Quick answer
One of the most prevalent types of ceramides found naturally in skin; Can be created synthetically or sourced naturally from plants for use as a skin care ingredient; Helps improve the look and feel of dry or dehydrated skin thanks to its water retention properties; Reinforces skin’s barrier strength, so it better resists external stressors; Contributes to supple, resilient, hydrated skin overall Key benefits: Hydration, Anti-Aging.
Ceramide NP
Updated
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
Purpose
Replenishing ingredient that supports barrier strength, suppleness, and hydration.
Rating
BEST
Category
Emollient
INCI Purpose
HAIR CONDITIONING, 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
One of the most prevalent types of ceramides found naturally in skin
Can be created synthetically or sourced naturally from plants for use as a skin care ingredient
Helps improve the look and feel of dry or dehydrated skin thanks to its water retention properties
Reinforces skin’s barrier strength, so it better resists external stressors
Contributes to supple, resilient, hydrated skin overall
Article
Ceramide NP is one of several types of ceramides found naturally in skin. It plays a critical role as a major component of skin’s outer layers (healthy skin is generally composed of 50% ceramides, many of which are of the NP variety). “N” stands for the type of normal fatty acid correlated to this ingredient and “P” stands for its phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides used in skin care can be created synthetically or sourced naturally from plants. Research shows skin care products containing ceramide NP can help improve the look and feel of dry or dehydrated skin thanks to its water retention properties.
Ceramide NP has also been shown to reinforce skin’s barrier strength to better resist external stressors. Overall, it contributes to supple, resilient, hydrated skin.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel’s 2020 assessment concluded that ceramide ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use. Their survey data looked at personal care products containing concentrations up to 0.00005-0.2% ceramide NP.
See: Ceramides
References