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Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream

$64 USD Value

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
533 Reviews

Moisturize. Soothe. Strengthen.

PAIR IT WITH

The Base Face Milk for an extra boost of hydration.

Build a better barrier. This clean, non-comedogenic barrier cream is clinically proven to reduce the look of redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and hydrate all day with a silky, soft-touch finish. Boosted with Colloidal Oatmeal—an FDA-approved skin protectant—it calms, protects, and reinforces skin’s barrier function for less sensitive skin over time. Made with reactive complexions in mind, this hydrating moisturizer is thoughtfully formulated without fragrance and accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Size: 1.69fl oz | 50ml

The National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance™ is displayed on products that meet the criteria set forth by the National Eczema Association and have been approved by NEA for use in the US and Canada.

Active Ingredient: Colloidal Oatmeal……1%

Inactive Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Behenyl Alcohol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Lactic Acid, Polyglycerin-6, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Arachidyl Glucoside, C15-19 Alkane, Maltodextrin, Amylopectin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Pentylene Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Levulinate, Calcium Chloride, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum, P-Anisic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glucose, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.

*Formulated without Fragrance or Gluten

Thoughtfully Formulated

  • NON-COMEDOGENIC
  • SAFE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
  • DERMATOLOGIST-TESTED
  • FORMULATED WITHOUT FRAGRANCE
  • VEGAN + CRUELTY-FREE

Instant Results

100% said their skin looks healthier and less red or purple*

100% said it instantly calmed their skin, without stinging or burning*

*In a clinical study of 34 people.

After 28 days

100% said their skin is less sensitive*

100% would choose it over their current moisturizer*

*In a clinical study of 34 people. Based on a high resolution image analysis test after 28 days. Images are unretouched.

Barrier Cream Ingredients


Colloidal Oatmeal 
FDA-approved skin protectant that soothes and strengthens the skin barrier.

Ceramide Complex
Ceramides, fatty acids, and sterols replenish the skin barrier and comfort sensitive skin.

Algae Hydragel
Draws in moisture like a magnet for long-lasting hydration.

Bioavailable Calcium
Reinforces the skin barrier for a more resilient complexion.

How to Use

Boost Your Barrier
Apply a small amount to skin in the morning and at night. Use on its own, or under makeup to create a smooth, hydrated canvas. 

Layer For More Moisture
For an extra dose of hydration, apply on top of The Base Face Milk.

The Barrier Build Ritual

HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

  1. The Base Face Milk
    The Base Face Milk
    The Base Face Milk
    The Base Face Milk
    The Base Face Milk
    The Base Face Milk
    The Base Face Milk
    The Base Face Milk
    ILIA The Base Face Milk bottle with cap off, highlighting its minimalist design and award badge.
    The Base Face Milk

    Step 1 The Base Face Milk

    Prep and plump skin with a lightweight boost of moisture.

  2. A jar of ILIA Barrier Build Skin Protectant with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides, featuring the National Eczema Association seal.
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream

    Step 2 Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream

    Apply to skin to soothe, strengthen, and reduce the look of redness.

  3. Bright Start Eye Cream Tube with Allure Award Winning Badge
    A smooth beige swatch of ILIA eye cream product.
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream
    Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

    Step 3 Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

    Brighten and depuff under eyes with a plant-based retinol alternative.

Why We Love It

Lightweight texture. Heavy-hitting skincare benefits. Sinks in with a silky, soft-touch feel—for stronger, less sensitive skin over time.

Founder's Note

“When your skin is reactive like mine, it’s really hard to trust a new product. With Barrier Build, I wanted to make something that comforts even the most sensitive skin—and that layers beautifully under makeup.”

— Sasha

FAQ

If we didn't answer your question, contact us.

Barrier Build was formulated with all skin types in mind. It delivers instant and long-lasting hydration for dry skin—but with a silky, non-greasy finish that dry, combination, and oily skin types will love. It's also non-comedogenic, safe for sensitive skin, formulated without fragrance, and accepted by the National Eczema Association.

Use Barrier Build like your regular moisturizer or face cream. Apply it after toners and serums, but before your SPF and makeup.

Barrier Build is formulated without fragrance.

Barrier creams like Barrier Build are great for anyone with skin—they support your skin barrier (AKA your skin’s outermost protective layer) to keep it calm, hydrated, and happy. Even if your skin barrier isn't damaged or compromised, Barrier Build boosts hydration, reduces the look of redness, and helps skin be more resilient over time.

