Ceramide 3
INCI: Ceramide NP
Also known as: Ceramide NP
Type of ceramide found in skin Reinforces skin’s barrier strength
EWG Safety Score
What Is Ceramide 3?
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.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
- International Journal of Toxicology, 2020, pages 5S-25S
- International Journal of Molecular Sciences, August 2019, pages 1-15
- Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2016, pages 135-147
- Biochimica et Biophysica Acta, October 2014, pages 2473-2483
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, July 2014, pages 177-184
- Journal of Lipid Research, July 2008, pages 1,466-1,476
- Journal of Lipid Research, September 2007, pages 1936-1943
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 107-129
- Contact Dermatitis, June 2002, pages 331-338
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, November 2001, pages 1,126-1,136
- Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, September-October 2001, pages 261-271
Published Research
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Ceramide NP: Skin barrier lipid function Dermatitis, 2014
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Ceramides and skin barrier repair Adv Skin Wound Care, 2017
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