Ceramides (Ceramide NP)
Ceramides are natural fat molecules that hold together the cells in the top layer of the skin and prevent moisture loss. Ceramides added to creams (listed on labels as Ceramide NP, AP, EOP and so on) are used to support this barrier. They are among the safest known skincare ingredients; the risk of irritation or allergy is very low.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
Because they resemble substances found in the skin's own structure, the range is very low; the upper end is only for sensitivities that may arise from the rest of the formula.
What are ceramides and what do they do?
The outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) is often compared to a brick wall: dead skin cells are the bricks, and the lipids filling the spaces between them are the mortar. About half of this mortar is made up of ceramides; the rest is cholesterol and free fatty acids.
When there are enough ceramides, the skin holds on to water and becomes more resistant to irritants from outside. With age, frequent washing, harsh cleansers, cold and dry air, or conditions such as eczema, the amount and organisation of ceramides in the skin can be disrupted. Ceramides added to creams aim to make up for this shortfall.
Which names do they appear under on labels?
- Ceramide NP (formerly Ceramide 3): the most widely used type
- Ceramide AP and Ceramide EOP (Ceramide 6-II and Ceramide 1)
- Ceramide NS, Ceramide AS and phytoceramides (plant-derived)
- Phytosphingosine and sphingolipids as ceramide precursors
Most ceramides in cosmetics are made in the laboratory and have the same or a very similar structure to the skin's own ceramides; no animal source is needed.
Are they safe? The scientific assessment
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel concluded that ceramides are safe at current levels of use in cosmetics. Because they are similar to the skin's natural building blocks, reports of irritation and allergy are extremely rare. There are no specific restrictions on their use in cosmetics in the EU.
Clinical studies have shown that moisturisers containing ceramides can help reduce moisture loss and improve barrier function in dry and atopic skin. Ceramides may work better when used together with cholesterol and fatty acids in proportions close to the skin's own.
Who are they suitable for?
- Dry, tight and flaky skin
- Skin prone to atopic dermatitis (eczema) and babies' skin
- Skin that becomes dry during retinoid or acid treatments
- People who wash their hands often and have cracked hands
What to do when you see them on a label
Ceramides are one of the ingredients you can relax about when you see them on a label. The overall assessment of the product, however, depends on the rest of the formula: if you have sensitive skin, it may be better to choose a ceramide cream without fragrance. Ceramides work well alongside moisture- and barrier-supporting ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and panthenol.
Frequently asked questions
Are ceramides suitable for every skin type?
Yes. They are well tolerated by most skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. For oily skin, light gel-cream textures may be preferable.
Can ceramides and hyaluronic acid be used together?
Yes, they complement each other: hyaluronic acid draws in water, while ceramides support the barrier that stops this water escaping from the skin.
When and how should a ceramide product be used?
Applying it after washing your face, while the skin is still slightly damp, gives the best results. It can be used morning and evening; in the morning, simply apply sunscreen on top.
Does a ceramide cream treat eczema?
Ceramide moisturisers can be supportive in eczema care, but they are no substitute for treatment. People with eczema should consult their doctor about a treatment plan.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.