ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream (200ml) — Korean Barrier Repair Moisturiser

A deeply hydrating, barrier-focused cream from ILLIYOON — a South Korean skincare brand under Amorepacific, specialising in gentle formulations for sensitive skin. This is the current 2025 reformulation of the cult-favourite Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream, featuring a new ingredients list, a larger 230ml size, and a 9 Free formula designation. Built around the brand's patented plant-based phyto-ceramide skin complex, this cream combines a multi-ceramide blend with traditional Korean botanicals (hanbang) and skin-identical lipids to support the skin's natural moisture barrier. Clinically proven to improve skin barrier function by 91% within three days. Suitable for all ages, including infants, and designed for use on both face and body. Vegan certified, cruelty-free, and alcohol-free.

The Ceramide Skin Complex™ — Patented Capsule Delivery

Key Ingredients & What They Do

• Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA (Ceramide PC-104) — A synthetic ceramide analogue designed to mimic and reinforce the skin's natural ceramides. According to INCIDecoder, the key advantages of this pseudo-ceramide over natural ceramides are a lower melting point, making it easier to work into formulations, and a more accessible price point — allowing a higher concentration in the final formula. Works to reinforce and repair the skin barrier while supporting moisture retention.
• Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3) — A true skin-identical ceramide naturally found in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the skin). One of the primary ceramides in the skin's lipid matrix, helping to keep the barrier intact and prevent water loss. Included here alongside the pseudo-ceramide complex for a more complete barrier-repair approach.
• Phytosphingosine — A naturally occurring sphingoid base that acts as a structural building block the skin uses to produce its own ceramides. Has well-documented calming and antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce the appearance of irritation and support overall skin comfort.
• Cholesterol — One of three key lipids (alongside ceramides and fatty acids) that make up the skin's natural barrieri structure. As confirmed by INCIDecoder, about 25% of the lipid content between skin cells consists of cholesterol. Together with ceramides and fatty acids, it plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier and keeping skin hydrated. Included here as a skin-identical ingredient to help restore a balanced lipid ratio in the barrier.
• Fatty Acid Complex (Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid) — The third essential component of the skin's natural lipid barrier. These fatty acids work alongside the ceramides and cholesterol to deliver a more complete barrier-repair approach, closely mimicking the natural lipid composition of healthy skin.
• Panax Ginseng Root Water — Water infused with Panax Ginseng root, used as the formula's base in place of plain water. A traditional Korean herbal ingredient with over 2,000 years of use in skincare. According to INCIDecoder, its primary benefits in skincare include enhancing skin nutrition and metabolism through improved circulation, with biologically active compounds (ginsenosides) that have antioxidant properties.
• Glycerin — A skin-identical humectant and one of the most well-studied moisturising ingredients in cosmetic science. Draws water into the upper layers of the skin and helps form a breathable layer on the surface to minimise moisture loss throughout the day.
• Mannitol — A naturally derived sugar alcohol with humectant and antioxidant properties. Helps attract and retain moisture at the skin's surface, and provides a skin conditioning effect.
• Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract (Perilla / Purple Mint) — A traditional East Asian botanical used in Korean skincare for sensitive and reactive skin. Included for its soothing and calming properties to help reduce the appearance of visible irritation.
• Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract — A hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) botanical known for its soothing properties, included to help calm reactive skin and support barrier resilience.
• Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract — Another hanbang-origin botanical with conditioning and antioxidant properties, helping to defend against environmental oxidative stress.
• Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract (Dwarf Lilyturf) — A traditional botanical used in Korean herbal medicine to support skin hydration and soothing.
• Glycine Max (Soybean) Oil — A lightweight plant oil rich in linoleic acid (omega-6), an essential fatty acid that the skin cannot produce on its own. Linoleic acid is a key component of the skin's natural lipid barrier, and topical application helps replenish lipid levels in barrier-compromised skin.
• Hydrogenated Lecithin — A skin-identical phospholipid from plant sources. Acts as an emollient and helps improve penetration of other active ingredients, working in synergy with the ceramide complex to support the barrier's lipid structure.
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E) — A fat-soluble antioxidant that, according to Skinsort, shields skin from free radical damage. Also conditions and softens the skin's surface and helps protect the formula's oils from oxidative degradation.
• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract — A naturally derived antioxidant included to help protect both the formula and the skin from environmental free radical damage.
• Glyceryl Caprylate — A naturally derived ester from glycerin and caprylic acid, functioning as a gentle emollient and antimicrobial agent. Supports both skin comfort and formula preservation.
• Dimethicone — A silicone-derived emollient that gives the cream its smooth, non-greasy skin feel. Forms a breathable protective layer on the skin's surface that helps to lock in moisture without clogging pores.

9 Free Formula

Formula Overview

How to Use

• Apply to face and/or body as the final step of your skincare routine, after serums and treatments.
• Dispense a generous amount and spread gently across the skin. You may notice small white flakes — these are the ceramide capsules. Massage in using circular motions until the capsules break down and the cream is fully absorbed.
• Use morning and evening for best results.
• For very dry or compromised skin: Apply to slightly damp skin immediately after cleansing to lock in surface moisture before it evaporates.
• For body use: Apply after showering while the skin is still slightly warm, as gentle heat can help improve absorption of the ceramide complex.
• Always patch test before first use. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. For external use only.

Full Ingredients List

Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Stearic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arachidyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA (Ceramide PC-104), Polyacrylate-13, Arachidyl Glucoside, Mannitol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Polyisobutene, Glyceryl Caprylate, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Cholesterol, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Glucose, Silica, Glycine Max (Soybean) Oil, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Canola Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract

Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. Always refer to product packaging for the most current and complete list. This product is a cosmetic and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Patch test before use. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. For external use only. Keep out of reach of children.