Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3) Powder — Cosmetic Grade ≥98% HPLC | The Master Skin Barrier Lipid
Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3, INCI: Ceramide NP, N-Stearoyl-phytosphingosine, CAS 100403-19-8 / 34354-88-6, C36H73NO4, MW ~584 g/mol) — the dominant structural ceramide in human stratum corneum, constituting ~22% of total epidermal ceramides. The “master” skin barrier lipid that self-assembles with cholesterol and free fatty acids in a precise 1:1:1 molar ratio to form the lamellar lipid bilayer — the critical permeability barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and blocks exogenous irritants. Clinically proven: Ceramide NP supplementation reduces TEWL by 30-50% in atopic dermatitis (improved SCORAD scores), supports epidermal differentiation for anti-aging, and restores compromised barrier function in sensitive skin. Unlike passive occlusives (petrolatum, dimethicone), Ceramide NP actively integrates into and restores the endogenous lipid barrier. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO, COSMOS-compliant available. Bulk manufacturer and wholesale supplier — premium Ceramide NP from UPOR Biotech.
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Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3, INCI: Ceramide NP, N-Stearoyl-phytosphingosine, CAS 100403-19-8 / 34354-88-6, C36H73NO4 (typical), MW ~584 g/mol) is the dominant structural ceramide of the human stratum corneum and the cornerstone of the brick-and-mortar skin barrier model. In this model, protein-rich corneocytes are the “bricks” and the intercellular lipid matrix — composed of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids in a precisely regulated 1:1:1 molar ratio — is the “mortar” that seals the permeability barrier. Ceramide NP alone constitutes ~22% of total stratum corneum ceramides, making it the single most abundant ceramide subclass and the primary architect of the lamellar lipid bilayer that controls transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and blocks exogenous irritants, pathogens, and allergens. Its molecular architecture features a phytosphingosine backbone (C18 4-hydroxysphinganine) N-acylated with long-chain fatty acids — primarily stearic acid (C18:0, 60-80%), with minor palmitic (C16:0, 5-15%) and arachidic (C20:0, 5-15%) — connected through a stable amide bond that orients the molecule for optimal bilayer packing. UPOR Biotech produces Ceramide NP as a synthetic bioidentical via fermentation-derived phytosphingosine enzymatically amidated with high-purity fatty acids — delivering a molecule structurally and functionally identical to endogenous human Ceramide NP. Clinically, Ceramide NP supplementation reduces TEWL by 30-50% in atopic dermatitis patients (with corresponding SCORAD score improvements), supports epidermal differentiation and cornified envelope formation (upregulating involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin) for anti-aging benefits, and restores barrier integrity in sensitive and compromised skin. This clinical profile is grounded in pathophysiology — Ceramide NP levels decline by ~50% in aged skin (70+ vs 20s) and are significantly depleted in eczema and psoriasis, creating a direct therapeutic rationale for topical replenishment.
As a leading Ceramide NP manufacturer and bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides high-purity Ceramide NP powder for B2B cosmetic brands, dermocosmetic companies, contract manufacturers, and private-label formulators worldwide. The global barrier repair skincare market continues to expand rapidly — driven by rising atopic dermatitis prevalence (affecting 15-20% of children and 2-10% of adults worldwide) and consumer demand for microbiome-friendly, skin-identical lipid actives that work with skin biology rather than against it. Ceramide NP is microbiome-friendly — the phytosphingosine backbone exhibits selective antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria (S. aureus) while preserving commensal skin flora, making it ideal for probiotic and microbiome-balancing skincare concepts. OEM and private label formulations available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg. COSMOS-compliant grade available for natural and organic cosmetic certification. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. Every shipment includes full documentation: COA with HPLC-ELSD/CAD purity, FTIR spectrum, melting point certificate, MSDS, and stability data.
