Ceramides are renowned for their benefits on the skin and scalp. These heterogeneous lipids with numerous virtues are offered in various forms (serum, cream, lotion, hair mask, shampoo...). They are naturally present in the human body. However, how are they produced in the field of skin and hair care?
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How are ceramides produced?
Summary
Published October 8, 2023,
updated on July 31, 2024,
by
Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences
—
2 min read
Ceramides, ingredients naturally present in your body
The human body naturally contains ceramides. These are natural lipids whose moisturizing properties are essential. Natural ceramides are located just between the skin cells and the horny layer. These active ingredients make up 50% of your skin. They are known under different names in the INCI list. The role of ceramides is to protect your epidermis against the various aggressions it may encounter during a day. They also help to properly hydrate it. When your body no longer produces ceramides, targeted problems can appear. The skin can become dull, dry, and lackluster. If this is the case, it is necessary to use a care product concentrated in ceramides to regain healthy skin.
The production of ceramides in skincare
The ceramides used in skincare are derived from fruit sugars or vegetable oils, specifically jojoba oil and sunflower oil. They undergo fermentation and a few chemical transformations in the laboratory. Fermentation involves breaking down the molecules into nutrients that can be absorbed by the skin. The skincare products can also be obtained following a synthesis process. In this case, other procedures are developed. The ingredients are combined to create molecules suitable for sensitive skin. All transformation steps are carried out with care to not lose the benefits of these active ingredients. Ceramides have the unique characteristic of being suitable for every skin type. However, individuals with a targeted skin issue are the primary users. In hair care, ceramides follow the same process. The difference lies in the concentration level. Shampoos and hair masks sometimes have a high acid content. The reason is that they still need to be rinsed off after application.
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