Ceramides

Ceramides at a Glance

• Major components of skin’s outer layers
• Help improve barrier strength, hydration, and suppleness
• Work best when combined with other replenishing ingredients

Ceramides Description

Ceramides are naturally occurring, long chains of lipids (fats) that are major components of skin’s outer layers. In fact, the composition of healthy skin is made up of approximately 50% ceramides. Think of them as the mortar between your skin cells, forming a protective layer that limits moisture loss and protects against visible damage from pollution and other environmental stressors. When ceramide levels decrease (due to aging and other factors), skin is more vulnerable to external stimuli and various disorders.

As skin care ingredients, ceramides can be derived from plants or bio-identical forms can be created synthetically—both types work effectively (assuming they’re in a well-formulated product). Ceramides are known for their water-retention capacity (think hydration) and adding them to a skin care product helps provide replenishing and restorative benefits. Of note, they help strengthen skin’s barrier and can improve elasticity.

Ceramides work best when combined with other replenishing ingredients like fatty acids and cholesterol. These lipid mixtures work in multiple ways to improve skin’s texture, suppleness, and help calm signs of sensitivity. Different classes of ceramides have been identified in skin. Examples of those used in skin care include ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, ceramide NG, ceramide NP, ceramide NS, phytosphingosine, and sphingosine. To one degree or another, all of them play signaling roles that help to keep skin healthy. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel’s 2020 assessment concluded that ceramide ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use. Concentrations vary by the individual ceramide, but generally in skin care they’re used in amounts less than 1%, often much lower since it doesn’t take much to obtain ceramide’s numerous benefits.

Ceramides References