A headshot photo of Dr. Leslie Baumann

Our story

For years, dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann saw the same problem in her patients and in her own skin: dryness that kept coming back, even after moisturizing.

She believed the issue was not a lack of moisture, but a weakened skin barrier.

At a dermatology conference in Seoul, Dr. Baumann met Dr. Jong-Kyung Youm, a Korean skin barrier scientist whose research focused on the lipid structure that helps healthy skin retain moisture.

Together, they developed Zerafite, the moisturizer that finally gave Dr. Baumann's own skin what it had been missing.

Barrier-focused skincare built around Korean lipid technology and shaped by decades of clinical dermatology experience.

More than a decade later, Zerafite is recommended by dermatologists and carried in clinics across the country because it was created for dry skin that needs more than temporary relief.
Demonstration of Maltese Cross Pattern showing what we look for when putting a product under a cross-polarized microscope

The science behind our products

Moisturizers that mimic the skin's natural barrier show a Maltese Cross Pattern when viewed under a cross-polarized microscope. This is because they have the exact ratio of lipids your skin needs.

Compare the competition

How do our competitors look when viewed under a cross-polarized microscope?

Cross-polarized microscopy of Zerafite Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream showing Maltese cross structures across the entire sample field.

Maltese Cross patterns present throughout the entire sample. This means that Zerafite has the exact lipid ratio needed to hydrate and strengthen your skin barrier.

Cross-polarized microscopy of CeraVe Moisturizing Cream showing a small central cluster of Maltese cross structures with the surrounding field largely dark.

A small cluster of Maltese Cross patterns appears in one area, with the rest of the sample empty. Coverage this uneven is not ideal to protect the skin from dehydration and irritation.

Cross-polarized microscopy of Aveeno Eczema Therapy Daily Moisturizing Cream showing irregular crystalline streaks and shards.

There is no Maltese Cross pattern, only irregular crystalline streaks. Lipids arranged this way leave gaps where water escapes from the skin.

Cross-polarized microscopy of Vanicream Moisturizing Cream showing scattered specks and occasional partial rings with no consistent Maltese cross structures.

Scattered specks and a few partial rings, with no consistent Maltese Cross pattern. A gentle formula, but not one structured to match the skin's own lipid layers.

Cross-polarized microscopy of Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream showing large droplets and open partial rings rather than complete Maltese cross structures.

Large droplets and open partial rings fill the sample, with very few complete crosses. The lipids begin to organize but do not finish forming the structure the barrier needs.

Cross-polarized microscopy of La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5+ showing a small number of widely separated Maltese cross structures across a mostly dark field.

A small number of well formed Maltese Crosses appear, widely separated across an otherwise empty sample. The structure is correct where it forms but far too sparse to support the skin evenly.

Cross-polarized microscopy of Aestura ATOBARRIER365 Cream showing a finely speckled field with isolated bright points and no defined Maltese cross structures.

There is no defined Maltese Cross pattern. The sample shows a fine speckle that never resolves into the cross structure, meaning the lipids are not organized to match the skin barrier.

Cross-polarized microscopy of Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream showing irregular shards and elongated streaks with no Maltese cross structures.

There is no Maltese Cross pattern, only irregular shards and streaks. Ceramides alone do not build this structure; it takes the optimal 1:1:1 ratio to organize them.

Cross-polarized microscopy of Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream showing sparse faint bright points with no complete Maltese cross structures.

Only faint scattered points are visible, with no complete Maltese Cross pattern. This is a hydrating gel texture rather than a lipid system that rebuilds the barrier itself.

Cross-polarized microscopy of Drunk Elephant Wonderwild Miracle Butter showing dense scattered crystalline flecks with no Maltese cross structures.

This is a gel formulation and does not display a Maltese Cross pattern. Some recrystallization of ingredients can be seen which can injure the skin barrier.

Learn About The Maltese Cross Pattern

This podcast showcases our founders, Dr. Leslie Baumann and Dr. Jong-Kyung Youm explaining why having Maltese Cross patterns in your moisturizer is key to having a strong and healthy skin barrier that stops recurring dryness.

Featured Products

Zerafite Barrier Repair Moisturizer in a 2.2 oz white jar with a blue lid.

Barrier Repair Moisturizer

$50.00
Zerafite Soothing and Calming Moisturizer in a 2.2 oz white jar with a blue lid.

Soothing and Calming Moisturizer

$60.00
Zerafite Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream in a 2.7 oz white jar with a deep blue lid.

Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream

$70.00
Zerafite Ultra Rich Body Cream in an 8.5 oz white tub with a blue lid.

Ultra Rich Body Cream

$40.00
Zerafite Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser in a 6 oz white tube with a blue flip cap.

Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser

$30.00
The Zerafite Essentials Bundle: the Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser tube, the Ultra Rich Body Cream tub and the Wrinkle Defense Barrier Cream jar side by side.
Save $45.00

Zerafite Essentials Bundle

$95.00 $140.00
The Zerafite Soothing and Calming Bundle: the Soothing and Calming Creamy Cleanser tube and the Soothing and Calming Moisturizer jar side by side.
Save $20.00

Soothing and Calming Bundle

$70.00 $90.00
Five white Zerafite Skin Brightening Barrier Cream refill pods stacked in a pyramid.
Save $126.00

Skin Brightening Barrier Cream 5-Pod Pack

$84.00 $210.00
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