Ceramide NP is a high-purity cosmetic raw material used in moisturisers, barrier creams and advanced skincare formulations for dry, sensitive and mature skin.
Also known as Ceramide 3, Ceramide NP is similar to one of the ceramide lipids naturally present in the skin’s outer layer. It is used to support the skin’s protective lipid barrier, improve moisture retention and enhance the performance of barrier-focused skincare formulations.
JustGlow Ceramide NP is supplied as a concentrated white powder with a current batch purity of 99.6%. Unlike ready-dispersed ceramide complexes, pure Ceramide NP requires a carefully designed heated lipid and emulsifier system for successful incorporation.
Available in small quantities for cosmetic formulators, skincare brands and product-development laboratories.
Ceramide NP at a Glance
- INCI name: Ceramide NP
- Alternative name: Ceramide 3
- CAS number: 100403-19-8
- Appearance: White powder
- Current batch purity: 99.6% by HPLC-ELSD
- Water solubility: Insoluble
- Oil solubility: Limited solubility in many conventional cosmetic oils
- Typical starting use level: 0.05–0.50%
- Processing phase: Heated oil or lipid phase
- General processing temperature: Approximately 85–90°C
- Function: Skin-conditioning agent, moisturising active and barrier-support lipid
- Suitable for: Emulsions, creams, lotions, balms and professionally developed anhydrous products
- Not suitable for: Direct addition to water, cold-process formulations or cool-down phases without a specialised delivery system
What Is Ceramide NP and How Is It Used in Cosmetics?
Ceramides are an important part of the lipid structure found within the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. Together with cholesterol and fatty acids, ceramides help form organised lipid layers that retain moisture and support the skin’s protective barrier.
Ceramide NP is used in cosmetic formulations developed to support the skin barrier and improve the appearance and comfort of dry, rough or moisture-depleted skin.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Barrier-support moisturisers
- Face and body creams for dry skin
- Sensitive-skin formulations
- Rich night creams
- Mature-skin products
- Hand and foot creams
- Lip balms and lip masks
- Scalp and hair-conditioning products
Ceramide NP is normally used at relatively low concentrations. However, pure Ceramide NP powder is technically more difficult to formulate with than a pre-dispersed ceramide complex. Correct solubilisation, processing and stability testing are essential.
Benefits of Ceramide NP in Cosmetic Formulations
Supports the Skin’s Moisture Barrier
Ceramide NP helps supplement the lipid component of moisturising formulations designed to support the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Helps Improve Moisture Retention
When incorporated into a suitable lipid system, Ceramide NP can help improve moisture retention and reduce the dry, tight feeling associated with moisture-depleted skin.
Improves Skin Softness and Comfort
Ceramide NP is suitable for formulations intended to leave dry or rough skin feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable.
Suitable for Barrier-Focused Skincare
It is particularly useful in moisturisers formulated for dry, sensitive, mature or environmentally stressed skin.
Works at Low Concentrations
Pure Ceramide NP is generally used at relatively low levels, making it suitable for concentrated and premium skincare formulations.
Complements Other Skin Lipids
Ceramide NP can be combined with cholesterol, phytosphingosine and suitable free fatty acids when developing biomimetic skin-lipid systems.
Ceramide NP Technical Details and Characteristics
| Characteristic | Information |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Ceramide NP |
| Alternative name | Ceramide 3 |
| CAS number | 100403-19-8 |
| Ingredient type | Cosmetic barrier lipid |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Purity | 99.6% by HPLC-ELSD for the current batch |
| Water solubility | Insoluble |
| Oil solubility | Limited solubility in many cosmetic oils; requires a suitable heated lipid or emulsifier system |
| Typical starting use level | 0.05–0.50% |
| Processing phase | Heated oil or lipid phase |
| General processing temperature | Approximately 85–90°C |
| pH compatibility | Used within normal cosmetic pH ranges; confirm against the manufacturer’s TDS and finished-product testing |
| Function | Skin conditioning, moisturising and barrier support |
| Direct skin application | No – incorporate into a properly formulated cosmetic product |
How to Incorporate Ceramide NP into Cosmetic Formulations
Pure Ceramide NP is insoluble in water and has limited solubility in many conventional cosmetic oils.
It should not be described as simply oil-soluble. It should also not be added directly to water, glycerine, a completed cold emulsion or the cool-down phase.
Successful incorporation normally requires a carefully selected combination of emollients, fatty alcohols, lipids and non-ionic emulsifiers.
