---
title: Ceramides
entity_type: Ingredient
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/ceramides
date_modified: 2026-05-11
date_reviewed: 2026-05-11
mcp_eligible: true
evidence_sources:
  - title: Ceramides and skin function
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/ceramides-skin-function
    original_source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553851/
    source_type: peer_reviewed
  - title: Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function-improving capabilities of ceramide-containing formulations: A qualitative review
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/ceramide-formulations-water-retention-barrier-review
    original_source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34596254/
    source_type: peer_reviewed
  - title: A new era of moisturizers
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/new-era-of-moisturizers
    original_source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33977643/
    source_type: peer_reviewed
product_fact_sources:
  - title: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — Official Product Page
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-cerave-moisturizing-cream
    original_source_url: https://www.cerave.com/skincare/moisturizers/moisturizing-cream
    source_type: official_product_page
---

# Ceramides

## Quick Summary

Ceramides are lipid ingredients used in moisturizers to support the feel of the skin barrier and help dry-looking skin look smoother and less flaky.

## What It Is

Ceramides are part of the skin’s natural lipid mix. Product labels may name specific forms such as Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, or Ceramide EOP, but this page keeps them under the consumer parent Ingredient Ceramides.

## Mechanism

A simple way to picture ceramides is the brick-and-mortar model: skin cells are the bricks, and lipids help fill the spaces between them. In cosmetic moisturizers, ceramides fit the barrier-support side of dry-skin care rather than the water-attracting side.

## Related Entities

- [Ceramides and skin function](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/ceramides-skin-function)
- [Clinical significance of the water retention and barrier function-improving capabilities of ceramide-containing formulations: A qualitative review](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/ceramide-formulations-water-retention-barrier-review)
- [A new era of moisturizers](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/new-era-of-moisturizers)
- [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — Official Product Page](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-cerave-moisturizing-cream)
- [Dry Skin](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/dry-skin)
- [Skin Sensitivity](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/skin-sensitivity)
- [Early Wrinkle Prevention](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/early-wrinkle-prevention)
- [CeraVe Moisturizing Cream](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/cerave-moisturizing-cream)
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/cerave-skin-renewing-night-cream)