Ceramides

Ceramide Image
Name Ceramides
INCI Name Ceramide NP

Properties

Ceramides are lipid molecules crucial for skin health, forming a protective barrier with cholesterol and fatty acids to prevent water loss and microbial entry. They maintain skin hydration and resilience, commonly found in moisturizers and creams for treating dryness, sensitivity, and aging concerns.

What are Ceramides?

Ceramides are fats or lipids that are found in skin cells. They make up 30% to 40% of your outer skin layer, or epidermis.

There are natural and synthetic ceramides. Natural ceramides are found in the outer layers of your skin, as well as in animals like cows and plants like soy.

Synthetic ceramides (also known as pseudoceramides) are man-made. Because they're free from contaminants and more stable than natural ceramides, synthetic ceramides are more commonly used in skin care products.

Ceramides are made up of a substance called sphingosine. Sphingosine is a chain of carbon atoms with an amino acid attached to it. It has different forms that bind to other fatty acids to form ceramides.

Based on the form of sphingosine and the fatty acid that binds it, there are 12 types of ceramides, named ceramide 1 to 12. You’re likely to see the following ceramides listed on labels of your skin care products:

  • Ceramide 1, also called ceramide EOS
  • Ceramide 2, also called ceramide NS or NG
  • Ceramide 3, also called ceramide NP
  • Ceramide 6-II, also called ceramide AP
  • Ceramide 9, also called ceramide EOP
  • Phyto sphingosine
  • Sphingosine
What do Ceramides do to your skin?

Ceramides are skin-identical lipids that help strengthen your skin’s natural barrier. They lock in moisture, soothe sensitivity, and improve texture over time. We use Ceramide NP – the most gentle and effective form, suitable for all skin types.

Found in WHITE SLATE

Found in our DAY/NIGHT SILK CREAM, it keeps your skin calm, hydrated, and resilient.