Overview
Ceramide 3, chemically known as N-stearoyl phytosphingosine, is a type of sphingolipid naturally present in the skin's stratum corneum. As a key component of the epidermal barrier, it constitutes approximately 30-40% of intercellular lipids. In cosmetics, synthetic or plant-derived Ceramide 3 is used to replenish lost lipids, particularly in formulations targeting dry, aged, or compromised skin. The ingredient gained prominence in the 1990s following research demonstrating its critical role in maintaining skin hydration and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Modern extraction and synthesis methods allow commercial production from botanical sources (e.g., wheat, rice) or through biotechnological processes, ensuring consistent quality for B2B buyers.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Ceramide 3 appears as a fine white powder with a characteristic waxy texture. Its molecular structure features an 18-carbon phytosphingosine backbone linked to stearic acid, giving it amphiphilic properties. This structure enables it to form lamellar bilayers in formulations, mimicking natural skin lipids. The compound exhibits thermal stability up to 100°C, making it suitable for hot-process emulsions. Its solubility profile requires formulation with co-emulsifiers like cholesterol and fatty acids for optimal efficacy. Analytical methods such as HPLC and mass spectrometry are typically used for quality verification, with industry standards requiring ≥98% purity for cosmetic applications.
Main Applications
In skincare formulations, Ceramide 3 serves multiple functions: restoring barrier integrity in products for eczema or psoriasis, reducing wrinkles by improving hydration in anti-aging serums, and soothing irritation in post-procedure treatments. It's frequently combined with cholesterol and free fatty acids in a 3:1:1 molar ratio to replicate the skin's natural lipid matrix. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes higher-purity grades in medicated creams for barrier repair. Recent innovations include nano-encapsulated Ceramide 3 for enhanced penetration in leave-on products, with typical use concentrations ranging from 0.5% in toners to 2% in intensive repair creams. Market research indicates 22% annual growth in demand for ceramide-containing cosmetics since 2020.
Safety and Storage
