Is Ceramides Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Ceramides is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Ceramides?
Lipids naturally found in skin that make up 50% of the skin barrier. Supplementing them improves barrier function.
Commonly found in: moisturizers, barrier repair creams, anti-aging, eczema treatment
Safety Research & Evidence
Lipids naturally found in skin that make up 50% of the skin barrier. Supplementing them improves barrier function.
Regulatory status: CIR safe; no restrictions; skin-identical ingredient
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Cholesterol (in skin care) | 9/10 |
How to Avoid Ceramides
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Ceramides" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Cholesterol (in skin care)
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Ceramides-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ceramides safe for babies?
Ceramides is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Ceramides?
Safer alternatives include Cholesterol (in skin care) (safety score: 9/10).
Is Ceramides banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: CIR safe; no restrictions; skin-identical ingredient
How do I know if my product contains Ceramides?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Ceramides may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- Coderch L et al. (2003). Ceramides and skin barrier function PMID: 16722650