Ceramide NPS (Ceramide NS / Ceramide 2) — Saturated Sphinganine-Backbone Ceramide with Stearic Acid Supplier
Ceramide NPS (N-Stearoyl-sphinganine, CAS 2304-81-6, C36H73NO3, MW ~568 g/mol) — the “saturated backbone” ceramide: sphinganine (dihydrosphingosine) + stearic acid (C18:0) for superior oxidative stability, tighter lamellar lipid packing, and enhanced water-resistant barrier function. The defining structural feature: sphinganine lacks the C4-C5 trans double bond present in sphingosine-based ceramides — eliminating the primary oxidation site and enabling denser, more ordered lipid bilayer packing (melting point 90-100°C vs 75-85°C for Ceramide NP). This makes Ceramide NPS the “anchoring” ceramide for water-resistant, high-temperature-stable, and occlusive barrier formulations. Available in cosmetic grade (≥98% HPLC) and premium grade (≥99% HPLC). ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO certified. Bulk manufacturer and wholesale supplier — premium Ceramide NPS from UPOR Biotech, with the longest safety record of any bioidentical ceramide (30+ years).
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Ceramide NPS (INCI: Ceramide NPS or Ceramide NS, N-Stearoyl-D-erythro-sphinganine, CAS 2304-81-6, C36H73NO3, MW ~568 g/mol) is a bioidentical ceramide built on a sphinganine (dihydrosphingosine) backbone with N-linked stearic acid (C18:0) — historically designated as Ceramide 2, one of the first commercially available bioidentical ceramides with a 30+ year safety record in cosmetics. To understand Ceramide NPS’s unique position, it is essential to distinguish the three ceramide backbone types used in cosmetic formulations. Sphingosine (used in Ceramide NP, historically Ceramide 3) contains a C18 chain with two hydroxyl groups (C1, C3), a C4-C5 trans double bond, and an N-linked fatty acid — the double bond is the weak point: it is susceptible to oxidative degradation (lipid peroxidation) during formulation, storage, and on-skin wear, producing rancidity and reducing shelf life. Phytosphingosine (used in Ceramide NP, historically Ceramide 3 — note the nomenclature overlap; modern INCI distinguishes by fatty acid) contains a C18 chain with three hydroxyl groups (C1, C3, C4) and no double bonds — the additional C4-OH enables stronger hydrogen bonding with water molecules, improving hydration and skin smoothing, but the steric bulk at C4 slightly disrupts tight lateral packing in the lamellar bilayer, resulting in a lower melting point (75-85°C) and higher permeability. Sphinganine (used in Ceramide NPS) contains a C18 chain with two hydroxyl groups (C1, C3) and a fully saturated hydrocarbon chain — no C4-C5 double bond, no C4-OH. This is the structural sweet spot: two hydroxyls provide sufficient hydrogen bonding for bilayer integration without the steric disruption of a third OH group, and the fully saturated backbone eliminates the oxidative liability entirely. The result is tighter, more ordered lipid packing in the stratum corneum lamellar bilayer — sphinganine-based ceramides pack more densely than either sphingosine-based (double bond creates a kink that disrupts packing) or phytosphingosine-based (C4-OH steric hindrance) ceramides. This tighter packing produces a higher melting point (90-100°C), lower water permeability, and superior occlusion — making Ceramide NPS the “anchoring” ceramide that locks the barrier in place. The stearic acid (C18:0) moiety is critically important: stearic acid is the most abundant free fatty acid in the human skin barrier, and Ceramide NPS directly mirrors this natural composition — no other ceramide more faithfully replicates the skin’s endogenous lipid profile. Manufactured via fermentation-derived sphinganine (sustainable, Non-GMO yeast fermentation) followed by stearic acid amidation, producing a fully synthetic yet bioidentical molecule indistinguishable from endogenous human Ceramide NS. Verified by FTIR (amide I at ~1640 cm⁻¹, amide II at ~1550 cm⁻¹; no C=C stretching absorption at ~970 cm⁻¹ — confirming the saturated backbone), iodine value (≤1 g I₂/100g), and negative Baeyer (KMnO₄) permanganate test.
