Ceramide
Ceramide — a family of waxy lipid molecules that make up a large share of the skin barrier and help hold skin cells together while limiting water loss. Naturally produced in the skin, ceramides are also used topically to help reinforce a dry or compromised barrier.
Key points
- Ceramides are among the most abundant lipids in the outer layer of skin, the stratum corneum.
- They work alongside cholesterol and fatty acids to form the barrier's structured lipid layers.
- Ceramide levels tend to decline with age and are often lower in conditions like eczema.
- Topical ceramides are commonly paired with cholesterol and fatty acids to mirror the skin's natural lipid ratio.
Frequently asked
What do ceramides do in a moisturizer?
They help replenish the skin's own barrier lipids, supporting moisture retention and reducing the dryness and sensitivity linked to a weakened barrier.
Are synthetic ceramides effective?
Lab-made ceramides are structurally similar to those in skin and are widely used because they are stable and consistent in formulations.
Related topics
This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.
