Quick answer

Long chain fats that are skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients; Help skin make more ceramides; Prevent water loss Key benefits: Hydration, Anti-Aging, Soothing.

Sphingolipids

Updated

Sphingolipids

Purpose

Long chain lipids that replenish and condition skin, helping to prevent water loss and maintain barrier function. They’re also precursors to skin’s ceramides.

Rating

BEST

Category

Emollient

INCI Purpose

SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SKIN PROTECTING

Benefits

Hydration — Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Anti-Aging — Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Soothing — Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin

Alternative Names

At a Glance

Long chain fats that are skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients

Help skin make more ceramides

Prevent water loss

Article

Sphingolipids are complex, long chain lipids (fats) that function as skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients. In layperson’s terms, this means they help maintain an intact skin barrier and prevent water loss, leading to healthier, smoother, more youthful-looking skin. They are a precursor to ceramides, and help skin make more ceramides, which are key to keeping it strong.

The name “sphingolipid” is in part derived from the term sphingoid, coined in 1884 by chemist J. L. W. Thudichum because their enigmatic nature reminded him of the mythological sphinx.

References

American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, July 2021, ePublication Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, November 2017, pages 175-191 Journal of Allergy and Chemical Immunology, February 2017, AB87 Lipids in Health and Disease, January 2016, ePublication http://lipidlibraryaocsorg/lipids/introsph/indexhtm Progress in Lipid Research, January 2013, pages 141-164 Skin Therapy Letter, July 2012, pages 6-9