Ingredient

Ceramide NP

Also known as: Ceramide 3

One of the lipids that make up the skin barrier. Added to creams to top up what dry skin is short of.

Typical percentage: 0.5 to 1%
INCI name: Ceramide NP
Skin concern: Dryness
Sensitivity
Skin type: Dry
Oily
Combination
Sensitive
Normal
Benefit: Barrier support

A person in a towel applying a face mask

What it is

Ceramides are waxy lipids that sit between the cells of the outer skin layer, a little like mortar between bricks. They make up roughly half of the barrier's lipids by weight. Ceramide NP is one of the most abundant types.

Skin that is dry, or has been over-cleansed or over-exfoliated, tends to have less of them. A ceramide cream puts a matching lipid back on the surface.

How we use it

At 0.5% in Light Moisturiser and 1% in Rich Cream. Ceramides are effective at low levels, so these are meaningful amounts.

How to use

Morning and evening as the last step before sunscreen. Especially useful after retinal or exfoliating acid.

Pairs well with

Glycerin and shea butter in the same cream, and niacinamide underneath.

Cautions

None known for most people.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Patch-test any new product.