Clinic-Level Products Without the Prescription: Meet ZEROID

If you visited our holiday pop-up store in London, you might have already had the chance to try out our latest brand! ZEROID, which specialises in solutions for skin afflicted with chronic conditions like dryness, atopic dermatitis, and acne, is already a star brand back in Korea, where it is used to treat patients in over 4,000 hospitals and clinics, and was awarded the No.1 Professional/Clinical Brand of 2024. If your skin is suffering in the winter cold, or you struggle with eczema, flakiness, or a never-ending stream of pimples, these dermatologist-approved formulas could be exactly what your skin needs to restore itself to full health. 

ZEROID achieves its powerful, skin-soothing results without the use of steroids, which are often effective but can have unwanted long-term side effects and withdrawal symptoms (hence the brand name – a portmanteau of “Zero” + “Steroid”). Instead, they use powerful proprietary technologies that concentrate on strengthening the skin barrier, one of the major factors in skin health. When talking about skincare here at Skin Cupid, we often refer positively to a product’s ability to “strengthen the skin barrier” – but what does that actually mean? What does the skin barrier do, and what is it made up of? Below, we’ll explore the function and structure of this area in a little more detail.

Our Skin Barrier - What it is, Why it Matters

The skin barrier’s primary function is to protect and defend skin against physical, chemical, and microbial aggressors, as well as regulating cutaneous sensitisation (that is, helping to make sure skin isn’t either too sensitive, or not sensitive enough, to external factors). 

When we talk about the skin barrier, we’re often referring specifically to the stratum corneum: the outermost layer of the skin. The stratum corneum is the first line of defense in protecting the skin from harmful external factors like pollution, UV rays, and irritants, and the last line of defense in preventing moisture from escaping the skin. 

This outermost part of the skin barrier is made up of between 10 and 20 layers of dead skin cells, or corneocytes, which physically protect the skin beneath from external aggressors, arranged in a lamellar structure (i.e., alternating layers) with keratinocyte intercellular lipids, an oily component comprised of ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol that is crucial to maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

The skin barrier also contains NMFs, or Natural Moisturising Factors; these water-soluble components, which consist of amino acids, sugars, and organic acids, are derived from the protein Filaggrin, and help keep skin moist. Skin deficient in Filaggrin can become dry, more alkaline in pH, and more vulnerable to dehydration and infection.

In a nutshell, a strong skin barrier has a sufficient amount of intercellular lipid components and NMFs in the correct arrangement, while a weakened skin barrier lacks these lipid components and NMFs. Weak or otherwise damaged skin barriers can lead to moisture loss and increased vulnerability to external aggressors like pollution and UV rays.

Two Unique Technologies for Barrier Defense: MLE and Defensamide™

ZEROID’s products shore up the skin barrier using a variety of mild but powerful ingredients, and two patented technologies – MLE, and Defensamide™. Both the result of careful testing, with scientifically proven results, they help compromised skin barriers to defend themselves in the following ways:

MLE (Multi Lamellar Emulsion) technology

Made to mimic the structure of keratinocyte intercellular lipids in real skin, ZEROID’s MLE technology uses parent company Neopharm’s Ceramide-9s complex, also known as MEA, to supplement and repair damaged skin barriers. MEA – short for Myristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide – is a lipid complex that includes ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol. 

MLE is made by combining and emulsifying PC-9s (a pseudoceramide), fatty acids, and cholesterol, which replicate the structure and function of the skin barrier’s natural lipid matrix. In this way, it helps to strengthen and normalise the skin barrier, so that skin can retain an appropriate amount of moisture and protect itself from contamination by harmful external factors. 

Defensamide™

ZEROID developed Defensamide™ – otherwise known as Methyl Caprooyl Tyrosinate – as a novel treatment for atopic dermatitis. A chronic inflammatory skin disease, atopic dermatitis is characterised by a compromised skin barrier and secondary inflammation, often caused by staphylococcus infection. When secondary inflammation occurs, antibiotics are often prescribed to remedy it, which can lead to resistance, and the antibiotics’ eventual ineffectiveness.

As an alternative, ZEROID created Defensamide™, which promotes the growth of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the body. AMPs are an antibacterial substance naturally found in the body, responsible for innate immune function. They work to prevent bacterial, fungal, and viral infections from taking hold in the skin, and patients with atopic dermatitis have decreased levels of AMPs - hence why they often end up with inflammation as a result of staphylococcus. By stimulating the growth of AMPs in the skin, skin treated with Defensamide™ is better able to fight off the staphylococcus infection – and, because this technology does not induce bacterial resistance, it can be used long-term without its effectiveness becoming compromised. 

