Ceramide 3 (Ceramide NP) - High purity powder form ceramide (>90% purity) structurally similar to ceramides in human skin. Essential for barrier repair and moisture retention.

Ceramide 3 (also known as Ceramide NP)™ is a high-purity powder form ceramide with over 90% purity, structurally similar to ceramides found naturally in human skin.

This optimized formulation contains 85% N-oleoyl-phytosphingosine as the primary component, with 10% combination of N-stearoyl-phytosphingosine, N-linoleoyl-phytosphingosine, and N-palmitoyl-phytosphingosine. Ceramide NP is one of the most important ceramides for maintaining skin barrier function, helping to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors.

Ceramide 3/NP works by replenishing the skin's natural ceramide levels, which decline with age and environmental damage. It helps restore the protective barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and improve overall skin hydration and smoothness.

Clinical Research & Evidence:

Reinforce the skin barrier & cut water loss. Randomized and controlled clinical trials of ceramide-containing moisturizers show significant improvements in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and hydration versus comparators, with parallel improvements in eczema severity scores. Most formulas in these studies include Ceramide NP among other skin-identical lipids.

Improve signs/symptoms of eczema & dermatitis. In adults with eczema, a ceramide-dominant regimen improved barrier function and symptoms; a separate RCT in mild–moderate atopic dermatitis found a ceramide cream (vs. hydrocortisone or standard emollient) improved hydration and clinical scores.

Direct relevance of NP subclass to barrier quality. Observational work links a higher Ceramide NP : NS ratio in the stratum corneum with healthier barrier properties; modeling data also show that changing the NS:NP ratio alters lipid packing and permeability—supporting NP's structural role in barrier integrity.

Mechanistic fit: fills lipid "mortar." Reviews of phytosphingosine-based ceramides (including CER[NP]) describe how they assemble with cholesterol and free fatty acids into lamellar structures that maintain cohesion, resilience, and water retention in the outer skin layer.

Usage: Suitable for all skincare products including creams, lotions, serums, anti-aging formulations, and barrier repair treatments. Ideal for sensitive and dry skin products.

How to mix:

- Pre-disperse in oil phase at 70-80°C until fully dissolved

- Can be combined with other ceramides and cholesterol for enhanced barrier repair

- Add to formulation during oil phase incorporation

Usage rate: 0.1-2.0%

Product Description: White to light yellow powder with purity greater than 90%

Solubility: Soluble in oils and organic solvents at elevated temperature (70-80°C), insoluble in water

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep container tightly closed. Shelf life 2 years.

INCI Name: Ceramide NP