General Heated Oil-Phase Method
- Accurately weigh the required quantity of Ceramide NP.
- Prepare the formulation’s complete oil phase using the selected emollients, fatty alcohols, lipids and non-ionic emulsifiers.
- Add the Ceramide NP to the oil phase before emulsification.
- Heat the oil phase gradually to approximately 85–90°C while mixing continuously.
- Continue mixing until the Ceramide NP is uniformly incorporated and no visible particles remain.
- Prepare the water phase separately and heat it to the temperature required by the selected emulsification system.
- Keep the oil phase at the required processing temperature until emulsification. Allowing it to cool prematurely may cause the Ceramide NP to precipitate.
- Combine the oil and water phases according to the instructions for the selected emulsifier.
- Homogenise thoroughly to create a uniform emulsion.
- Cool under continuous, controlled stirring.
- Add the preservative and other heat-sensitive ingredients at their appropriate cool-down temperatures.
- Check and adjust the finished-product pH as required.
- Examine the completed formulation for undissolved particles or graininess.
- Conduct stability testing at room temperature, refrigerated temperature and elevated temperature to check for delayed recrystallisation.
Important Solubility Information
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride may be included as an emollient or carrier within the wider oil phase. However, it is predominantly lipophilic and should not be described as a polar solvent or as a guaranteed solvent for pure Ceramide NP.
The ability of an oil phase to maintain Ceramide NP depends on the complete combination of:
- Emollients
- Fatty alcohols
- Emulsifiers
- Co-emulsifiers
- Other skin lipids
- Ceramide concentration
- Processing temperature
- Cooling process
There is no universal carrier-to-Ceramide NP ratio that can be recommended without manufacturer solubility data and formulation testing.
How to Confirm Successful Incorporation
Before emulsification, inspect the heated oil phase carefully.
The oil phase should be uniform and should not contain visible white particles, clumps or sediment. A uniformly hazy appearance may be acceptable in some complex oil phases, but visible solid particles indicate that the Ceramide NP has not been successfully incorporated.
If visible particles remain:
- Do not assume that additional high-shear mixing will dissolve them
- Do not transfer the undissolved material into the water phase
- Review the oil and emulsifier system
- Reduce the Ceramide NP concentration if appropriate
- Use a manufacturer-validated solubilising system
- Consider using a pre-dispersed or encapsulated ceramide ingredient
High-shear mixing can improve distribution, but it cannot replace proper solubilisation.
Preventing Recrystallisation
Pure Ceramide NP may appear incorporated when hot but recrystallise as the formulation cools or during storage.
Recrystallisation may appear as:
- White specks
- Sediment
- A gritty or sandy texture
- Crystals around the container
- Haze developing over time
- Changes in viscosity or texture
To reduce the risk:
- Use a suitable lipid and emulsifier system
- Ensure the Ceramide NP is uniformly incorporated before emulsification
- Keep both phases at the required processing temperature
- Avoid allowing the oil phase to cool before emulsification
- Maintain controlled mixing during cooling
- Avoid exceeding the solubilising capacity of the oil phase
- Perform refrigerated, room-temperature and elevated-temperature stability testing
- Recheck the product after several weeks, as crystallisation may be delayed
Suitable Use Levels
A practical starting range for pure Ceramide NP is 0.05–0.50%.
Example development levels include:
- 0.05–0.10%: Lightweight moisturisers and daily lotions
- 0.10–0.30%: Barrier-support face creams and richer moisturisers
- 0.30–0.50%: Intensive creams, balms and advanced lipid formulations
These are formulation starting points rather than guaranteed use levels for every product.
Higher concentrations may require a specialised solubilising, emulsification or delivery system. The final concentration must be supported by the manufacturer’s technical data, formulation trials, stability testing and finished-product safety assessment.
Compatible Cosmetic Ingredients
Ceramide NP may be formulated alongside:
- Cholesterol
- Phytosphingosine
- Stearic acid and other suitable fatty acids
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Squalane
- Fatty alcohols such as cetearyl, cetyl or stearyl alcohol
- Hydrogenated lecithin and phospholipids
- Polyglyceryl emulsifiers
- Glyceryl Stearate
- Other suitable non-ionic emulsifiers
- Niacinamide
- Panthenol
- Ectoin
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Glycerine
- Skin-compatible oils and emollients
Including a compatible ingredient does not guarantee that Ceramide NP will dissolve or remain stable. The complete formulation must be evaluated.
