Ceramide NP

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Product Overview

Ceramide NP

A Barrier-Focused Skin Lipid for Hydration, Resilience & Healthy Skin Maintenance
High-Purity Ceramide NP
Designed for premium moisturizing, barrier-repair, and sensitive-skin formulations

Skin-Identical Barrier Restoring Clinically Supported
Ceramide NP

Ceramide NP

Ceramides are the primary lipid components of the skin barrier, comprising approximately 50% of the stratum corneum lipids, with the NP variety representing a significant proportion. Unlike occlusive agents that merely seal the skin’s surface, Ceramide NP integrates into the natural lamellar structure of the stratum corneum, helping to restore barrier integrity at the molecular level.

Ceramide NP is naturally present in healthy skin; however, levels decline with age, environmental stress, and in compromised skin conditions, making topical replenishment a key strategy for maintaining barrier health

INCI Name:

Ceramide NP

CAS Number：

100403-19-8 (generic)

Appearance：

White to off-white crystalline powder

Origin：

Bio-fermentation or plant-derived biomimetic synthesis

Solubility：

Oil-soluble; water-dispersible in formulated system

Odor：

Slight characteristic odor

Assay (HPLC):

≥ 95.0%

Why Ceramide NP Is Different

Many moisturizing ingredients provide only temporary surface hydration without addressing the underlying cause of barrier dysfunction.

Ceramide NP differs fundamentally:

Structural building block

Structural building block

Acts as a structural building block, not merely an occlusive or humectant agent

Reinforces stratum corneum architecture

Reinforces stratum corneum architecture

Integrates into the lamellar architecture of the stratum corneum, reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier

Reduces TEWL for lasting hydration

Reduces TEWL for lasting hydration

Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) for lasting hydration, not just immediate moisture

Low irritation for sensitive skin

Low irritation for sensitive skin

Demonstrates skin-identical compatibility, minimizing irritation risk even in sensitive skin

These characteristics position Ceramide NP as a foundational barrier-support ingredient, distinct from conventional humectants or surface emollients.

Main functional advantages

Mechanism of Action

Ceramide NP supports skin barrier health through targeted structural and signaling mechanisms:

Restores Intercellular Lipid Barrier

Replenishes depleted intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum, restoring the barrier’s lamellar organization

Restores Intercellular Lipid Barrier

Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by reinforcing the hydrophobic nature of the extracellular lipid matrix

SRestores Intercellular Lipid Barrier

Enhances stratum corneum cohesion and integrity, improving resistance to external stressors

Regulates Epidermal Homeostasis

Supports the expression of epidermal differentiation markers, including filaggrin (FLG), caspase-14 (CASP14), and involucrin (INV), promoting skin homeostasis

Boosts Endogenous Ceramide Synthesis

Stimulates endogenous ceramide synthesis, reinforcing long-term barrier resilience

Rather than acting as a single-use humectant, Ceramide NP functions as a structural and signaling support molecule for long-term barrier health.

Key Benefits – as a Cosmetic Active Ingredient

Skin Barrier Repair & Reinforcement

Restores the skin’s natural barrier by replenishing depleted intercellular lipids, helping to maintain barrier integrity against environmental stressors.

Deep & Long-Lasting Hydration

Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) for sustained hydration, improving the look and feel of dry or dehydrated skin.

Sensitive Skin Support

Helps soothe and improve compromised skin conditions, including dryness, flakiness, and sensitivity, with excellent biocompatibility.

Skin Resilience & Anti-Aging Support

Supports supple, resilient, and hydrated skin, contributing to a healthier and more youthful appearance by maintaining barrier function.

Scientific Highlight

Scientific discussion of mechanisms and outcomes is intended for technical and educational context, not as disease claims.

Multiple clinical and mechanistic studies demonstrate that Ceramide NP:

Significantly improves barrier recovery rate, stratum corneum integrity, and hydration in topical corticosteroid-impaired skin
Enhances epidermal differentiation markers (filaggrin, CASP14, involucrin), promoting skin barrier homeostasis
Reduces TEWL by up to 27% following barrier disruption, indicating reinforced barrier function
Doubles ceramide penetration (+93.7% vs control) when vectorized, outperforming non-vectorized ceramide NP
Increases skin hydration by up to +13.4% versus placebo just two hours after application, even at low usage levels
Demonstrates adaptive barrier protection across different climates, including dry, cold, hot, and humid conditions

Typical Applications

Typical Applications

Skincare / Functional Products

  • Barrier repair creams and lotions
  • Moisturizing serums and emulsions
  • Sensitive-skin and post-procedure care products
  • Anti-aging and night creams
  • Body care and baby care formulations
  • Hair care products (conditioners, treatments, sprays) for strengthening and damage prevention

Common Synergistic Pairings

  • Cholesterol
  • Panthenol
  • Free fatty acids
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Other ceramides (EOP, NS, AP, EOS)
  • Ectoine
  • Niacinamide
  • Sphingolipids

Safety & Regulatory Status

  • Widely recognized as safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products
  • CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Expert Panel concluded that ceramide ingredients are safe
  • in cosmetics under current practices of use, with survey data covering concentrations up to 0.2% ceramide NP in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products
  • Non-irritating and non-sensitizing at intended use levels, suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products
  • Listed in the China Inventory of Used Cosmetic Ingredients (2021 Edition) with a maximum historical use level of 22.5% in leave-on products
  • Suitable for daily, long-term use in leave-on and rinse-off formulations

Regulatory Position:Permitted as a cosmetic ingredient in major markets worldwide, including the United States, European Union, Japan, South Korea, and China (IECIC-listed)

Positioning Summary

Ceramide NP is fundamentally different from conventional moisturizing agents.

Rather than relying on surface occlusion or temporary humectancy, it functions as a structural lipid that integrates into the skin’s natural lamellar architecture, restoring barrier integrity and reducing transepidermal water loss at the molecular level.

Its skin-identical structure, proven clinical efficacy, and exceptional safety profile make Ceramide NP an ideal choice for barrier-repair formulations, sensitive-skin products, and long-term skin health maintenance.

Ceramide NP offers brands a scientifically validated, clinically supported barrier lipid solution, distinct from surface-level moisturizers or single-function hydrating agents.

Regulatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.