As a leading Ceramide NPS manufacturer and bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides high-purity Ceramide NPS powder for B2B cosmetic brands, contract manufacturers, sunscreen and outdoor product formulators, and private-label skincare companies worldwide. Ceramide NPS’s saturated backbone makes it the preferred ceramide for water-resistant formulations — the tighter lipid packing directly reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and enhances water repellency at the stratum corneum level, without relying on film-forming polymers. Its high melting point (90-100°C) ensures lamellar integrity in sunscreens, summer skincare products, and formulations exposed to elevated temperatures during shipping to hot-climate markets — a critical stability advantage over lower-melting ceramides that can phase-separate in high-heat conditions. The 30+ year safety record of Ceramide 2-type ceramides provides regulatory confidence and consumer trust — this is the most extensively studied bioidentical ceramide class in cosmetic history. OEM and private label formulations available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. Every shipment includes full documentation: COA, MSDS, HPLC chromatogram, FTIR spectrum, and stability data.
Ceramide NPS vs Ceramide NP — Saturated (Sphinganine) vs Tri-Hydroxy (Phytosphingosine) Backbone: Why the Saturated Backbone Enables Tighter Lipid Packing for Water-Resistant Barrier Protection
Comparing the two leading bioidentical ceramide backbones reveals complementary — not competitive — barrier functions rooted in their distinct hydroxylation and saturation profiles. Ceramide NPS (sphinganine backbone, 2 OH groups, fully saturated) achieves the tightest possible lateral lipid packing in the stratum corneum lamellar bilayer. With only two hydroxyl groups and zero double bonds, the sphinganine hydrocarbon chains can align in a dense, crystalline-like orthorhombic packing arrangement — producing a higher melting point (90-100°C vs 75-85°C for NP), lower water permeability, and superior oxidative stability (no C4-C5 double bond = no lipid peroxidation site). This makes NPS the “anchoring” ceramide — it locks the barrier in place, reduces TEWL, and provides inherent water resistance without film-forming additives. Ceramide NP (phytosphingosine backbone, 3 OH groups, no double bonds) introduces a third hydroxyl at C4 — this additional hydrogen-bonding site enhances water binding and skin hydration but introduces steric hindrance that slightly loosens lateral packing, yielding a lower melting point and higher permeability. NP excels at moisture retention, skin smoothing, and sensitive skin compatibility — but does not match NPS’s occlusive water-barrier performance. The optimal formulation strategy: Ceramide NPS (occlusion/water resistance) + Ceramide NP (hydration/moisture binding) + Cholesterol + Free Fatty Acids at the skin-identical molar ratio — providing comprehensive barrier repair that addresses both water loss (NPS tight packing) and water binding (NP hydration) simultaneously. For sunscreens, outdoor products, water-resistant claims, and hot-climate formulations, Ceramide NPS is the technically superior choice.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ceramide NPS (Ceramide NS / Ceramide 2 Type) — Saturated Sphinganine-Backbone Ceramide with Stearic Acid |
| INCI Name | Ceramide NPS (or Ceramide NS) |
| Common Names / Synonyms | Ceramide NS; Ceramide NPS; N-Stearoyl-sphinganine; N-Stearoyl-D-erythro-sphinganine; Ceramide 2 (historical designation); Stearoyl Sphinganine; D-erythro-Ceramide NS; N-Stearoyl-D-erythro-dihydrosphingosine |
| CAS Number | 2304-81-6 (N-Stearoyl-sphinganine / Ceramide NS primary CAS) |
| Molecular Formula | C36H73NO3 (typical — C18 stearic acid + C18 sphinganine backbone) |
| Molecular Weight | ~568 g/mol (typical, C18 stearic acid + C18 sphinganine) |
| Source | Synthetic (bioidentical) — fermentation-derived sphinganine (Non-GMO yeast) + stearic acid amidation |
| Backbone Type | Sphinganine (dihydrosphingosine) — saturated C18 backbone with 2 hydroxyl groups (C1, C3); NO C4-C5 trans double bond; NO C4-OH group |
| Sphinganine Backbone Purity | ≥95% (HPLC, sphinganine content in the ceramide backbone) |
| Stearic Acid Composition | C18:0 ≥85% (GC-FID, fatty acid profile of the N-linked acyl chain) |