Ceramide NP vs Ceramide AP vs Ceramide EOP — The Skin Barrier Ceramide Hierarchy: Why Ceramide NP Is the Dominant Structural Ceramide (~22%) That Forms the Lamellar Lipid Bilayer
The three clinically validated skin-identical ceramides operate in a structural hierarchy within the stratum corneum lipid matrix — each with a distinct and complementary role. Ceramide NP (phytosphingosine + non-hydroxy fatty acid) is the dominant structural ceramide (~22% of total SC ceramides) and the primary architect of the lamellar lipid bilayer — it forms the repeating 13 nm lamellar phase (long periodicity phase, LPP) with cholesterol and free fatty acids that constitutes the core permeability barrier. Without adequate Ceramide NP, the lamellar bilayer collapses and barrier function fails. Ceramide AP (phytosphingosine + α-hydroxy fatty acid, ~8-10% of SC ceramides) provides lateral hydrogen bonding between adjacent ceramide molecules via its α-hydroxyl group — reinforcing bilayer cohesion and mechanical integrity but not forming the primary lamellar scaffold. Ceramide EOP (phytosphingosine + ester-linked ω-hydroxy fatty acid, ~5-8% of SC ceramides) is the ultra-long-chain ω-acylceramide (C28-C36 fatty acid) that covalently binds to corneocyte envelope proteins (involucrin, envoplakin, periplakin) via its ω-hydroxyl terminus — forming the corneocyte lipid envelope (CLE), the hydrophobic monolayer that coats each corneocyte and serves as the template on which the intercellular lipid lamellae assemble. The clinical formulation principle: Ceramide NP provides the lamellar scaffold, Ceramide AP reinforces lateral cohesion, and Ceramide EOP anchors the lipid matrix to corneocytes. For comprehensive barrier repair, the physiological ratio — Ceramide NP 50% : Ceramide AP 25% : Ceramide EOP 25% (with cholesterol and free fatty acids at 1:1:1 total lipid molar ratio) — represents the gold-standard biomimetic lipid system. UPOR Biotech supplies all three ceramide types individually and as custom pre-blended ceramide complexes optimized for specific barrier repair applications.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3) Powder — Cosmetic Grade (≥98% HPLC) |
| INCI Name | Ceramide NP |
| Common Name / Synonyms | Ceramide 3; Ceramide III; N-Stearoyl-phytosphingosine; N-(2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)heptadecyl)octadecanamide; Caprooyl Phytosphingosine (when C6 fatty acid) |
| CAS Number | 100403-19-8 / 34354-88-6 |
| Molecular Formula (Typical) | C36H73NO4 (varies by fatty acid chain length) |
| Molecular Weight (Typical) | ~584 g/mol (C18 stearic acid + C18 phytosphingosine) |
| Fatty Acid Composition | C16:0 (palmitic) 5–15%; C18:0 (stearic) 60–80%; C20:0 (arachidic) 5–15% |
| Phytosphingosine Backbone Purity | ≥98% (HPLC-ELSD/CAD); fermentation-derived, non-animal origin |
| Source | Synthetic bioidentical — fermentation-derived phytosphingosine + fatty acid enzymatic amidation. Identical to human stratum corneum Ceramide NP. |
| Key Advantage | Dominant structural skin barrier ceramide (~22% of SC ceramides). Forms lamellar lipid bilayer with cholesterol and free fatty acids (1:1:1 molar ratio). Clinically proven TEWL reduction 30-50%. Active barrier integration vs passive occlusion. |
| Appearance | White to off-white fine powder or waxy solid |
| Assay | ≥98% total ceramide NP (HPLC-ELSD/CAD, anhydrous basis) |
| Identification (HPLC) | Retention time matches Ceramide NP reference standard (C18 phytosphingosine + C18 stearic acid) |
| Identification (FTIR) | Amide I ~1640 cm-1 (C=O stretch); Amide II ~1550 cm-1 (N-H bend); OH ~3300 cm-1 (broad, phytosphingosine hydroxyl groups); CH2 ~2918/2850 cm-1 (asymmetric/symmetric stretch) |
| Melting Point | 85 – 95°C |
| Acid Value | ≤5 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 90 – 110 mg KOH/g |
| Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% (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 / USP <232> 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 | Ethanol ≤500 ppm; Ethyl acetate ≤500 ppm (ICH Q3C Class 3 compliant) |
