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Moumoujus

CERAMIDE NS.

Essential CAS 100403-19-8 / HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING

Ceramide NS is a foundational lipid naturally found in skin, crucial for maintaining a robust skin barrier. It actively replenishes the skin's own ceramide supply, thereby enhancing hydration and protecting against environmental stressors. This ingredient is fundamental for achieving smoother, more resilient skin.

Summary

Skin conditioning Hair conditioning

Science

Mechanism of Action

This sphingosine-based ceramide integrates directly into the skin's lipid matrix, effectively filling microscopic gaps within the stratum corneum. By fortifying the skin barrier, Ceramide NS significantly reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and bolsters moisture retention. It also stimulates the skin's intrinsic ceramide production and supports its natural repair processes, leading to improved texture and a soothed complexion.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.001–0.2%
Optimal

0.006%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated a noticeable positive effect on skin, significantly improving texture, hydration, and overall suppleness. (Individual Ceramide NS)
  2. 02 Represents the maximum reported concentration for individual ceramide use in face and neck skincare preparations. (Context: Ceramide 3, formerly Ceramide 2/NS)
  3. 03 Often utilized as part of ceramide complexes, with total ceramide concentrations typically ranging from 0.1-0.5% for maintenance to 0.5-2% for therapeutic products, and up to 8% in certain water-soluble complexes.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.001%
Red flag below
0.0005%

Given that individual Ceramide NS shows noticeable effects at concentrations as low as 0.001%, formulations containing significantly less than this (e.g., below 0.001% when not part of a comprehensive ceramide complex) may be considered underdosed. While it is often used in complexes with higher total ceramide percentages, precision formulations should ensure a sufficient active contribution from Ceramide NS itself or a well-dosed complex.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4.5 – 6.5
0 7 14

Stability

Ceramide NS is generally sensitive to heat and should be incorporated into formulations at temperatures at or below 40°C. For powder forms, dispersion in a compatible oil and heating to 80-90°C is necessary prior to emulsification. Its structure can degrade in highly acidic environments (below pH 4.5) or highly alkaline conditions due to amide bond hydrolysis. Proper solubilization is critical to prevent crystallization upon cooling, and an antioxidant system can mitigate susceptibility to oxidation.

Synergies

  • Other ceramides (Ceramide NP, AP, AS, EOP, etc.)
  • Fatty acids
  • Cholesterol
  • Antioxidants

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Highly acidic environments (pH < 4.5)
  • Highly alkaline environments (pH > 6.5)
  • Certain cationic polymers (potential for phase separation)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
0.2%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has affirmed the safety of ceramide ingredients, including Ceramide NS (historically Ceramide 2), in cosmetic applications at current usage levels. While the FDA restricts animal-derived nervous system tissues due to BSE concerns, Ceramide NS is predominantly produced synthetically, circumventing this risk.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Essential

Ceramide NS is an essential lipid for fortifying the skin's barrier, delivering significant hydration, and improving overall skin resilience and texture across all skin types, with a strong safety profile.

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