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

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