| Recommended Usage | 0.1 – 1.0% in creams, serums, and lotions; 0.5% most common for barrier repair efficacy. Dissolve in oil phase at 80-90°C. Optimal with cholesterol + free fatty acids at 1:1:1 molar ratio. |
| Pseudo-Ceramide / Ceramide Complex Compatibility | Compatible with Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AS, and ceramide precursor blends (phytosphingosine + fatty acid systems). Custom pre-blended ceramide complexes available. |
| Grade / Standards | Cosmetic Grade (≥98% HPLC-ELSD/CAD); Premium/Research Grade (≥99%) available upon request |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA Facility Registration, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO, COSMOS-compliant available |
| Packaging | 1 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg sealed aluminum foil bags with PE liner under nitrogen; 25 kg fiber drums with double PE liner under nitrogen |
| Storage | 2 – 8°C recommended; protect from moisture and light; keep container tightly sealed under inert atmosphere |
| Shelf Life | 2 years from date of manufacture under recommended storage conditions (2-8°C, sealed) |
Key Benefits — Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3)
Master Skin Barrier Lipid — Dominant Structural Ceramide (~22% of SC Ceramides)
Ceramide NP is the most abundant ceramide in human stratum corneum, forming the lamellar lipid bilayer that constitutes the core permeability barrier. Self-assembles with cholesterol and free fatty acids in the physiological 1:1:1 molar ratio to create the “Mortar” of the brick-and-mortar skin barrier model.
Dominant ~22% SCClinically Proven TEWL Reduction 30-50% — Atopic Dermatitis, Anti-Aging & Sensitive Skin
TEWL reduced by 30-50% in atopic dermatitis clinical trials with significant SCORAD improvement. Supports epidermal differentiation (upregulates involucrin, loricrin, filaggrin) for anti-aging. Restores barrier integrity in sensitive and compromised skin — active integration vs passive occlusion.
TEWL -30 to -50%Bioidentical Synthetic — Fermentation-Derived Phytosphingosine + Enzymatic Amidation
Structurally identical to endogenous human Ceramide NP. Produced via fermentation-derived phytosphingosine (non-animal, non-GMO yeast fermentation) enzymatically amidated with high-purity stearic/palmitic/arachidic acids. COSMOS-compliant grade available for natural cosmetic certification.
COSMOS-CompliantMicrobiome-Friendly — Selective Antimicrobial Activity + Commensal Flora Preservation
The phytosphingosine backbone exhibits selective antimicrobial activity against pathogenic S. aureus (a key AD flare trigger) while preserving beneficial commensal skin flora (S. epidermidis, C. acnes). Ideal for probiotic, postbiotic, and microbiome-balancing skincare formulations targeting the gut-skin axis.
Microbiome-FriendlyApplications
Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema Barrier Repair Creams
Ceramide NP at 0.5-1.0% in prescription-grade emollients and OTC eczema creams. Clinically proven to reduce TEWL 30-50% and improve SCORAD scores by replenishing the depleted ceramide lipid matrix in atopic skin.
Anti-Aging & Epidermal Differentiation Serums
Ceramide NP at 0.3-0.5% in anti-aging serums and creams. Replenishes the ~50% age-related ceramide decline, supports keratinocyte differentiation, upregulates involucrin/loricrin/filaggrin, and reduces fine lines through barrier restoration.
Sensitive Skin & Rosacea Repair Formulations
Ceramide NP at 0.3-0.5% in sensitive skin and rosacea formulations. Repairs the compromised lipid barrier to reduce neurosensory irritation (stinging, burning, itching) and block exogenous trigger penetration.
Post-Procedure & Post-Peel Barrier Recovery
Ceramide NP at 0.5-1.0% in post-laser, post-chemical peel, and post-microneedling recovery balms. Accelerates barrier restoration after stratum corneum disruption when the lipid matrix is physically compromised.
