Ceramide AP (formerly Ceramide 6 II) is a skin-identical ceramide composed of phytosphingosine and alpha-hydroxy fatty acid. It plays a critical role in the lamellar lipid structure of the stratum corneum, contributing to barrier integrity and moisture retention.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Skin-identical ceramide for barrier function
+ Contributes to lamellar lipid organization
+ Reduces TEWL and improves hydration
+ Smooths rough, dry skin texture
Pros
+ Critical component of healthy skin barrier
+ Synergistic with Ceramide NP in barrier creams
+ Non-irritating at any concentration
+ Evidence-based (part of physiological lipid mixtures)
Cons
− High cost
− Formulation challenges (crystallization risk)
− Limited solubility in water-based systems
− Less studied individually than as part of ceramide blends
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic (biotech)
Natural Level
Synthetic (nature-identical)
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
0/5 (none)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
1/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Japan (MHLW)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
ASEAN
No limit
No limit
Allowed
China (NMPA)
No limit
No limit
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Barrier repair cream
0.01 - 0.1%
Anti-aging serum
0.01 - 0.05%
References
Coderch L et al. (2003) — Ceramides and skin function. PMID: 12558511
Meckfessel MH & Brandt S (2014) — Ceramides structure and function. PMID: 25278987