Different lines, different skin types

ZEROID is a brand that understands the importance of tailored skincare solutions. Every product in their lineup is powered by their cutting-edge MLE technology, designed to reinforce the skin barrier and deeply hydrate dry, irritated, and compromised skin. Add to that their hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formulas, and it’s no surprise that ZEROID products are gentle enough for even the most delicate skin – including babies and infants.

What sets ZEROID apart is its commitment to addressing specific skin concerns through specialised lines. The Intensive line offers rich, replenishing care for severely dry skin, while the Soothing line is formulated to calm and protect sensitive skin. For those battling breakouts, the Pimprove line tackles acne-prone skin with effective yet gentle solutions.

Whether you’re managing eczema, dealing with irritation, or simply looking for skincare that prioritizes barrier health and safety, ZEROID is the perfect choice. With their fragrance-free, hypoallergenic approach to product formulation, they ensure your skin gets the care it needs to feel strong, calm, and healthy. 

Intensive Line

ZEROID’s Intensive Line is a carefully curated range of dermatologically-tested and clinically proven moisturisers that work to deeply hydrate, soothe, and repair damage to even the most sensitive skin. Formulated with the brand’s MLE and Defensamide™ technology, these creams are ideal for soothing those with extremely dry, itchy, eczema-prone, or atopic skin. 

ZEROID Intensive Lotion (200ml)

Enriched with nourishing Olive Oil and ultra-hydrating Squalane, this lotion penetrates into the lowest layers of skin to alleviate dryness and soothe inflammation.  

ZEROID Intensive Cream (80ml)

Combining strengthening Ceramides, oil-balancing Squalane, and ZEROID’s MLE technology, this rich cream helps to rebuild damaged skin barriers and restore a healthy complexion. 

ZEROID Intensive Oint-Cream (80ml)

Ideal for eczema-prone complexions, this cream is rich in plant-derived butters, natural wax, and a whole host of fatty acids and vitamins that work to improve the appearance of dry and flaky skin. 

Soothing Line

Designed to restore balance to ultra-sensitive skin, ZEROID’s Soothing Line is perfect if you struggle with redness, irritation, dryness, or a weak skin barrier. Each product contains the brand’s MLE and Defensamide™ technology, alongside powerhouse hydrator Hyaluronic Acid, to keep delicate skin plump and supple. 

ZEROID Soothing Lotion (200ml)

Utilising unique MLE Technology that mimics the structure of a healthy skin barrier, this lotion soothes, protects, and rejuvenates dry skin.

ZEROID Soothing Cream (80ml)

This cream promotes a plump, supple complexion thanks to its rich blend of barrier-strengthening Ceramides, soothing Safflower Seed Oil, and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid. 

ZEROID Foaming Cleanser (240ml)

Designed to cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oils, this foaming cleanser gently expels everyday impurities and controls excessive sebum production. 

Pimprove Line

Crafted specifically to care for irritated, oily skin and facial redness, each product in ZEROID’s Pimprove line is powered by its revolutionary MLE technology and Defensamide complex, as well as ADfence-P® and Zinc Gluconate, which work in tandem to reduce redness and calm irritation. With its lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas,this line of products provides deep hydration without the greasiness, making it ideal for sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin. 

ZEROID Pimprove Foaming Cleanser (200ml)

Enriched with blemish-battling Salicylic Acid and gently exfoliating Zinc PCA, this foaming cleanser soothes redness, fights dehydration, and alleviates acne without causing irritation to sensitive skin.

ZEROID Pimprove Gel Cleanser (180ml)

Enriched with blemish-battling Salicylic Acid and gently exfoliating Zinc PCA, this gel cleanser soothes redness, fights dehydration, and alleviates acne without causing irritation to sensitive skin.

ZEROID Pimprove Toner (200ml)

Jam-packed with natural exfoliating acids, this toner brightens skin tone, smooths out uneven texture, and improves the appearance of hyper-pigmentation, acne scars, and signs of ageing.

ZEROID Pimprove Moisturiser (100ml)

Formulated with ZEROID’s TP Emulsion Technology, this moisturiser delivers everyday hydration without greasiness that is ideal for acne-prone skin.