4.8
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 533 reviews
533 reviews
  • Violet A.
    Verified Reviewer
    Reviewing
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    I recommend this product
    Skin Type Sensitive
    Concerns Fine lines + Wrinkles, Visible Pores, Redness, Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Uneven Texture
    Age Range 45-54
    Reviewed by An incentivized reviewer
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    2/18/25
    Building a strong skin barrier

    I have been really loving the Ilia Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream. It has been a part of my morning/ evening skincare routine. I love that it is fragrance free. The consistency is thick and luxurious but it doesn't leave your skin feeling oily. My sensitive skin drinks this up and it feels so smooth and hydrated afterwards. Even hours later my skin still feels hydrated and soft. This is also a great product for eczema prone skin. The colloidal oatmeal acts as a skin protectant. With consistent use this will improve the skin barrier reducing signs of redness and irritation. Plus, you will experience improved hydration of your skin. My skin looks healthier and glowy after applying. I love how my skin feels after applying the Ilia Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream.

    If you have sensitive skin or are eczema prone skin then this is certainly a product for you too!

    I received the Ilia Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream for free from Ilia in exchange for my honest opinion.

  • Betty
    Reviewing
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    I recommend this product
    Skin Type Combination
    Concerns Fine Lines and Wrinkles, Uneven Texture
    Age Range 45-54
    Reviewed by An incentivized reviewer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2/5/25
    Works fabulous!

    Ilia's facial milk is a moisturizer that hydrates my skin and leaves a soft texture. This formula is lightweight and very liquid, suitable for all skin types. The incorporation of natural ingredients helps to maintain skin hydration throughout the day. After a few weeks of use, I noticed that my face looks fresher. I am very happy with this facial milk base. I appreciate how easily it prepares my skin for a flawless makeup look. Following with the ilia Barrier build skin protectant cream to complement the skin care routine is so perfect it absorbs quickily after using for a few weeks i notice that my skin overall is looking more hydrated and feels plumper. The packaging of this products is very simple and clean i appreciate that this formula stands for cruelty free and fragance free.

  • Cheryl
    Verified Reviewer
    Reviewing
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    I recommend this product
    Skin Type Dry
    Skin Tone Light
    Undertone Neutral
    Age Range 35-44
    Best For Minimalist
    Benefit Moisturizing
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/17/25
    A must for eczema prone skin!

    I have been using this product for a few weeks and it has improved the look of my skin. I feel it has strengthened my barrier and I've seen less redness. I have noticed less flaking and I can use peels without my skin burning now. I received my sample on PinchMe for this honest review.

  • Nat
    Verified Reviewer
    Reviewing
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    I recommend this product
    Skin Type Combination
    Skin Tone Medium
    Age Range 35-44
    Best For Fuss-free
    Benefit Moisturizing, Vegan + Cruelty=Free
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1/17/25
    So soothing

    I received the Ilia Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream as a free sample from PINCHme. This cream is so thick and luxurious! It soothes my dry skin so well. I even use it on my dry, chapped hands! A little bit goes a long way, which makes it worth the price. There's no overwhelming fragrance. It almost feels like a hydrating ointment.

  • Rebecca L.
    Verified Reviewer
    Reviewing
    Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream
    I recommend this product
    Skin Type Combination
    Skin Tone Light
    Undertone Neutral Warm
    Age Range 55-64
    Best For Fuss-free
    Benefit Moisturizing
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    1/14/25
    Still Testing

    I received a free sample of Barrier Build Skin Protectant Creamfrom ILIA and @ Pinchme. The redness on my checks has improved. I will continue to use the product and hope the redness vanishes completely. I wish it would work faster.

Reviews LoadedReviews Added

Made with sensitive skin in mind, this clean barrier cream hydrates, reduces the look of redness, and strengthens the skin barrier. Part barrier repair cream, part hydrating moisturizer for dry skin, Barrier Build Skin Protectant Cream sinks in with a silky, non-greasy finish that layers smoothly under makeup while protecting from the elements. Gentle and non-comedogenic, it’s boosted with Colloidal Oatmeal to help temporarily soothe irritated skin and restore the skin barrier—making it perfect for those with eczema-prone and reactive skin.

Layer it on top of The Base Face Milk for a smooth, hydrated canvas, then finish with Bright Start Retinol Alternative Eye Cream to brighten and depuff eyes. Looking for sun protection? Barrier Build is the perfect base for our award-winning skin tint with mineral sunscreen, Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40.