Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP)
Ceramides (NP, AP, EOP) are essential lipids naturally found in the skin that act like the mortar between bricks in your skin barrier. In skincare they are highly valued for helping to restore and strengthen the skin’s protective layer, locking in moisture and shielding against environmental stress. They are especially popular in UK moisturisers, serums and barrier-repair creams.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics ceramides NP, AP and EOP are identical or closely mimic the ceramides found in human skin, allowing them to integrate into the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum. They help rebuild the skin’s natural barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss and improve the overall organisation of the lipid bilayer, resulting in smoother, more hydrated and resilient skin with regular use.
Key benefits
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Helps retain moisture
- Reduces dryness and flaking
- Improves skin softness and smoothness
- Calms reactivity in compromised skin
- Enhances the effectiveness of other active ingredients
Best for
dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, eczema-prone skin, damaged skin barrier
Where it comes from
While ceramides can be derived from animal sources, those used in modern UK skincare are typically produced from plant oils such as wheat germ, rice bran or soy through fermentation and bioengineering processes.