Common Name(s): Ceramide 4,n-2-hydroxy-fatty acid-sphingosine
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Contributes to barrier lamellar body structure through unique hydrogen bonding capacity from 2-hydroxy fatty acid.
Why It's Used: Part of comprehensive ceramide barrier repair complexes providing the ceramide ns structural position in the lamellar body.
How It Works: 2-hydroxy fatty acid modification enables additional hydrogen bonding between adjacent ceramide headgroups in lamellar bilayers, contributing to barrier structural stability and impermeability.
Typically Found In: Ceramide complexes,barrier repair products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ ceramide / barrier lipid
Secondary Functions: Barrier architecture,tewl reduction
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Synthetic or phytoceramides (wheat, konjac). verify source for vegan/halal. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Endogenous molecule; excellent tolerability.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. natural skin component. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Other ceramides,cholesterol,free fatty acids,hyaluronic acid,niacinamide
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
The 2-hydroxy fatty acid in ceramide ns participates in hydrogen bonding networks that increase the crystalline packing order of lamellar body bilayers. higher crystalline order correlates directly with lower tewl (transepidermal water loss) and superior barrier integrity.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,elias ceramide review,bouwstra stratum corneum lipid structure