Baby & Infant Skincare — Barrier Protection
Ceramide NP at 0.1-0.3% in baby creams, diaper balms, and infant barrier protection products. The immature infant skin barrier has naturally lower ceramide levels — Ceramide NP supplementation supports developing barrier function without occlusive heaviness.
Daily Barrier Maintenance Moisturizers & SPF
Ceramide NP at 0.1-0.3% in daily facial moisturizers, body lotions, and SPF day creams. Provides continuous barrier lipid replenishment for long-term skin health and preventive anti-aging — microbiome-friendly positioning for clean beauty brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramide NP (Ceramide 3, INCI: Ceramide NP, CAS 100403-19-8 / 34354-88-6) is the dominant structural ceramide in human stratum corneum, constituting ~22% of total epidermal ceramides. Its molecular structure features a phytosphingosine backbone (C18 4-hydroxysphinganine) N-acylated with long-chain fatty acids — primarily stearic acid (C18:0) — connected via a stable amide bond. Ceramide NP functions as the “master” skin barrier lipid: it self-assembles with cholesterol and free fatty acids in a precise 1:1:1 molar ratio to form the lamellar lipid bilayer — the “Mortar” of the brick-and-mortar skin barrier model. This lamellar bilayer creates the primary permeability barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and blocks exogenous irritants, pathogens, and allergens. Ceramide NP levels decline by ~50% in aged skin (70+ vs 20s) and are significantly depleted in atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. Unlike petrolatum and dimethicone which are passive occlusives that sit on top of skin, Ceramide NP actively integrates into and restores the endogenous lipid barrier. UPOR Biotech produces Ceramide NP as a synthetic bioidentical via fermentation-derived phytosphingosine enzymatically amidated with high-purity fatty acids — structurally identical to human Ceramide NP.
Ceramide NP delivers three clinically validated benefit categories that address distinct but interconnected skin barrier conditions. (1) Atopic dermatitis and eczema barrier repair — Ceramide NP supplementation directly replenishes the ceramide deficiency that is the hallmark of atopic skin, reducing TEWL by 30-50% and improving SCORAD severity scores in multiple randomized controlled trials. This addresses the root pathology rather than merely suppressing symptoms. (2) Anti-aging and epidermal differentiation — Ceramide NP supports keratinocyte differentiation and cornified envelope formation by upregulating involucrin, loricrin, and filaggrin — key structural proteins that decline with age. With endogenous Ceramide NP levels dropping ~50% in aged skin, topical replenishment restores youthful barrier function and reduces the appearance of fine lines. (3) Sensitive skin and barrier repair — Ceramide NP reduces neurosensory irritation (stinging, burning, itching) by repairing the compromised lipid barrier that allows irritant penetration to dermal nerve endings. Critically, Ceramide NP is an active barrier integrator — unlike passive occlusives (petrolatum, dimethicone) that simply coat the skin surface, Ceramide NP incorporates into the endogenous lamellar lipid structure for physiological barrier repair. UPOR Biotech’s synthetic bioidentical Ceramide NP is microbiome-friendly — the phytosphingosine backbone selectively inhibits pathogenic S. aureus while preserving commensal flora — and is available with COSMOS compliance for natural cosmetic certification.
