Barrier

Ceramide NG

Ceramide NG (Non-hydroxy fatty acid + sphinGosine) — a synthetic analog of natural skin ceramides based on sphingosine instead of phytosphingosine. Commonly found in multi-ceramide complexes for barrier restoration.

ceramides NGsphingosine basesynthetic ceramidebarrier complex

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Ceramide NG — ceramide with Non-hydroxy fatty acid and sphingosine base (trans-4-sphingenine, C18:1 with a double bond). Differs from Ceramide NP (phytosphingosine base, saturated) and Ceramide NS (non-hydroxy FA + sphinganine). Molecular weight ~620–660 Da. Lipid-soluble. Sphingosine (C18:1) — a more common base in human ceramides type 2 (Ceramide 2 by old nomenclature or partially Ceramide A2). Synthesized chemically or semi-synthetically. Present in the stratum corneum, although in smaller amounts than NP.

Multi-ceramide complexes (together with NP, AP, EOP), barrier agents for various types of ceramide deficiency, anti-aging agents, and products for normal and combination skin.

Key Benefits

✦

Complementing the ceramide profile — diversity of bases

Different types of ceramides (NP, AP, NG) differ in the type of base (phytosphingosine vs sphingosine) and fatty acid. Human skin contains both types of bases in different proportions depending on the area of the body and age. Ceramide NG complements NP and AP: introduces a sphingosine component, recreating a fuller natural spectrum. Some brands (especially Korean) include NG in ceramide complexes specifically for profile completeness.

◈

Improvement of lipid organization in the stratum corneum

X-ray diffraction studies: a mixture of ceramides of different classes (NP + NG + others) forms more organized hexagonal and orthogonal crystalline structures than one type of ceramide. This corresponds to the real barrier of healthy skin. Diversified ceramide mix → better barrier than a mono-ceramide system.

✧

Good cosmetic compatibility and stability

Ceramide NG is technologically stable in most cosmetic formulations: does not degrade under typical production and storage conditions, well-soluble in the lipid phase upon heating. Compatible with other lipid components (cholesterol, fatty acids). Does not interact with water-soluble actives — safe in any multi-active formulations.

Suitable for

normal and combination skinmulti-ceramide complexesgeneral barrier care

Main Actions

✓ complementing the natural ceramide profile✓ barrier support✓ part of the multi-ceramide complex

Ceramide NG vs NP — what is the difference

Ceramide NP (phytosphingosine + non-OH FA): the most studied, most common, best for atopic dermatitis. Ceramide NG (sphingosine + non-OH FA): less studied independently, more often in multi-ceramide mixtures. Both are effective for barrier restoration. NP — first choice for atopy. NG — an additional component for a complete ceramide profile. In practice: if a product contains both NP and NG — it is a more complete barrier complex.

CategoryBarrier Repair

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