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Ceramide NP

Ceramide NP suppliers and sourcing guide

Ceramide NP is a ceramide made of phytosphingosine joined to a non-hydroxy fatty acid, typically stearic acid. Commercial material is usually produced by fermenting yeast to make phytosphingosine, then acylating it with the fatty acid and purifying the product. It is a white, waxy powder with a high melting point that does not dissolve in water and dissolves poorly in most oils, so brands buy either the neat powder or supplier pre-dispersions and liposomal or emulsion concentrates.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
ceramide 3 · N-stearoyl phytosphingosine · CAS 100403-19-8
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of ceramide NP

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Neat powder

    High-purity ceramide NP powder, which must be melted into the hot oil phase with suitable solvents to dissolve.

  • Pre-dispersed concentrates

    Ceramide NP pre-dissolved or dispersed with emollients, emulsifiers or other lipids at a stated ceramide percentage.

  • Lipid complexes

    Blends of ceramides with cholesterol and fatty acids, sold under trade names; the ceramide content and full composition should be on the COA.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (HPLC)
Ceramide NP content by HPLC with a suitable detector, with other ceramides reported if present.
Melting range
Melting point or range, which helps confirm identity and purity.
Acid value
Acid value, which reflects free fatty acid left from the acylation step.
Residual solvents
Solvents used in purification, by headspace GC.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, especially for water-containing dispersions.
Heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store neat ceramide NP in a closed container in a cool, dry place; it is chemically stable. Aqueous dispersions and liposomal concentrates need the temperature range the supplier states and should not be frozen unless permitted. Shelf life comes from the supplier specification.

Lots and expiry dates

For concentrates, record the actual ceramide percentage of each lot to set use levels. For neat powder, note the assay and melting range and rotate oldest first.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Ceramide NP suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking ceramide NP suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of ceramide NP can brands buy?

Common forms include neat powder, pre-dispersed concentrates and lipid complexes. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for ceramide NP include?

Expect assay (HPLC), melting range, acid value, residual solvents, microbiology and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should ceramide NP be stored?

Store neat ceramide NP in a closed container in a cool, dry place; it is chemically stable. Aqueous dispersions and liposomal concentrates need the temperature range the supplier states and should not be frozen unless permitted. Shelf life comes from the supplier specification.

What is the regulatory status of ceramide NP?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ceramide NP (common names ceramide 3 and ceramide NP) as an approved ingredient for topical use only, up to 0.2%, citing CIR. The same entry lists hair-conditioning agent and skin-conditioning agent as its non-medicinal purposes.

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