Barrier

Ceramide NS

Ceramide NS (Non-hydroxy fatty acid + Sphingosine) — a structural component of the lipid barrier based on sphingosine. Complements NP-ceramides and provides a broader spectrum of ceramide restoration in products for sensitive and dry skin.

NS ceramidesSphingosineBarrier lipidnon-hydroxy ceramide

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Ceramide NS — a ceramide with Non-hydroxy fatty acid and Sphingosine base (trans-4-sphingenine, C18:1 with one double bond). Differs from Ceramide NP only in the base: NP = phytosphingosine (saturated, C18:0-OH), NS = sphingosine (C18:1, unsaturated). Molecular weight ~620–660 Da. Natural skin ceramide — present in the normal lipid profile of the stratum corneum. The unsaturated bond in the sphingosine base → greater fluidity of lipid lamellae compared to NP → flexibility of the barrier without excessive rigidity.

Multi-ceramide complexes (NP+NS+AP+EOP), products for normal and combination skin, anti-aging products to support the barrier, products after exposure to aggressive factors.

Key Benefits

✦

Flexible barrier — sphingosine adds fluidity

Unlike Ceramide NP (phytosphingosine, fully saturated) — Ceramide NS with a sphingosine base (one trans-double bond) introduces controlled fluidity into the lipid lamellae. This is important: a barrier consisting only of saturated ceramides would be too rigid and brittle. The natural balance of NP (saturated) + NS (slightly unsaturated) gives the barrier both density and flexibility.

◈

NP complement for more complete barrier restoration

Ceramide NP and Ceramide NS — the closest "relatives" among ceramide types (same non-hydroxy FA, different base). Together they form a more complete system of non-hydroxy ceramides, which is closer to the natural composition of the skin. Studies of ceramide content in the skin: NS accounts for ~10–15% of total ceramides (NP ~20%). The combination of NP+NS — a basic non-hydroxy block of any complete multi-ceramide complex.

✧

Precursor of sphingosine — metabolic activity

Ceramide NS is metabolized in the skin to sphingosine and fatty acid. Sphingosine is a precursor of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) — a lipid mediator that regulates keratinocyte differentiation and protects against apoptosis. This gives NS a certain functional role beyond just a structural barrier: regulation of cellular turnover and protection of skin cells.

Suitable for

Normal and combination skinMulti-ceramide complexesGeneral barrier care

Main Actions

✓ Flexibility of the lipid barrier✓ NP-ceramide complement✓ Support for cellular turnover

NP vs NS — practical differences in formulas

In practice: Ceramide NP is better clinically studied and more effective in atopic dermatitis (directly replaces the deficient ceramide). Ceramide NS — important for the completeness of the profile, but less commonly found separately. If a product is positioned as a 'multi-ceramide complex' and contains NS — this signals a more comprehensive approach to barrier restoration. For basic barrier care: NP is the minimum necessary. NS — a desirable addition.

CategoryBarrier Repair

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product