Quick answer
A specific ceramide found naturally in skin that can be replicated as a cosmetic ingredient ; Works to improve skin’s barrier strength, hydration, and suppleness ; Deemed a safe cosmetic ingredient by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel ; Formerly known as ceramide 2 Key benefits: Hydration, Anti-Aging.
Ceramide NG
Updated
Ceramide 2
Purpose
Replenishing ingredient that supports skin’s barrier strength, suppleness, and moisture levels.
Rating
BEST
Category
Emollient
INCI Purpose
SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
Hair Profile
Helps With
Suitable For
Role
Cuticle-repairing lipid. Reinforces the protective lipid barrier; locks in moisture and seals the cuticle. Excellent in rinse-off masks; must be paired with oils for best effect.
At a Glance
A specific ceramide found naturally in skin that can be replicated as a cosmetic ingredient
Works to improve skin’s barrier strength, hydration, and suppleness
Deemed a safe cosmetic ingredient by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
Formerly known as ceramide 2
Article
Ceramide NG (formerly known as ceramide 2) belongs to a larger group of ceramides that are found naturally in skin as long chains of lipids (fats). The “NG” refers to this ceramide’s sphinganine base.
Healthy skin is made up of approximately 50% ceramides. Decreased levels of ceramides lead to weaker barrier strength, making skin more vulnerable to external stressors and dehydration.
As a skin care ingredient, topical application of ceramide NG can step in to help fill this gap and replenish skin’s barrier, so it is better able to defend itself from external stimuli. Single ceramides work best when combined with other replenishing ingredients to improve skin’s hydration, resiliency, and suppleness.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel’s 2020 assessment concluded that ceramide ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use, typically no more than 0.01%. Ceramides used in skin care can be created synthetically (aka lab engineered) or sourced naturally from plants.
See: Ceramides
References