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Moumoujus

CERAMIDE NP.

Essential CAS 72968-43-5 / HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING

Ceramide NP is a skin-identical lipid, naturally comprising approximately 55% of free ceramides in healthy skin, critical for maintaining the integrity of the skin's barrier. It functions as a foundational element, significantly contributing to moisture retention and skin resilience.

Summary

Skin conditioning Barrier support Hydration Hair conditioning

Science

Mechanism of Action

Mimicking the skin's natural intercellular lipids, Ceramide NP acts as a 'mortar' between skin cells, fortifying the barrier to prevent moisture loss and repel external irritants. This action reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), enhances hydration, and bolsters the skin's defense, while also exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and repair compromised barriers.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

0.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 At 0.5%, Ceramide NP rapidly facilitated recovery and enhanced resilience in distressed skin models following tape stripping.
  2. 02 It is commonly integrated into skincare formulations within the 0.5%-5% range, demonstrating efficacy consistent with natural skin ceramide levels.
  3. 03 When incorporated at 3% as part of a synergistic lipid blend (SK-Influx, including Ceramide AP, EOP, cholesterol, and fatty acids), it significantly improved hydration in mature skin.
  4. 04 Clinical observations indicate up to a 38% increase in hydration over four weeks and accelerated recovery for sensitive or damaged skin.
  5. 05 Consistent application has been shown to achieve significant skin barrier restoration within a few days.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4.5 – 6.5
0 7 14

Stability

Ceramide NP maintains stability within a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5; however, extreme acidic or alkaline environments can lead to structural degradation. This ingredient is generally heat-sensitive and should ideally be incorporated into formulations at 40°C or lower. If using ceramide powder, it must first be dispersed in a compatible oil, with the oil phase heated to 80-90°C *before* adding the ceramide powder to ensure proper solubilization. Encapsulated ceramides typically offer enhanced formulation stability.

Synergies

  • Other barrier lipids (e.g., Ceramide AP, EOP, cholesterol, fatty acids) for enhanced barrier repair and hydration.

Conflicts

  • Highly acidic environments (pH below 4.5)
  • Highly alkaline environments (pH above 6.5)
  • High heat during direct incorporation into formulations (unless pre-dispersed in oil at elevated temperatures)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel's 2020 assessment concluded Ceramide NP is safe for cosmetic use in current practices, approved up to 10% in topical products. It consistently demonstrated non-irritating properties in human patch tests at 10% dispersion in petrolatum and in undiluted rabbit eye studies. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) further reports it as 'Not Classified' for hazards, reinforcing its benign profile.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Essential

Ceramide NP is an essential skin-identical lipid, crucial for robust barrier function, sustained hydration, and enhanced resilience across all skin types, with a strong safety profile.

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References

Sources