The Sustain Moisturizer™

The barrier lipids your skin is actually built from. The Sustain Moisturizer is the daily moisturizer in the Foundation Ritual line — built around a three-ceramide complex with cholesterol and phytosphingosine, the same class of lipids that hold your skin's outer layer together. Brought to you by Rachel, Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT-Adv) and Certified Skincare Coach — barrier-conscious care, fragrance-free.

Key Actives

Ceramide NP, AP & EOP with Phytosphingosine and Cholesterol — not a token inclusion but a complete lipid complex. The outer layer of your skin is built like a brick wall, and these are the mortar between the bricks. Most moisturizers sit on top of that wall; this one contributes to it.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — one of the best-studied ingredients in skincare. Supports the skin's own lipid production and helps with the look of uneven tone, and is well tolerated by most people.

Squalane — plant-derived, and nearly identical to the oil your skin already makes. Cushions without any greasy feel.

Argan & Camellia Seed Oils — lightweight, softening plant oils that absorb rather than sitting on the surface.

Beta-Glucan, Panthenol & Allantoin — a trio of quiet, well-evidenced soothing ingredients for skin that feels tight or overworked.

Who It's For

Dry, reactive, or barrier-compromised skin. Anyone whose skin feels tight after cleansing, stings from products it used to tolerate, or has been over-exfoliated. Also the right daily moisturizer for anyone who simply wants a well-built one.

What to Expect

Comfort from the first use. Over several weeks, skin that holds its own moisture better and reacts less to things that used to bother it. Barrier work is gradual and shows up as things not happening rather than as a dramatic change.

How to Use

Apply to clean, slightly damp skin morning and evening, after serum. A pea-size amount covers the face and neck. On very dry skin, apply a second thin layer to areas that need it rather than one heavy layer.

What's Inside (and What's Not)

What it has: Three ceramides · Cholesterol · Phytosphingosine · Niacinamide · Squalane · Argan oil · Beta-glucan · Panthenol

What it doesn't: Added fragrance · Essential oils · Nuts · Silicones · Drying alcohols · Cruelty-free, never tested on animals

Full Ingredient List

Aqua (Water), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Niacinamide, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Squalane, Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax NF, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Beta-Glucan, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Sulfite.

Safety & Warnings

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes; if product enters the eyes, rinse with cool water. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. As with any new product, we recommend a patch test on the inner forearm before first full use.

Sulfite note: this formula contains sodium sulfite as an antioxidant at a low level. Sulfites are an uncommon but recognized contact allergen — if you have a known sulfite sensitivity, patch test first or choose another moisturizer.

Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a ceramide complex different from a moisturizer that just lists ceramides? Ceramides work best alongside cholesterol and fatty acids in a ratio close to what skin uses naturally. This formula includes three ceramide types plus cholesterol and phytosphingosine rather than a single ceramide on its own.

Is this heavy? No. It is a lotion rather than a cream, built on squalane and light plant oils. It absorbs without a film.

Can I use it around my eyes? It is formulated for the face and is gentle enough for the orbital bone, but avoid the lid and lash line.

Can I use it with actives? Yes. Apply after serums and before sunscreen. On nights you use an acid or retinoid, this is a good buffer over the top.

What is the shelf life? Unopened, 12 months from production. Once opened, use within 6 months for best quality. LOT and production date are printed on each container.