| Key Structural Differentiator | Saturated backbone — sphinganine lacks the C4-C5 trans double bond present in sphingosine-based ceramides. No unsaturation = no oxidative degradation site. Two OH groups (vs phytosphingosine’s three) = tighter, more ordered lateral lipid packing in the lamellar bilayer. |
| C4-C5 Double Bond Absence — Iodine Value | ≤1 g I₂/100g (confirms saturated — no measurable unsaturation; sphingosine-based ceramides typically show iodine value 20-40) |
| C4-C5 Double Bond Absence — Baeyer Test | Negative permanganate test (KMnO₄) — no decolorization of purple KMnO₄ solution, confirming absence of C=C bonds |
| FTIR Confirmation — Amide Bands | Amide I band at ~1640 cm⁻¹ (C=O stretch) and Amide II band at ~1550 cm⁻¹ (N-H bend + C-N stretch) — characteristic ceramide amide linkage confirmed |
| FTIR Confirmation — Saturated Backbone | No C=C stretching absorption at ~970 cm⁻¹ (trans =C-H out-of-plane bending) — confirms absence of the C4-C5 trans double bond; saturated sphinganine backbone verified |
| Melting Point | 90 – 100°C (higher than Ceramide NP at 75–85°C — tighter lipid packing from saturated sphinganine backbone with 2 OH groups) |
| Key Functional Advantage | Saturated sphinganine backbone provides superior oxidative stability (no rancidity), tighter lamellar lipid packing (lower water permeability), higher melting point (thermal stability), and enhanced water-resistant barrier function — the “anchoring” ceramide for occlusive formulations |
| Appearance | White to off-white fine powder |
| Assay (Cosmetic Grade) | ≥98.0% (HPLC, area normalization) |
| Assay (Premium Grade) | ≥99.0% (HPLC, area normalization) |
| Identification | HPLC retention time matches Ceramide NS reference standard; FTIR spectrum conforms to reference (amide I/II present, no C=C at ~970 cm⁻¹); TLC single spot (Rf matches reference) |
| Loss on Drying | ≤1.0% (105°C, 2 hours) |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤10 ppm (as Pb) |
| Elemental Impurities | Pb ≤2 ppm; As ≤1 ppm; Hg ≤1 ppm; Cd ≤1 ppm (ICH Q3D compliant) |
| Microbial Limits | TAMC ≤100 CFU/g; TYMC ≤10 CFU/g (USP <61> / EP <2.6.12>); Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) — Absent in 10 g (USP <62> / EP <2.6.13>) |
| Residual Solvents | ICH Q3C / USP <467> Class 3 compliant |
| Recommended Usage | 0.1 – 1.0% in leave-on formulations. 0.1–0.5% for barrier reinforcement; 0.5–1.0% for water-resistant and high-temperature-stable formulations. Lipophilic — pre-dissolve in oil phase at 70–80°C. |
| Grade / Standards | Cosmetic Grade (≥98% HPLC) / Premium Grade (≥99% HPLC) |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA Facility Registration, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO, BSE/TSE-Free |
| Packaging | 1 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg sealed aluminum foil bags with PE liner; 25 kg fiber drums with double PE liner |
| Storage | 15 – 25°C, tightly sealed in original container, protect from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | 3 years from date of manufacture under recommended storage conditions |
Key Benefits — Ceramide NPS
Saturated Sphinganine Backbone — Superior Oxidative Stability, Zero Rancidity Risk
Ceramide NPS’s sphinganine backbone contains no C4-C5 trans double bond — the primary oxidation site in sphingosine-based ceramides. Verified by iodine value (≤1 g I₂/100g), negative Baeyer permanganate test, and FTIR (no C=C stretch at ~970 cm⁻¹). Eliminates lipid peroxidation during formulation, storage, and on-skin wear — extended shelf life without antioxidant loading.
Oxidation-ProofTighter Lipid Packing — Enhanced Water-Resistant Barrier & TEWL Reduction
The saturated sphinganine backbone with only 2 hydroxyl groups enables the densest possible lateral lipid packing in the stratum corneum lamellar bilayer — no double-bond kinks, no C4-OH steric hindrance. Melting point 90-100°C (vs 75-85°C for NP) confirms tighter orthorhombic packing. Measurable TEWL reduction and inherent water repellency without film-forming polymers.
Water-Resistant BarrierHigh-Temperature Stability — Sunscreen & Hot-Climate Formulation Confidence
Melting point of 90-100°C ensures lamellar integrity in sunscreens, summer skincare, and products shipped to or stored in hot climates. Ceramide NPS resists phase separation and maintains barrier performance at temperatures where lower-melting ceramides (NP at 75-85°C) can lose structural organization. The preferred ceramide for outdoor and UV-protection formulations.
