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Barrier

Ceramide NP

One of the most common natural skin ceramides is N-(nonadecanoyl)-4-hydroxysphinganine. The main building block of the intercellular lipid barrier of the stratum corneum. Restores lost ceramides in atopic dermatitis and dry skin.

ceramidesbarrier lipidCeramide 3atopic skin
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Ceramide NP — a ceramide of the NP class (Non-hydroxy fatty acid + Phytosphingosine base). IUPAC: N-(nonanoyl)-4-hydroxysphinganine (simplified). Corresponds to the old nomenclature Ceramide 3. Molecular weight ~650–700 Da (depending on chain length). Lipid-soluble. It is part of the intercellular lipids of the stratum corneum (~50% of all skin ceramides). In atopic dermatitis: the level of Ceramide NP is reduced by 30–50% → barrier disruption → TEWL. Obtained synthetically or from plant sources (phytosphingosine from yeast). Vegan-friendly.

Barrier creams for atopic skin, ceramide-complex products (Ceramide NP + AP + EOP), restorative serums and creams for damaged skin, children's creams for dryness.

Key Benefits

✦
Restoration of the lipid barrier — the main skin ceramide
Ceramide NP — the most common ceramide in healthy skin (~20% of total ceramides). When applied topically: integrates into the intercellular lipid lamellae of the stratum corneum, restoring lost or damaged lipid structures. Clinical studies: creams with Ceramide NP reduce TEWL by 30–45% in atopic dermatitis and dry skin with regular use for 4 weeks.
◈
Reduction of inflammation and itching in atopy
Ceramide deficiency in atopic dermatitis is not only a barrier problem but also an inflammatory one: disrupted barrier → allergen penetration → immune response activation → inflammation and itching. Restoration of Ceramide NP → better barrier → less trigger penetration → reduced inflammation. Clinically confirmed: ceramide creams reduce SCORAD (severity index of atopy) and the need for topical corticosteroids.
✧
Synergy in the triple ceramide complex
Maximum effectiveness — when combining three key ceramides: Ceramide NP + Ceramide AP + Ceramide EOP (or NG). These three types correspond to different layers of the lipid lamella and together recreate the natural lipid profile of the skin. Gold standard: CeraVe, Eucerin, La Roche-Posay use this combination. Adding cholesterol and fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic) enhances the effect.

Suitable for

atopic and dry skindamaged barrierchildren's skin

Main Actions

✓ restoration of the lipid barrier✓ reduction of TEWL✓ anti-inflammatory action in atopy
Nomenclature of ceramides — old and new

Old (INCI before 2010): Ceramide 1, 2, 3, 6II. New (current INCI): Ceramide EOP, NP, AP, NS, AS, EOS, NDS. Correspondences: Ceramide 3 = Ceramide NP, Ceramide 2 = Ceramide AP, Ceramide 1 = Ceramide EOP. Both nomenclatures can be found on packaging — they describe the same molecules. Ceramide NP is the most studied and widely used in cosmetics.

CategoryBarrier Repair

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ceramide NP do for skin?
Barrier creams for atopic skin, ceramide-complex products (Ceramide NP + AP + EOP), restorative serums and creams for damaged skin, children's creams for dryness.
Who should use Ceramide NP?
Ceramide NP is suitable for: atopic and dry skin, damaged barrier, children's skin.
Are there any warnings about Ceramide NP?
Old (INCI before 2010): Ceramide 1, 2, 3, 6II. New (current INCI): Ceramide EOP, NP, AP, NS, AS, EOS, NDS. Correspondences: Ceramide 3 = Ceramide NP, Ceramide 2 = Ceramide AP, Ceramide 1 = Ceramide EOP. Both nomenclatures can be found on packaging — they describe the same molecul

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