Ceramide 3 has an excellent safety profile, with no reported cases of skin sensitization at recommended usage levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel classifies it as non-toxic and non-comedogenic. However, suppliers must provide certificates confirming the absence of residual solvents from synthesis processes. Proper storage is critical to maintain stability. Bulk material should be kept in nitrogen-flushed, light-resistant containers with desiccants. Formulators should avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures during processing, as degradation above 120°C may produce unwanted byproducts. Shelf life typically ranges from 24-36 months when stored under recommended conditions.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing Ceramide 3, prioritize suppliers with ISO 22716/GMP certification for cosmetic ingredients. Key quality indicators include third-party assay reports (HPLC purity), heavy metal content (<10ppm), and microbial limits (<100 CFU/g). For sustainable sourcing, inquire about plant-derived options from non-GMO crops. Bulk pricing varies significantly based on quantity (e.g., ~$1,200/kg for 1kg vs. ~$850/kg for 10kg). Many suppliers offer pre-mixed ceramide complexes with optimized ratios of Ceramide 1/3/6 for simplified formulation. Lead times average 4-8 weeks, so plan procurement accordingly, especially for clinical-grade material requiring additional testing.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：全氟三丁胺、二苄叉山梨醇、六氟丙烯二聚体、神经酰胺、六氟环氧丙烷二聚体、异丙醇铝、纳米勃姆石、二异戊基硫醚、隐色结晶紫、邻菲罗啉
- 主营：神经酰胺、导电态聚苯胺
- 主营：藤茶提取物、枳椇子提取物、二氢槲皮素、神经酰胺、槲皮素、地龙蛋白肽、马齿苋提取物、甘草提取物、黄芪粉、罗汉果粉、鱼腥草提取物、淡竹叶提取物、竹叶黄酮、葛根提取物、玉米低聚肽、酸枣仁提取物、荷叶提取物、人参提取物、蒲公英提取物、益智仁提取物、桑叶提取物、阿胶粉、麦芽提取物
- 主营：植提专用酶、防腐剂系列、增稠剂系列、酶制剂、甜味剂、增稠剂、苦味剂、凉味剂、抗氧化剂、增味剂、烟熏液、营养强化剂、维生素、酸味调节剂、生物肽系列、稳定剂、提取物、氨基酸系列、保持剂、乳化剂、小分子肽、抗结剂
- 主营：苦参碱、氧化苦参碱、七叶皂苷钠、神经酰胺、七叶皂苷、黑米花色苷、鬼臼树脂、鬼臼毒素、黑米花青素、龙胆苦苷、青蒿琥酯、青蒿素、吴茱萸碱、吴茱萸次碱、博落回总碱、鱼藤酮、二苯乙烯苷、丝肽粉、人参皂甙
- 主营：增塑剂、草酸镍、阻燃剂、化妆品原料、栀子蓝、抗氧剂、偶联剂、异壬酸、1-二十烯、间氟溴苄、异胞嘧啶、磷酸三钾、油墨油剂、洗涤助剂、苯磺酸钠、单体香料、环磺酮酸、分散染料、无机颜料、苹果酸镁、表面处理剂、丙二醇甲醚、丁酸甘油酯、硅烷处理剂、表面活性剂
- 主营：植物提取专用酶、漆酶、木质素酶、鼠李糖苷酶、肉桂酸钾、肉桂酸、黄原胶、酶制剂、甜味剂、苦味剂、酸度调节剂、营养强化剂、稳定剂、乳化剂、防腐剂、抗氧化剂、着色剂、烟熏液、护色剂
- 主营：洗发露、沐浴露、洗面奶、化妆品、洁面乳、卸妆水、精华霜、护肤品
- 主营：神经酰胺、甲基丙烯酸、苯乙烯、乙醇
- 主营：4-D钠盐、N-甲基硫脲、N-甲基吡咯烷酮、100403、单辛酸甘油酯、N-甲基邻氨基苯甲酸甲酯、三硫代碳酸钠、辛酸镁盐、菜籽油甲酯、8-辛二醇、羟丙基纤维素、硫酸烟酰苯胺、离子液体、咪唑、表面活性剂、光引发剂、紫外线吸收剂、UV单体
- 主营：金银花绿原酸、蒲公英黄酮、柴胡皂甙、吲哚-3-甲醇、3-二吲哚甲烷、男性抗检原料、辅酶Q10、杜仲绿原酸、PQQ吡咯并喹啉醌二钠盐、NMN烟酰胺单核苷酸、NAD 烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸、白杨素、水杨甙、槲皮素 二氢槲皮素、亚精胺 亚精胺盐酸盐、漆黄素、姜黄素、三七皂甙 三七茎叶总皂苷 西洋参总皂甙、菲尼布特、花青素
- 主营：方石英、甲酸镍、阻燃剂、萃取粉、香果香、藏花醛、桦木油、稀释剂、羟乙基、淀粉钠、洗涤剂、十八烷、润肤剂、乙酸锶、氧化剂、防腐剂、铬酸锌、丙氨酸、二胜肽、成核剂、羊毛醇、氢氟油、壳聚糖、厚朴酚、镍试剂
- 主营：精华油、精华液、粉底液、神经酰胺、冻干粉、舒缓肌肤、多肽眼霜、细跟口红、精华原液、清爽水润、水光精华、精华补水、补水面膜、面膜舒缓、补水保湿、精华面霜、焕亮眼霜、乳液补水、抗皱紧致、控油面霜、紧致嫩肤、修护乳液、舒缓修复、丝绒口红、黑眼圈眼袋、虾青素精粹
- 主营：香芹酚、抗氧化增香剂、DCHP、2-咪唑烷酮、对叔戊基苯酚、柠檬烯、五氯硫酚、愈创木酚、邻硝基苯甲醛、二醋酸纤维素、氢化油、硅烷偶联剂、润滑剂、脱模剂、分散剂、消泡剂、阻燃剂、抗氧剂、增塑剂、附着力促进剂、杀菌剂、增稠剂、乳化剂、防老剂、缓蚀阻垢剂
- 主营：功效型护肤品代加工、洗护用品OEM、私密产品贴牌定制、淡斑美白ODM、女性护理产品代加工、洁面系列、面膜代加工OEM、彩妆系列产品贴牌定制、电商产品OEM、精华液/原液OEM、乳液面霜贴牌定制、防晒/隔离乳霜OEM、眼霜私人定制OEM、护手霜代加工OEM、口红贴牌定制OEM、唇膏私人定制、爽肤水OEMODM、气垫贴牌定制OEM、粉底液OEMODM、素颜霜代加工OEM、头发护理品贴牌定制、淡纹产品代加工
- 主营：酶制剂、甜味剂、防腐剂、增稠剂、漆酶、鼠李糖苷酶、维生素、营养强化剂、肉桂酸钾、苦味剂、抗氧化剂、稳定剂、改良剂、增味剂、烟熏液、着色剂