Ingredient glossary / Emollient
Ceramide NP (ceramide 3)
On the label: Ceramide NP · Emollient
What it is
One of the lipids that make up the mortar between skin cells; added to creams to support the barrier. Usually with cholesterol and fatty acids in a set ratio.
Emollients: Emollients fill the gaps between skin cells and leave the surface smooth and soft; oils, butters and esters.
Wikidata: Chemical compound. Q27158397 →
In the research
30 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Effectiveness and Safety of a Moisturizer Containing Centella Asiatica Extract, Ceramide NP, and Panthenol for Erythema and Skin Barrier in Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: A Rand · Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bio, 2026
- Effect of a Ceramide NP-Containing Moisturizer on Skin Barrier Function in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study · Skin pharmacology and physiology, 2026
- Stereoselective Differences in the Percutaneous Permeation of Ketoprofen Enantiomers and the Underlying Chiral Recognition Mechanisms · Chirality, 2026
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Other emollients
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