Cholesterol

What it does

One of the three lipids — with ceramides and free fatty acids — that form the mortar between the skin's outer cells.

Benefits

Barrier repair works best when ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids are supplied together; studies on damaged skin found that an incomplete mix can actually slow recovery. Its presence is a good sign a ceramide cream was formulated with the barrier in mind.

Concerns & Risks

None well established. Topical cholesterol has nothing to do with dietary or blood cholesterol.