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Barrier

Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3)

The most abundant ceramide in human skin and the most common in skincare formulas — the gold standard for barrier repair moisturizers.

Barrier repairMoisturizingCeramideMost studied
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Ceramide NP consists of a non-hydroxy fatty acid linked to phytosphingosine. In the INCI system it appears as Ceramide NP or Ceramide 3. It's synthesized to be structurally identical to naturally occurring human ceramides and is used across the entire concentration range from <0.1% to >1% depending on formulation.

Skin barrier repair and maintenance, moisture retention, dry skin treatment, atopic dermatitis support, prevention of transepidermal water loss.

Key Benefits

✦
Most Clinically Studied Ceramide
Ceramide NP appears in more dermatology studies than any other ceramide class, with consistent evidence for improved barrier function, reduced TEWL, and improved hydration.
◈
Barrier Deficiency Correction
Ceramide NP is specifically documented as depleted in atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and aged skin. Topical formulas restore measured ceramide levels in the stratum corneum.
✧
Water Retention
By filling intercellular lipid gaps in the stratum corneum, Ceramide NP reduces transepidermal water loss — the primary driver of dry, tight, and flaky skin.
◉
Well-Tolerated by All Skin Types
As a physiologic lipid identical to what the skin naturally produces, Ceramide NP is extremely unlikely to cause irritation, sensitization, or comedogenicity.

Suitable for

All skin typesVery dry skinAtopic and eczema-prone skinMature skinCompromised skin barrier

Main Actions

✓ Barrier repair✓ TEWL reduction✓ Lipid matrix restoration✓ Moisturizing
Concentration and formulation vehicle matter

Ceramide NP needs to be delivered in an appropriate lipid vehicle (cream, lotion, or serum with emulsifying lipids) to be incorporated into the stratum corneum. Water-only serums won't deliver ceramides effectively — choose cream-format products or those with lipid-rich bases.

CategoryBarrier Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3) do for skin?
Skin barrier repair and maintenance, moisture retention, dry skin treatment, atopic dermatitis support, prevention of transepidermal water loss.
Who should use Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3)?
Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3) is suitable for: All skin types, Very dry skin, Atopic and eczema-prone skin, Mature skin, Compromised skin barrier.
Are there any warnings about Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3)?
Ceramide NP needs to be delivered in an appropriate lipid vehicle (cream, lotion, or serum with emulsifying lipids) to be incorporated into the stratum corneum. Water-only serums won't deliver ceramides effectively — choose cream-format products or those with lipid-rich bases.

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