INCI name

CERAMIDE 3

Ceramide 3

Hair conditioning Skin conditioningreviewed

A phytosphingosine-based ceramide used for hair and skin conditioning.

What it is

Ceramide 3 is an N-acylated phytosphingosine, a lipid of the ceramide class. CosIng lists it as a hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning agent and marks this INCI name as retired; ceramides of this type are now usually labelled Ceramide NP.

Where it is used

Found in face and body creams, serums, lotions and some hair care products.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The INCI name does not reveal whether the ceramide was produced synthetically or by fermentation.

Functions

Hair conditioning: Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
Skin conditioning: Maintaining the skin in good condition.

EU regulation

This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.

Products with this ingredient (13)

Check a full ingredient list

CosIng: Ceramide 3 (Retired) is the N-acylated phytosphingosine having the erythro structure that conforms generally to the formula, where m has a value ranging from 12 to 28 in which the acyl moiety may be saturated, mono-unsaturated, or di-unsaturated and n has a value ranging from 10 to 20. The INCI Name, Ceramide 3, originally developed in 1997, was designated with a retired status in 2014. For an interim period of time, trade name assignments formerly published with the INCI Name Ceramide 3 will be retained in the retired monograph, and also published with the new name assignment, Ceramide NP.
Ingredient categories: Ceramides
Sources: CosIng – European Commission database of cosmetic ingredients (3 November 2026)
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products
Reviewed: 31 October 2026 · Kamil Pyziak