Ingredient decoded

Ceramides

A family of lipids found in the outer skin barrier and used in moisturisers. Ceramide NP is one label name; the blend and delivery system matter as much as the presence of a ceramide.

Barrier lipid

Chemical structure: Example ceramide: N-stearoylphytosphingosine — Example ceramide: N-stearoylphytosphingosine
Reference

First things first: what is it?

Ceramides are a family of lipids that form part of the outer skin barrier.

What does it do?

Barrier-focused moisturising

Ceramide-containing moisturisers have been studied for dry, eczema-prone skin.

Science or just a good story?

A meta-analysis of five studies found an advantage in eczema severity scores, but not a significant pooled water-loss advantage over other moisturisers. It does not show that every ceramide cream is superior.

Spot it on the label

Look for Ceramide NP in the ingredient list.

So, is it a useful ingredient?

A useful ingredient family to recognise in a moisturiser, with results depending on the whole formula.

Common product types

moisturiser

serum

Related skin concerns

dryness

Sources

Ceramide moisturisers: systematic review and meta-analysis (2023)Checked 2026-10-05