Rate My SPF

Ceramide NP

What Ceramide NP is & what it does

A skin-identical lipid (also called ceramide 3) that helps rebuild and seal the skin barrier, reducing water loss and sensitivity. It restores softness and resilience, especially in dry or compromised skin.

What is Ceramide NP and what does it do in sunscreen?

Ceramide NP is a skin-identical lipid, also known as ceramide 3, used as a barrier-supporting and soothing ingredient. The skin's own outer layer is held together by ceramides, so adding one back helps rebuild and seal the barrier, reducing water loss and the tight, sensitive feeling that comes with dryness. In a sunscreen it makes the formula more comfortable on dry or easily irritated skin and leaves it feeling softer and more resilient.

Is Ceramide NP safe?

Yes. Ceramide NP is a copy of a lipid the skin already makes, so it is very well tolerated and is widely used in products aimed at sensitive and dry skin. It is not a known irritant or sensitizer at the levels used in cosmetics. There is no general safety concern for topical use.

Does Ceramide NP clog pores?

Generally no. Ceramides are used at very low levels and are part of the skin's own barrier rather than a heavy pore-clogging oil. Ceramide NP is not flagged as comedogenic. If a product is breaking you out, the richer emollients elsewhere in the formula are far more likely the cause.

What is Ceramide NP on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Ceramide NP" is the INCI name printed on the label. You may also see it written under its older name, ceramide 3. It usually appears low on the list, since it is effective in small amounts.

Is Ceramide NP vegan?

It can be. The ceramides used in cosmetics, including Ceramide NP, are typically made by synthesis or fermentation rather than taken from animals, so they are usually suitable for vegan formulas. If this matters to you, check the brand's own vegan claim, since sourcing can vary by manufacturer.

Sunscreens with Ceramide NP

We rate 512 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients