A ceramide (sphingolipid) used for hair and skin conditioning, listed under a retired INCI name.
What it is
Ceramide 4 is, according to CosIng, an N-acylated sphingolipid with an erythro structure, in which the fatty acid part may be saturated or unsaturated. Ceramides are lipids that also occur naturally in the outer layer of the skin. CosIng lists it as a hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products, such as hair care and skin 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.
CosIng marks this INCI name as retired; ceramides are now usually labelled under a newer naming system that describes their structure.
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.