Composition and Origin of Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP, Optimized)
Question
What is the composition of the cosmetic ingredient Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP, Optimized)? Specifically, what chemical components is it made from, and what is its origin? Is this ingredient considered to be of natural origin, or is it synthesized/biotechnologically derived?
Answer
The product Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP, Optimized) is a high-purity, skin-identical ceramide used in cosmetics.
What is it made from?
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide composed of a sphingoid base (Phytosphingosine) linked to a fatty acid (like Oleic Acid). The specific optimized formulation of this product contains:
- 85% N-oleoyl-phytosphingosine (the primary component)
- A 10% combination of N-stearoyl-phytosphingosine, N-linoleoyl-phytosphingosine, and N-palmitoyl-phytosphingosine
These compounds are structurally similar to the ceramides naturally found in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of human skin).
Is it of natural origin?
While Ceramide NP is structurally identical to natural human ceramides, the ingredient used in cosmetics is typically synthesized or produced through biotechnological fermentation (using yeast or other microorganisms).
This method is preferred because it ensures:
- High Purity and Consistency: The resulting ceramide is highly pure and stable.
- Skin-Identical Structure: It perfectly mimics the structure of ceramides in human skin.
Therefore, it is generally classified as a nature-identical or biotechnologically derived ingredient, rather than being extracted directly from natural sources (like plants or animals).
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