Ceramides

Ceramides (CAS 100403-19-8), also marketed as Ceramide NP, Ceramide IIIB and CER NP, are sphingolipid-based actives that restore and reinforce the skin's natural lipid barrier.

Where is Ceramides used?

• Skincare and topical pharmaceuticals: barrier repair and moisture retention
• Moisturizers, serums and barrier creams: replenishes depleted intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum for dry, compromised or aging skin
• Dermatological formulations for eczema and atopic dermatitis: restore the lipid matrix
• Prestige and clinical skincare: combined with cholesterol and fatty acids in a defined molar ratio to replicate the natural lamellar structure of skin lipids
• Hair care, notably conditioning treatments and bond-repair systems, uses ceramides to smooth the cuticle layer and reduce moisture loss along the hair shaft.

Good to know: Synthetic and plant-derived variants are both commercially available; grade selection is a key sourcing decision for clean-label or vegan positioning.

Commercial specifications

• Purity typically 95% or higher