What it is
Ceramide 6 II belongs to the family of ceramides, the sphingolipids that make up a large fraction of the lipids in the outermost layer of skin. It is built on a phytosphingosine backbone bearing an alpha-hydroxy fatty acid, and in modern INCI nomenclature this structure corresponds to Ceramide AP. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is added at low levels to help reinforce the lipid matrix between corneocytes and to support a smooth, conditioned skin surface.
Safety & warnings
Skin-identical ceramides are generally well tolerated and are commonly used in formulas intended for sensitive or compromised skin. They are not classed as fragrance allergens and are used at low concentrations.
Origin & sourcing
Most cosmetic ceramides of this type are produced synthetically or by biotechnological fermentation to yield a defined, skin-identical structure, rather than being extracted from animal tissue.
Questions everyone asks
What does Ceramide 6 II do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a skin-conditioning lipid that helps support the skin's natural barrier and leave the surface feeling smooth and comfortable.
Is Ceramide 6 II the same as Ceramide AP?
Yes. Ceramide 6 II is an older naming convention for the phytosphingosine-based ceramide now commonly listed as Ceramide AP.