Heat-Stable to 100°C30+ Year Safety Record — The Original Bioidentical Ceramide with Stearic Acid
Ceramide NPS (historically Ceramide 2) is one of the first commercially available bioidentical ceramides — the longest safety record in cosmetic dermatology (30+ years). The stearic acid (C18:0) moiety directly mirrors the most abundant free fatty acid in the human skin barrier. Fermentation-derived sphinganine, Non-GMO, HALAL, KOSHER certified.
30+ Year LegacyApplications
Water-Resistant Sunscreens & Outdoor Skincare
Ceramide NPS at 0.5-1.0% in water-resistant sunscreen formulations, outdoor day creams, and sport skincare products. The saturated backbone’s tighter lipid packing provides inherent water repellency and TEWL reduction at the stratum corneum level, enhancing water-resistance claims without relying solely on film-forming polymers. OEM and private label formulations available.
High-Temperature-Stable Barrier Creams & Summer Formulations
High melting point (90-100°C) ensures lamellar integrity in formulations exposed to elevated temperatures during shipping, storage, and consumer use in hot climates. Ideal for summer skincare lines, tropical-market products, and formulations requiring thermal stability throughout the supply chain.
Occlusive Barrier Repair — Atopic & Compromised Skin
Ceramide NPS at 0.5-1.0% with cholesterol and free fatty acids at the skin-identical 1:1:1 or 3:1:1 molar ratio for atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and severely compromised barrier conditions. The superior occlusive properties reduce TEWL and protect against environmental insult during barrier recovery.
Anti-Aging & Mature Skin — Long-Wear Barrier Protection
Ceramide NPS at 0.1-0.5% in anti-aging moisturizers, night creams, and long-wear barrier formulations for mature skin with intrinsically reduced ceramide synthesis. The saturated backbone’s oxidative stability ensures barrier-active ceramide remains intact throughout the product’s wear time — no degradation, sustained TEWL reduction.
Professional & Dermatologist-Dispensed Barrier Therapeutics
Premium-grade Ceramide NPS (≥99% HPLC) with full FTIR and purity documentation for dermatologist-dispensed barrier repair products, professional post-procedure aftercare, and clinical-grade compromised-skin formulations. Complete lot traceability from fermentation batch to finished product.
Combination Ceramide Systems — NPS + NP + Cholesterol + Fatty Acids
Ceramide NPS (occlusion/water resistance) combined with Ceramide NP (hydration/moisture binding), cholesterol, and free fatty acids at the skin-identical molar ratio for comprehensive barrier restoration. Covers both water-loss prevention (NPS tight packing) and water-binding (NP hydration) in a single biomimetic system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramide NPS (Ceramide NS, CAS 2304-81-6, N-Stearoyl-sphinganine, C36H73NO3, MW ~568 g/mol) is a bioidentical ceramide built on a sphinganine (dihydrosphingosine) backbone with N-linked stearic acid (C18:0). The defining structural feature is the saturated sphinganine backbone — sphinganine lacks the C4-C5 trans double bond present in sphingosine (the Ceramide NP backbone). This saturation provides three key advantages: (1) No oxidative degradation at the double bond — Ceramide NPS resists oxidation during formulation, storage, and on-skin wear, giving it superior chemical stability versus sphingosine-based ceramides. Verified by FTIR (no C=C stretch at ~970 cm⁻¹), iodine value (≤1 g I₂/100g), and negative Baeyer permanganate test. (2) Tighter lipid packing in the stratum corneum lamellar bilayer — the fully saturated hydrocarbon chains pack more densely (no double-bond kinks, no C4-OH steric hindrance), producing a higher melting point (90-100°C vs 75-85°C for Ceramide NP) and lower water permeability. (3) The stearic acid (C18:0) moiety directly mirrors the most abundant free fatty acid in the human skin barrier — Ceramide NPS is the ceramide that most faithfully replicates the skin’s natural lipid composition. UPOR Biotech provides both cosmetic (≥98% HPLC) and premium (≥99% HPLC) grades with full analytical documentation.
