Austin TX · Dry · 25-34 · 29 Apr 2025
  • Verified

    texture suits some

    Can sit heavily in mild weather.

    Megan I. Nottingham · Dry · 25-34 · 14 Apr 2025
  • Verified

    Texture booster

    Claim about softening visible surface texture by morning matches what I've seen. Not dramatic but cheek area less rough.

    Daisy U. Brighton · Acne-prone · 35-44 · 13 Apr 2025
  • Night comfort

    Used this over retinol serum and it kept evening feel settled without that coated finish some night creams leave behind. By morning face looked smoother at surface and less knocked about by central heating. The blend is the bit I noticed first, it just works.

    Elias C. Portland OR · Dehydrated · 45-54 · 12 Apr 2025
  • Verified

    Strong performer

    The blend is excellent and moisture hold through night is real. Only wish tub size were larger for price. Still good.

    Anya O. Sheffield · Combination · 25-34 · 11 Apr 2025
  • Verified

    Comforting layer

    Comforting glide without turning glossy. Use it as last step at night, leaves smooth slightly velvety surface by morning. Very good for dry patches round nose.

    Lucia B. Milan · Sensitive · 45-54 · 7 Apr 2025
  • Verified

    evening rescue

    Keep reaching for this when skin feels depleted from travel.

    Vesna K. Paris · Normal · 25-34 · 19 Mar 2025
  • Verified

    Very good cream

    Sits well over my retinoid. Takes bit more effort to spread on dry patches but once on performs well.

    Camille S. Bristol · Dry · 25-34 · 14 Mar 2025
  • Luxurious yet calm

    Nice balance between comfort and restraint. Feels luxurious on application but finish is calm and non-occlusive rather than glossy. Wake with soft settled face.

    Priya W. Cambridge · Mature · 25-34 · 11 Mar 2025
  • Verified

    Solid and calm

    Very solid night cream with calm non-shiny finish. Subtle glow by morning. Only gripe is it takes moment longer than expected to fully settle.

    Marta N. Lisbon · Dehydrated · 25-34 · 8 Mar 2025
  • Verified

    reinforces barrier

    Reinforces barrier without feeling claggy. Smooth finish.

    Amira A. York · Normal · 25-34 · 7 Mar 2025
  • Verified

    Calm by morning

    Bought it for the ceramides and that's where it earns its keep. Skin has looked less rough across forehead after week of use especially when I use actives.

    Esme H. Brighton · Sensitive · 35-44 · 26 Feb 2025
  • Verified

    Reliable at bedtime

    Does exactly what I need from bedtime moisturiser, keeps moisture in and leaves face settled by morning. Was hoping for more noticeable luminous finish though texture itself lovely.

    Nora P. Austin TX · Dehydrated · 18-24 · 24 Feb 2025
  • Verified

    Dry skin win

    Cheeks usually thirsty by late evening, this keeps them comfortable til breakfast. Suits my dry skin much better than lighter gels.

    James C. Boston MA · Normal · 35-44 · 21 Feb 2025
  • Verified

    Good for winter

    In winter my skin usually protests by morning but this cream has reduced that tight papery feeling. One of the few richer creams I can use every night.

    Lily M. Seattle WA · Acne-prone · 45-54 · 12 Feb 2025
  • Verified

    rich if overdo it

    Enjoy comfort overnight but can feel substantial if layer too much.

    Mariama E. Liverpool · Dehydrated · 25-34 · 10 Feb 2025
  • Verified

    fine overnight

    Fine overnight if your skin likes body. Neat finish.

    Sarah F. Liverpool · Acne-prone · 35-44 · 21 Jan 2025
  • Verified

    smooth not sticky

    Smooth finish not sticky. Layers over serum well.

    Vera N. Atlanta GA · Dry · 55+ · 16 Dec 2024
  • keeps dryness away

    Keeps dryness at bay overnight. really night-time feel.

    Maeve S. Manchester · Dry · 35-44 · 3 Dec 2024
  • Verified

    A bit dense

    Texture pleasingly dense but on my oily t-zone feels touch too much if careless with amount. Satin finish and support both strong though. Use only on drier nights now.

    Leila N. Bristol · Dry · 25-34 · 1 Dec 2024
The Barrier$60

Every OVESSI order is prepared once you place it. Your order is filled, sealed and labelled for you, then dispatched within 2 working days. Nothing waits on a warehouse shelf.

  • Made fresh
  • 2-day dispatch
  • UK 3 to 7 / EU 5 to 10 / US 2 to 5 days

In case you wondered

Frequently asked

Can I use this with retinol or other actives?
Yes. Apply your retinol or active serum first, allow it to absorb, then layer the night cream on top as the final step of your evening ritual. The lipid-rich base helps buffer skin while the active works.
Is this suitable for sensitive skin?
The formula is fragrance-free at the level required for sensitive-skin labelling and is built around soothing aloe and ceramide chemistry. If you are highly reactive, patch test on the inner forearm for 48 hours before full-face use.
How long does one bottle last?
Used nightly at the recommended pearl-sized dose, the 50 ml bottle typically lasts 8 to 10 weeks for a full face and neck application.
Is the packaging recyclable?
Yes. The bottle is PET and the outer carton is FSC-certified board, both kerbside recyclable in the UK and EU. Remove the pump before recycling.
When will my order arrive?
We start preparing your order once it is placed and dispatch within 2 business days. From dispatch, delivery is UK 3 to 7 business days, EU 5 to 10 business days, US 2 to 5 business days.
The Barrier$60

Small batch. Filled for you. Made in EU and US.

Vegan · Cruelty-free · Full INCI on every product · hello@ovessi.com