Ceramides (Phytoceramides)
Also known as: phytoceramides, glycosylceramides, plant ceramides
Two randomised, placebo‑controlled clinical trials of oral ceramide-containing preparations reported improvements in skin hydration, dryness, and some wrinkle metrics over 6–12 weeks. One trial used an Amorphophallus konjac extract standardised to glycosylceramides (5 mg/day) and found reductions in skin dryness and related parameters; the other tested a multi‑ingredient product containing phytoceramides plus zeaxanthin and botanicals and reported improved hydration and reduced wrinkle counts, but the multi‑ingredient design prevents attribution of effects to ceramides alone.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 2 indexed studies
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Overview
Ceramides (including plant-derived phytoceramides/glycosylceramides) are lipid molecules used orally in supplements to support skin barrier function and hydration. Human trials report modest improvements in skin dryness and some wrinkle measures, though at least one trial used a multi-ingredient product so effects cannot be attributed solely to ceramides.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Ceramides are structural sphingolipids in the stratum corneum that contribute to barrier integrity and reduce transepidermal water loss; oral glycosylceramides are proposed to be metabolised and contribute to epidermal ceramide pools or modulate lipid synthesis, thereby improving hydration and skin texture.
Physiological Role
Component of the skin lipid barrier; helps maintain stratum corneum integrity and hydration.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Not an ergogenic ingredient. Relevance is to skin health and appearance through barrier and hydration effects.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 5 mg glycosylceramides/day (as used in a 6‑week trial)
- Optimal Range
- Not established (studies used 5 mg glycosylceramides or an unspecified phytoceramide‑containing combination)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established
- Timing
- Not specified in the trials
- Best Format
- Oral capsules/extracts; topical formulations have also been studied but are beyond these oral trials
- Bioavailability
- Human trials used a konjac extract standardised to glycosylceramides (5 mg/day). Absorption and conversion to skin ceramides are not fully characterised in these abstracts.
- Absorption Considerations
- Not established from the provided abstracts
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •No adverse events reported in the cited trials
Who Should Avoid
- •Not established — safety in pregnancy, lactation or children not reported in the abstracts
Monitoring
None specified in the trials; monitor for allergic reactions if using botanical extracts or multi‑ingredient products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Ceramides (Phytoceramides) typically used or indicated?
Ceramides (Phytoceramides) is most commonly used for: Skin barrier support, Improving skin hydration, Reducing skin dryness and fine lines. Component of the skin lipid barrier; helps maintain stratum corneum integrity and hydration.
How does Ceramides (Phytoceramides) work?
Ceramides are structural sphingolipids in the stratum corneum that contribute to barrier integrity and reduce transepidermal water loss; oral glycosylceramides are proposed to be metabolised and contribute to epidermal ceramide pools or modulate lipid synthesis, thereby improving hydration and skin texture.
What is the recommended dose of Ceramides (Phytoceramides)?
The optimal range is Not established (studies used 5 mg glycosylceramides or an unspecified phytoceramide‑containing combination). with a minimum effective dose of 5 mg glycosylceramides/day (as used in a 6‑week trial). Best taken: Not specified in the trials. Upper / caution level: Not established.
What are the side effects of Ceramides (Phytoceramides)?
Reported side effects include: No adverse events reported in the cited trials. Monitoring: None specified in the trials; monitor for allergic reactions if using botanical extracts or multi‑ingredient products.
Who should avoid Ceramides (Phytoceramides)?
Ceramides (Phytoceramides) is generally not recommended for: Not established — safety in pregnancy, lactation or children not reported in the abstracts.
How strong is the evidence for Ceramides (Phytoceramides)?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 54/100), based on 2 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (2)
Potential benefits of oral administration of AMORPHOPHALLUS KONJAC glycosylceramides on skin health - a randomized clinical study.
Randomised, placebo‑controlled trial of an Amorphophallus konjac extract standardised to 5% glycosylceramides (100 mg extract providing 5 mg glycosylceramides) given orally to 51 healthy volunteers for 6 weeks. Dermatological assessment and self‑assessment questionnaires were used.
Zeaxanthin-based dietary supplement and topical serum improve hydration and reduce wrinkle count in female subjects.
Randomised controlled study of a multi‑ingredient programme including an oral product containing zeaxanthin, phytoceramides and botanical extracts, with or without a topical serum, versus placebo in 31 female subjects over 12 weeks. Multiple skin parameters including hydration and wrinkle counts were measured.
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/ceramides-phytoceramides
SuppIndex. (2026). Ceramides (Phytoceramides): Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/ceramides-phytoceramides
Based on 2 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
May be combined with other skin‑targeted nutraceuticals, but multi‑ingredient trials make it difficult to isolate ceramide effects.