Recommended cosmetic usage rate: 0.1-1.0% in leave-on formulations. 0.5% is the most common and clinically validated concentration for barrier repair efficacy across all skin types. Ceramide NP is a lipophilic waxy solid (melting point 85-95°C) — it must be dissolved in the oil phase at 80-90°C with gentle stirring; avoid prolonged heating above 100°C to prevent degradation. Critical formulation principle — the 1:1:1 molar ratio: For optimal lamellar bilayer formation, Ceramide NP should be formulated with cholesterol and free fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid, or pseudo-ceramide fatty acid blends) in the physiological 1:1:1 ceramide:cholesterol:free fatty acid molar ratio. This three-component lipid system is clinically proven superior to ceramide alone for barrier repair — without the correct cholesterol and fatty acid co-lipids, ceramide molecules cannot assemble into proper lamellar bilayers. Ceramide NP is compatible with most oil-phase ingredients including triglycerides (caprylic/capric triglyceride), squalane, fatty alcohols (cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl alcohol), and nonionic emulsifiers. For water-based formulations, Ceramide NP can be incorporated via lamellar liquid crystal emulsification technology or pre-dissolved in a suitable lipid carrier system (e.g., hydrogenated lecithin, glycolipids). Final formulation pH 4.5-6.0 is optimal for ceramide stability and skin compatibility. Storage of the raw material: 2-8°C, protected from moisture and light, under nitrogen/inert atmosphere. UPOR Biotech provides detailed formulation guidance, compatibility data, and sample ceramide:cholesterol:fatty acid pre-blends with every shipment.
The human stratum corneum contains 12+ ceramide subclasses classified by their sphingoid base (S = sphingosine, P = phytosphingosine, H = 6-hydroxysphingosine) and fatty acid type (N = non-hydroxy, A = α-hydroxy, EO = ester-linked ω-hydroxy). Among these, Ceramide NP is the most abundant (~22% of total SC ceramides) and the dominant structural lipid that forms the lamellar bilayer scaffold — it is the “master” ceramide without which the lipid barrier cannot form. Ceramide AP (α-hydroxy fatty acid + phytosphingosine, ~8-10%) provides lateral hydrogen bonding between adjacent ceramide molecules via its α-hydroxyl group — it reinforces bilayer cohesion and mechanical integrity but does not form the primary scaffold. Ceramide EOP (ester-linked ω-hydroxy ultra-long-chain fatty acid + phytosphingosine, ~5-8%) is the ω-acylceramide that covalently binds to corneocyte envelope proteins (involucrin, envoplakin, periplakin) forming the corneocyte lipid envelope (CLE) — the hydrophobic monolayer coating each corneocyte that serves as the template for intercellular lamellae assembly. The three ceramides are synergistic, not interchangeable: NP forms the scaffold, AP reinforces lateral cohesion, and EOP anchors the matrix. For comprehensive barrier repair, the physiological ratio — Ceramide NP 50% : Ceramide AP 25% : Ceramide EOP 25% (with cholesterol and free fatty acids at 1:1:1 total lipid molar ratio) — represents the clinical gold standard. UPOR Biotech supplies all three ceramide types individually and as custom pre-blended ceramide complexes at any ratio required for your formulation.
Every shipment of Ceramide NP includes comprehensive documentation: COA (HPLC-ELSD/CAD purity ≥98% total ceramide NP, full fatty acid composition profile C16:0 5-15% / C18:0 60-80% / C20:0 5-15%, phytosphingosine backbone purity, acid value ≤5 mg KOH/g, saponification value 90-110 mg KOH/g, loss on drying ≤0.5%, heavy metals ≤10 ppm, elemental impurities Pb ≤2 ppm / As ≤1 ppm / Hg ≤1 ppm / Cd ≤1 ppm per ICH Q3D/USP <232>, residual solvents ethanol ≤500 ppm / ethyl acetate ≤500 ppm, microbial panel per USP <61>/<62> and EP <2.6.12>/<2.6.13>), MSDS, HPLC-ELSD/CAD Chromatogram (signed and dated, with peak integration data), FTIR Spectrum (amide I ~1640 cm-1, amide II ~1550 cm-1, OH ~3300 cm-1, CH2 ~2918/2850 cm-1), Melting Point Certificate (85-95°C, DSC or capillary method), COSMOS Compliance Certificate (upon request — for natural and organic cosmetic certification), BSE/TSE-Free Statement, Non-GMO Statement (fermentation-derived, non-GMO yeast strain), Allergen Statement, HALAL Certificate, KOSHER Certificate, ISO 22000 + HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, FDA Facility Registration, Stability Data (2-8°C real-time 24-month and 25°C/60%RH accelerated 6-month with purity and appearance monitoring), 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 for specific regulatory submissions.