Ceramide (Sphingolipid · Skin Barrier Lipid · Stratum Corneum Component)
| CAS No. | — (class: multiple CAS numbers for ceramide sub-types) |
| Class | Lipid · Sphingolipid · N-Acylsphingosine (class) |
| Source | Glycine max (Soybean); Triticum aestivum (Wheat) — grains (glucosylceramide); also rice and konjac sources |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Buy from Herbuno | Request availability and bulk pricing → |
Ceramides are a class of sphingolipids that constitute approximately 50% of the lipid content of the stratum corneum — the outermost skin barrier layer. Ceramide deficiency was characterised as a key feature of atopic dermatitis and dry, compromised skin in the 1980s–1990s. The discovery that oral supplementation with plant-derived glucosylceramides (the glycosylated precursor form in plants) could improve skin hydration from within opened the beauty nutrition and ingestible skin supplement market.
Ceramide for Skin Barrier Repair, Hydration & Atopic Skin — Evidence
Oral ceramide supplementation — skin hydration: Multiple RCTs with oral plant ceramide (glucosylceramide from wheat or konjac) at 30–200mg per day over 8–12 weeks document improvements in skin moisture content, reductions in transepidermal water loss, and improvements in skin roughness scores. Claim strength: Moderate.
Atopic dermatitis and barrier repair: Ceramide deficiency is a defining feature of atopic dermatitis. Clinical studies document improvements in skin barrier function scores and reductions in itch and dryness. Claim strength: Moderate.
Topical ceramide — well-established: Topical ceramide formulations are a standard component of dermatological moisturiser recommendations for dry and sensitive skin conditions. The topical evidence base is stronger than the oral supplementation evidence. Claim strength: High (topical).
Request availability and bulk pricing →
Browse Actives & Lipids →
Dosage & Formulator Notes
Oral ceramide supplementation studies have used 30–200mg per day of plant ceramide (expressed as glucosylceramide content). Wheat-derived and konjac-derived glucosylceramide are the most studied oral sources. For topical formulations, ceramide is typically formulated at 0.5–5% concentration in emollient bases alongside cholesterol and free fatty acids to replicate the three-lipid composition of the natural stratum corneum.
Pairs with: Linoleic acid (essential structural fatty acid for ceramide biosynthesis), hyaluronic acid (comprehensive skin hydration formulation), Vitamin C (collagen synthesis + antioxidant combination), astaxanthin (antioxidant skin protection stack).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ceramide and why is it important for skin health?
Ceramides are sphingolipids constituting approximately 50% of the lipid content of the stratum corneum. They form the lipid mortar between skin cells, preventing transepidermal water loss. Ceramide deficiency is a defining feature of atopic dermatitis and dry, compromised skin.
Can oral ceramide supplements improve skin hydration?
Yes — multiple RCTs with oral plant ceramide (glucosylceramide from wheat or konjac) at 30–200mg per day document improvements in skin moisture content and reductions in transepidermal water loss over 8–12 weeks.
What is the difference between topical ceramide and oral ceramide supplementation?
Topical ceramide has a well-established evidence base. Oral ceramide has a growing but smaller RCT evidence base for skin hydration from within. The two approaches can be combined for comprehensive skin barrier support.
What plant sources of ceramide are used in supplements?
The primary plant ceramide sources are wheat, konjac, rice, and soybean. Wheat-derived and konjac-derived glucosylceramide have the most RCT evidence for oral skin hydration. Soy-derived ceramide is an alternative for wheat-free specifications.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
← Back to Active Compound Index · HerbIQ P02: Extraction · HerbIQ P03: Delivery