Ingredients

Ceramides

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Ceramides — a class of lipid molecules that make up a large share of the outer skin layer and help hold skin cells together in a protective barrier. In skincare they are used to reinforce this barrier, limit moisture loss, and support the feel of soft, resilient skin.

Key points

  • Ceramides are naturally occurring skin lipids that form part of the mortar holding together cells in the outermost layer.
  • They work alongside cholesterol and fatty acids to maintain a healthy, water-retaining barrier.
  • Ceramide levels can decline with age and in dry or barrier-compromised skin.
  • Topical ceramides are used to help reduce transepidermal water loss and support the appearance of hydrated skin.

Frequently asked

Do ceramides work better with other ingredients?

Ceramides are often paired with cholesterol and fatty acids, a combination that reflects the skin's natural barrier composition.

Are ceramides suitable for sensitive skin?

Ceramides are generally well tolerated and barrier-supportive, but as with any product, patch testing is a good precaution for sensitive skin.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Skin barrier function DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  2. Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function-improving capabilities of ceramide-containing formulations: A qualitative review PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. The Efficacy of Moisturisers Containing Ceramide Compared with Other Moisturisers in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Literature Review and… PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Ceramides and Skin Health: New Insights PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. The Effect of a Ceramide-Containing Product on Stratum Corneum Lipid Levels in Dry Legs PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.