Combining Ceramide NP with Cholesterol and Fatty Acids
Ceramide NP is often combined with cholesterol and free fatty acids when developing biomimetic barrier formulations.
However, there is no single universal weight ratio suitable for every cosmetic formula. Ratios described in scientific research may be expressed as molar ratios and should not automatically be copied as weight percentages.
The appropriate combination depends on:
- The selected ceramide
- The molecular weights of the lipids
- The total oil-phase composition
- The emulsifier system
- The intended product texture
- The processing method
- The required stability
Small-scale formulation trials should be completed before producing larger batches.
Where Is Ceramide NP Found in Skincare Products?
Barrier Creams
Ceramide NP is commonly used in rich face and body creams developed to support moisture retention and skin comfort.
Facial Moisturisers
Low concentrations can be incorporated into daily moisturisers for dry, sensitive or mature-looking skin.
Night Creams
Ceramide NP is suitable for nourishing night creams containing complementary emollients and skin lipids.
Hand and Foot Creams
It can be incorporated into intensive products formulated for rough, dry or frequently washed skin.
Lip Products
Ceramide NP may be used in lip balms and lip masks, provided it is uniformly incorporated and remains stable within the anhydrous base.
Scalp and Hair Products
Ceramide NP may also be used in conditioning formulations intended to support the scalp and improve the feel of dry or damaged hair.
Storage and Handling
Store Ceramide NP tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Protect from:
- Strong light
- Excessive heat
- Moisture
- Contamination during handling
Use clean, dry equipment and avoid leaving the container open for extended periods.
Current Batch Information
- Batch number: LYPH260706
- Manufacturing date: 6 July 2026
- Expiry date: 5 July 2028
- Shelf life: 24 months
- Purity: 99.6% by HPLC-ELSD
- Appearance: White powder
Regulatory and Formulation Notice
Ceramide NP is supplied as a cosmetic raw material for use in cosmetic formulation. It is not a finished cosmetic product and must not be applied directly to the skin in its undiluted form.
The purchaser, formulator or Responsible Person is responsible for determining the appropriate concentration and confirming:
- Ingredient compatibility
- Finished-product stability
- Preservation and microbiological safety
- Packaging compatibility
- Product labelling
- Safety assessment
- Suitability of intended cosmetic claims
- Compliance with applicable UK and EU cosmetic regulations
Products placed on the UK or EU market must have the appropriate Cosmetic Product Safety Report, Product Information File, notification and compliant labelling.
Technical Documents
A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is available for the current stock.
The manufacturer’s Technical Data Sheet should be consulted for grade-specific solubility, processing temperature and recommended-use information when available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ceramide NP water-soluble?
No. Pure Ceramide NP is insoluble in water.
Is Ceramide NP oil-soluble?
Ceramide NP has limited solubility in many conventional cosmetic oils. It requires a carefully selected heated lipid and emulsifier system rather than simple addition to an oil.
Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride a solvent for Ceramide NP?
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride may be used as an emollient or carrier within the oil phase, but it should not be assumed to dissolve pure Ceramide NP on its own. The complete lipid and emulsifier system must be evaluated.
Can Ceramide NP be dissolved in glycerine?
No. Glycerine is not a suitable solvent for pure Ceramide NP.
Can I add Ceramide NP during cool-down?
Pure Ceramide NP should not normally be added directly during cool-down. It is unlikely to incorporate uniformly and may produce visible particles or graininess.
Why are there white particles in my finished cream?
White particles or a gritty texture may indicate incomplete incorporation or recrystallisation. Review the lipid system, emulsifiers, processing temperature, Ceramide NP concentration and cooling process.
Can Ceramide NP be used in a water-based serum?
Pure Ceramide NP cannot simply be dissolved in a water-based serum. A specialised solubilisation, encapsulation or emulsification system is required. A pre-dispersed or encapsulated ceramide ingredient may be more appropriate for a cold-process serum.
Is Ceramide NP the same as Ceramide 3?
Ceramide NP is the current INCI name commonly associated with the ingredient previously known as Ceramide 3.
Can Ceramide NP be applied directly to the skin?
No. This product is a concentrated cosmetic raw material and must be incorporated into a properly assessed finished formulation.
Is this Ceramide NP natural or vegan?
Natural-origin, fermentation-derived or vegan claims should only be made when supported by specific documentation from the manufacturer.