Ceramide NP is a skin-identical lipid used in skincare to help support and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. It is one of the ceramides naturally found in the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost layer, where ceramides help hold surface skin cells together and reduce moisture loss.

Full name: Ceramide NP, also commonly associated with N-stearoyl phytosphingosine and formerly known as Ceramide 3.

• INCI name: Ceramide NP
• CAS number: 100403-19-8

Ceramide NP is an N-acylated sphingolipid made from a normal saturated or unsaturated fatty acid attached to a phytosphingosine base. In simpler terms, it is a barrier-supporting lipid with a structure similar to the ceramides already present in healthy skin. The “N” refers to a non-hydroxy fatty acid, while the “P” refers to the phytosphingosine base.

In skincare, Ceramide NP helps replenish and reinforce the skin’s natural lipid barrier. A stronger barrier helps skin retain water more effectively, which can improve the appearance of dryness, roughness, flaking, and tightness. It also helps leave skin feeling softer, smoother, and more comfortable. Ceramide NP is especially useful in moisturizers, barrier creams, serums, and formulas designed for dry, mature, or visibly stressed skin.

Ceramide NP works especially well alongside other barrier-supporting ingredients, including cholesterol, fatty acids, humectants, and additional ceramides. Together, these ingredients help maintain the skin’s surface resilience and support a healthier-looking complexion.