Ceramides
Lipids that make up approximately 50% of the skin barrier by weight. Ceramides form the 'mortar' between skin cells (the 'bricks'), creating a waterproof barrier that prevents water loss and keeps irritants out. When the skin barrier is damaged — from over-exfoliation, harsh cleansers, retinoid use, or conditions like eczema — ceramide levels are depleted, and replenishing them is essential for recovery.
Concentration & Usage
Look for products containing ceramide NP (ceramide 3), ceramide AP (ceramide 6-II), and ceramide EOP (ceramide 1) — these are the most abundant in human skin. Often combined with cholesterol and fatty acids in the optimal 3:1:1 ratio. Apply as moisturizer morning and night.
Application
Topical (cream, lotion, serum). Best in emollient/occlusve formulations rather than water-based serums.
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Mechanism of Action
Ceramides are sphingolipids comprising a sphingoid base (sphingosine or phytosphingosine) amide-linked to a fatty acid—comprising ~50% of stratum corneum lipids. They integrate into the intercellular lipid matrix between corneocytes, forming the lamellar bilayer structure with cholesterol and free fatty acids that limits transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Optimal molar ratio is ~3:1:1 (ceramides:cholesterol:fatty acids). Topical ceramides (NP/3, AP/6-II, EOP/1) fill gaps from barrier damage by surfactants, retinoids, or inflammation. Cholesterol enables lamellar phase formation; fatty acids provide acidic pH for ceramide packing. Products restoring the complete ratio upregulate barrier repair genes (involucrin, filaggrin, transglutaminase) more effectively. Synthesis occurs via serine palmitoyltransferase and ceramide synthase in keratinocytes.
Ingredient Interactions
Ceramides reinforce the skin barrier, reducing the dryness and peeling that retinol can cause. Apply ceramide moisturizer first ("buffering") when starting retinol, then switch to retinol-first as tolerance builds.
Tretinoin is more irritating than retinol, making barrier support critical. Ceramide moisturizers reduce peeling, redness, and dryness without reducing tretinoin's efficacy.
Like all retinoids, adapalene benefits from ceramide moisturizers to manage irritation. Apply ceramide cream after adapalene has absorbed for 5-10 minutes.
HA draws water into the skin; ceramides seal the barrier so the moisture stays. Apply HA to damp skin, then ceramide moisturizer on top. Universally beneficial.
Niacinamide actually stimulates the skin's own ceramide synthesis, so pairing it with a ceramide moisturizer provides both external and internal barrier support. One of the best combinations for barrier repair.
See our full Ingredient Interactions Guide for more combinations and timing strategies.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. CeraVe is the most well-known ceramide-based brand.
Risks & Safety
Common
Essentially none — ceramides are bioidentical to skin components.
Serious
None. Safe for all skin types including sensitive, eczema-prone, and rosacea.
Rare
Virtually no risk.
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Research Papers
10Published: January 29, 2003
AI Summary
Incomplete lipid mixtures yield abnormal lamellar body contents, and disorder intercellular lamellae, whereas complete lipid mixtures result in normal lamellar bodies and intercellular bilayers. The utilization of physiological lipids according to these parameters have potential as new forms of topical therapy for dermatoses.
Published: November 19, 2021
AI Summary
Alterations of ceramide molecular profiles are characterized in skin diseases associated with compromised permeability barrier functions, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and xerosis. In addition, hereditary abnormalities of some ichthyoses are associated with an epidermal unique ceramide species, omega-O-acylceramide.
Published: February 10, 2025
AI Summary
In the last couple of decades, momentum was also seen in the pre-clinical studies involving anti-cancer and nanotechnology field, whereby ceramide was also used as a drug, a carrier, or even adjunct formulation to increase efficacy of treatment such as chemotherapy.
Published: August 12, 2024
AI Summary
Changes in ceramide level and relative composition, with potential impairment of lipid arrangement, have been evidenced in different skin conditions and skin diseases. Nonetheless, the formulation of ceramides in products necessitates specific processes such as heating to high temperature before their introduction in the final formula.
Published: November 10, 2025
AI Summary
Ceramides are crucial for maintaining the skin barrier and hydration, and their deficiencies are associated with various skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and Netherton's syndrome. However, their poor water solubility necessitates the development of effective delivery systems.
Published: January 4, 2020
AI Summary
Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding skin ceramides and their regulatory roles in skin homeostasis and pathogenic roles of altered ceramide metabolism in inflammatory skin diseases. These insights provide new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory dermatoses.
Published: March 8, 2022
AI Summary
In mouse models, S. epidermidis significantly increases skin ceramide levels and prevents water loss of damaged skin in a fashion entirely dependent on its sphingomyelinase. Our findings reveal a symbiotic mechanism that demonstrates an important role of the skin microbiota in the maintenance of the skin's protective barrier.
Published: November 3, 2023
AI Summary
The main lipid classes are ceramides (CERs), cholesterol (CHOL) and free fatty acids (FFAs). Analysis of the SC lipid matrix is of crucial importance in understanding the skin barrier function, not only in healthy skin, but also in inflammatory skin diseases with an impaired skin barrier.
Published: November 29, 2023
AI Summary
Conversely, by understanding specific skin barrier disruptions that are associated with specific conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, the development of new compounds could target signaling pathways to provide more effective relief for patients.
Published: October 28, 2024
AI Summary
Recently, ceramides have been known to be frequently applied in various cosmetic formulations. Despite ceramide's beneficial characteristics, academic research regarding ceramides and their skin absorption remains insufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ceramides used for?
Lipids that make up approximately 50% of the skin barrier by weight. Ceramides form the 'mortar' between skin cells (the 'bricks'), creating a waterproof barrier that prevents water loss and keeps irritants out. When the skin barrier is damaged — from over-exfoliation, harsh cleansers, retinoid use, or conditions like eczema — ceramide levels are depleted, and replenishing them is essential for recovery.
What are the side effects of Ceramides?
Common: Essentially none — ceramides are bioidentical to skin components. Serious: None. Safe for all skin types including sensitive, eczema-prone, and rosacea. Rare: Virtually no risk.
How is Ceramides administered?
Ceramides is administered via topical (cream, lotion, serum). best in emollient/occlusve formulations rather than water-based serums..
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