Ingredient guide · P

Phytosphingosine

Phytosphingosine is a skin-friendly lipid naturally found in the outer layers of healthy skin. In skincare it is used as a gentle conditioning and protective ingredient that helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and maintain a balanced microbiome.

Phytosphingosine — Phytosphingosine is naturally derived from plant sources, most commonly obtained throug… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetic formulations phytosphingosine works as a ceramide precursor and skin-identical lipid that integrates into the intercellular matrix of the stratum corneum. It helps reduce moisture loss, supports the skin’s natural defence system and has mild antimicrobial properties that can help keep unwanted bacteria in check without stripping the skin. You will often find it in moisturisers, serums and barrier-supporting creams where it enhances texture and improves the overall feel of the product on the skin.

Key benefits

  • Strengthens the skin barrier
  • Helps lock in moisture
  • Supports a healthy skin microbiome
  • Improves skin softness and smoothness
  • Calms the appearance of redness
  • Enhances the feel of lightweight moisturisers

Best for

dry skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, compromised skin barrier, acne-prone skin

Where it comes from

Phytosphingosine is naturally derived from plant sources, most commonly obtained through the fermentation of yeast or extracted from certain seeds and grains.

Products with Phytosphingosine

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Phytosphingosine than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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