Ceramide NG
[CAS# 2304-80-5]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Amino compound >> Amide compound
• Name: Ceramide NG
• Synonyms: C18 Dihydroceramide; N-octodecanoylsphinganine; N-[(2S,3R)-1,3-dihydroxyoctadecan-2-yl]octadecanamide
• Molecular Formula: C₃₆H₇₃NO₃
• Molecular Weight: 567.97
• CAS Registry Number: 2304-80-5
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)N[C@@H](CO)[C@@H](CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC)O

Properties

• Density: 0.9±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Boiling point: 694.8±45.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 374.0±28.7 °C (Calc.)^*
• Index of refraction: 1.474 (Calc.)^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P270-P271-P280-P301+P312-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P330-P332+P313-P337+P313-P362-P403+P233-P405-P501

Discovery and Applications

Ceramide NG is a member of the ceramide family of lipids, which are essential components of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human skin. Ceramides are sphingolipids composed of a long-chain sphingoid base (such as sphingosine or phytosphingosine) amide-linked to a fatty acid. Ceramide NG, specifically, is composed of N-stearoylphytosphingosine, meaning it features phytosphingosine as the sphingoid base and stearic acid (octadecanoic acid) as the fatty acid component. This structure is analogous to ceramide III in the official International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) classification.

Ceramide NG was first identified during detailed lipid analyses of human skin, particularly in studies aimed at understanding the barrier function of the epidermis. It is now synthesized and incorporated into cosmetic and dermatological products due to its excellent biocompatibility and function in restoring skin barrier integrity. The synthesis of ceramide NG often involves the amidation of phytosphingosine with stearic acid, which can be accomplished via enzymatic or chemical means, and the resulting product is a white to off-white waxy solid, typically used in topical formulations.

The primary role of ceramide NG in the skin is to support the formation and maintenance of the lipid matrix in the stratum corneum. This matrix is critical for preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and protecting against environmental insults, including pathogens and irritants. Ceramide NG’s phytosphingosine backbone provides it with three hydroxyl groups and one amine group, which facilitate hydrogen bonding and contribute to the dense, organized lipid lamellae of the epidermis. The stearic acid moiety provides the necessary hydrophobicity and tail length required for optimal lipid bilayer packing.

Ceramide NG is widely used in cosmetic science and dermatology for its proven efficacy in enhancing skin hydration and barrier repair. Numerous clinical and in vitro studies have demonstrated that topical application of formulations containing ceramide NG can significantly improve symptoms of dry, sensitive, and damaged skin. It is particularly effective in managing conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and xerosis, where endogenous ceramide levels are often reduced. In such cases, ceramide NG helps to replenish deficient lipid pools and restore the normal lamellar structure of the stratum corneum.

The use of ceramide NG extends beyond moisturizers to include anti-aging creams, cleansers, and pharmaceutical skin treatments. Because of its biomimetic structure, ceramide NG is well-tolerated and integrates seamlessly into the skin’s natural lipid environment. This attribute makes it an ideal candidate for sensitive skin and post-procedure care, where minimal irritation and maximal barrier repair are desired. In addition, ceramide NG has been found to exhibit mild anti-inflammatory properties, likely due to the regulatory roles of phytosphingosine derivatives in cellular signaling.

From a formulation perspective, ceramide NG is often used in combination with other skin-identical lipids such as cholesterol and free fatty acids in specific ratios that mimic the natural composition of skin lipids. This approach enhances the penetration and efficacy of ceramide NG in repairing and maintaining the skin barrier. Due to its relatively high melting point and hydrophobic nature, ceramide NG is generally included in the oil phase of emulsions or encapsulated in delivery systems such as liposomes or nanocarriers to improve bioavailability and stability.

Ceramide NG also has potential research applications in studies of skin biochemistry and lipidomics. It serves as a standard for chromatographic analysis and helps in the understanding of lipid metabolism in health and disease. As the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries continue to explore advanced formulations for targeted skincare, ceramide NG remains a cornerstone ingredient for products focused on skin barrier restoration, moisturization, and anti-aging.

References

1997. Lipid biochemistry: functions of glycerolipids and sphingolipids in cellular signaling. FASEB Journal, 11(1).
DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.11.1.9034165

2008. 2-Hydroxy-ceramide synthesis by ceramide synthase family: enzymatic basis for the preference of FA chain length. Journal of Lipid Research, 49(11).
DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m800158-jlr200

2017. Vitamin D Supplementation Enhances C18(dihydro)ceramide Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Patients. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(7).
DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071532