Ceramide NP

Ceramide NP at a Glance

• Type of ceramide found in skin
• Reinforces skin’s barrier strength
• Helps improve the look and feel of dry, dehydrated skin
• Can be created synthetically or sourced naturally from plants for use as a skin care ingredient
• Contributes to supple, resilient, hydrated skin overall

Ceramide NP Description

Ceramide NP is one of several types of ceramides found naturally in skin. It plays a critical role as a major component of skin’s outer layers (healthy skin is generally composed of 50% ceramides, many of which are of the NP variety). “N” stands for the type of normal fatty acid correlated to this ingredient and “P” stands for its phytosphingosine base.

Ceramides used in skin care can be created synthetically or sourced naturally from plants. Research shows skin care products containing ceramide NP can help improve the look and feel of dry or dehydrated skin thanks to its water retention properties.

Ceramide NP has also been shown to reinforce skin’s barrier strength to better resist external stressors. Overall, it contributes to supple, resilient, hydrated skin.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel’s 2020 assessment concluded that ceramide ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use. Their survey data looked at personal care products containing concentrations up to 0.00005-0.2% ceramide NP.

Ceramide NP References