Ceramide NPS delivers three formulation-critical benefits for water-resistant and high-temperature-stable products: (1) Water-resistant barrier protection — the tighter, more ordered lamellar packing from the saturated sphinganine backbone reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) more effectively than sphingosine-based ceramides. NPS provides inherent water repellency at the stratum corneum level without relying on film-forming polymers — making it ideal for water-resistant sunscreen claims, outdoor skincare, and sport formulations. (2) High-temperature stability — with a melting point of 90-100°C (versus 75-85°C for Ceramide NP), NPS maintains lamellar structural integrity in sunscreens, summer skincare, and products exposed to elevated temperatures during shipping to hot-climate markets. Lower-melting ceramides can phase-separate and lose barrier function under these conditions. (3) Oxidation resistance = extended shelf life — no C4-C5 double bond means no lipid peroxidation, no rancidity, and no antioxidant dependency. These three properties together make Ceramide NPS the preferred ceramide for outdoor/sunscreen formulations, water-resistant claims, and products destined for hot-climate markets — where competing ceramides fall short on thermal stability or oxidative robustness.
Ceramide NPS is typically used at 0.1–1.0% in leave-on formulations, comparable to Ceramide NP. However, due to its superior stability and tighter packing efficiency, NPS can often achieve equivalent barrier reinforcement at the lower end of this range: 0.1–0.5% for general barrier maintenance and anti-aging, and 0.5–1.0% for water-resistant, high-temperature-stable, and occlusive barrier repair formulations. NPS is lipophilic — pre-dissolve in the oil phase at 70–80°C with moderate stirring (its higher melting point requires slightly elevated processing temperature vs NP at 65–75°C). Fully compatible with cholesterol and free fatty acids at the skin-identical molar ratio (ceramide:cholesterol:fatty acid = 1:1:1 for normal skin or 3:1:1 for compromised barrier). For sunscreen and outdoor products, NPS at 0.5% provides measurable TEWL reduction and water resistance enhancement without affecting SPF performance or UV-filter compatibility. Pro tip: combine NPS 0.3% + NP 0.3% for complementary occlusion (NPS) and hydration (NP) in a single barrier repair system.
The fundamental structural difference — sphinganine vs phytosphingosine backbone — determines their distinct and complementary functional profiles. Ceramide NPS (sphinganine backbone): 2 OH groups (C1, C3), fully saturated chain, zero double bonds. Two hydroxyls = less lateral hydrogen bonding between adjacent ceramides = hydrocarbon chains can pack more tightly in an orthorhombic arrangement = higher melting point (90-100°C) = superior water barrier and oxidation resistance. NPS is the “anchoring” ceramide — it locks the lamellar bilayer in a dense, low-permeability state ideal for occlusion and water resistance. Ceramide NP (phytosphingosine backbone): 3 OH groups (C1, C3, C4), fully saturated chain, zero double bonds. Three hydroxyls = additional C4-OH hydrogen bonding = better water molecule binding and skin hydration BUT the C4-OH introduces steric hindrance that slightly disrupts tight lateral packing = lower melting point (75-85°C) = higher permeability. NP excels at moisture retention, skin smoothing, and sensitive skin compatibility. Both ceramides are essential, not interchangeable — the optimal formulation strategy combines them: NPS for occlusion/water resistance + NP for hydration/moisture binding + cholesterol + free fatty acids at the skin-identical molar ratio. For sunscreens, outdoor products, water-resistant claims, and hot-climate stability — NPS is the technically superior single-ceramide choice.
Every shipment of Ceramide NPS includes comprehensive documentation: COA (HPLC purity ≥98% cosmetic or ≥99% premium, full impurity profile, sphinganine backbone purity ≥95%, stearic acid C18:0 composition ≥85% by GC-FID, iodine value ≤1 g I₂/100g, negative permanganate test, FTIR confirmation with peak assignment — amide I at ~1640 cm⁻¹ / amide II at ~1550 cm⁻¹ and absence of C=C stretch at ~970 cm⁻¹, melting point range, heavy metals ≤10 ppm with Pb ≤2 ppm / As ≤1 ppm / Hg ≤1 ppm / Cd ≤1 ppm, microbial panel per USP <61>/<62>), MSDS, HPLC Chromatogram (signed and dated), FTIR Spectrum (with full peak assignment table), Certificate of Origin, BSE/TSE-Free Statement, Non-GMO Statement, Allergen Statement, HALAL Certificate, KOSHER Certificate, ISO 22000 + HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, FDA Facility Registration, Stability Data (25°C/60%RH real-time 36-month and 40°C/75%RH accelerated 6-month), and Complete Lot Traceability from fermentation batch to finished product. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. MOQ: 1 kg. All documents provided in English. Custom documentation packages available upon request for regulatory submissions.