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Ingredient · INCI reference

Ceramide 3

Ceramide 3, now standardized as Ceramide NP, is a skin-identical lipid used as a skin-conditioning and barrier-supporting ingredient in skincare and sunscreens.

What it is

Ceramide 3 is one of the most widely used cosmetic ceramides and mirrors a lipid naturally found in the skin's outer layer. It is incorporated to condition the skin and support a smooth, comfortable surface, frequently combined with other ceramides and complementary lipids. As a supportive ingredient it is typically present at low concentrations in leave-on products.

Safety & warnings

As a skin-identical lipid, Ceramide 3 is very well tolerated, with a low expected risk of irritation or sensitization.

Origin & sourcing

Typically produced synthetically or by biofermentation to yield a skin-identical lipid.

Questions everyone asks

What is Ceramide 3?

It is a skin-identical lipid, now named Ceramide NP, used to condition skin and support a smooth, comfortable surface feel.

How is it different from Ceramide 2?

They are distinct ceramide species with different molecular structures; both are skin-identical lipids and are often used together.

Sources & references

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