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Ceramide
At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about Ceramide Complex (ceramides NP, AP, and EOP with phytosphingosine and cholesterol). Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Please note: ORY® Ceramide Complex is a supplier liposomal blend (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum). Some studies on this page involved atopic dermatitis or acne, which are medical conditions; ORY® products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat them.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Ceramide Complex is a ready-to-use liposomal blend of three skin-identical ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), phytosphingosine, and cholesterol. In ORY® products, it helps support the skin’s moisture barrier so skin feels soft, smooth, and less dry. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that ceramides, including Ceramide NP, AP, and EOP, are safe in cosmetics as used, and that cholesterol is safe as used. CIR has not reviewed this supplier blend as a whole.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Boyer, I. J., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of ceramides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 5S–25S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820958692
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of ceramides.
- Elder, R. L. (Ed.). (1986). Final report on the safety assessment of cholesterol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 5(5), 491–516 (conclusion reaffirmed in Raj, P., et al. (2025). Re-review summary of cholesterol. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 129S–132S). https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818609141922
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of cholesterol.
- Burnett, C. L., Boyer, I. J., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of ceramides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 5S–25S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820958692
2. Composition and Production
Claim: The complex contains about 2.5% active lipids in a water-dispersible liposomal base built with sodium lauroyl lactylate, carbomer, and xanthan gum, and is supplied preserved. |
Verification: Supported. Composition is from supplier data. The anionic liposome builder means it is not used with cationic conditioners such as BTMS.
Citations:
- Lotioncrafter. Ceramide Complex — product specification and formulation guide (supplier technical source; not peer reviewed). Accessed September 2026. https://www.lotioncrafter.com/products/ceramide-complex
- What it shows: Supplier specification.
- Coderch, L., López, O., de la Maza, A., & Parra, J. L. (2003). Ceramides and skin function. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(2), 107–129. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004
- What it shows: Describes ceramide types.
- Lotioncrafter. Ceramide Complex — product specification and formulation guide (supplier technical source; not peer reviewed). Accessed September 2026. https://www.lotioncrafter.com/products/ceramide-complex
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Ceramide Complex suits all skin types and is especially helpful for dry skin. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Dry and atopic skin has been found to contain fewer ceramides. This explains why barrier lipids are used in moisturizers; ORY® products are not intended to treat eczema or atopic dermatitis.
Citations:
- Imokawa, G., Abe, A., Jin, K., Higaki, Y., Kawashima, M., & Hidano, A. (1991). Decreased level of ceramides in stratum corneum of atopic dermatitis: An etiologic factor in atopic dry skin? Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 96(4), 523–526. https://doi.org/10.1111/1523-1747.ep12470233
- What it shows: Ceramide levels in atopic skin (a medical condition).
- Coderch, L., López, O., de la Maza, A., & Parra, J. L. (2003). Ceramides and skin function. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(2), 107–129. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004
- What it shows: Review of ceramides.
- Imokawa, G., Abe, A., Jin, K., Higaki, Y., Kawashima, M., & Hidano, A. (1991). Decreased level of ceramides in stratum corneum of atopic dermatitis: An etiologic factor in atopic dry skin? Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 96(4), 523–526. https://doi.org/10.1111/1523-1747.ep12470233
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, Ceramide Complex is used in non-cationic leave-ins and serums to help damaged hair feel smoother and softer. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Reviews describe lipid-containing hair products, but we found no clinical study of this complex on hair. ORY® does not claim it repairs or strengthens hair.
Citations:
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review of hair cosmetics.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
5. Benefits
Claim: Ceramide Complex helps skin feel moisturized and supports the skin’s moisture barrier. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. A multi-ingredient cream designed to mimic the skin’s natural moisturizing system increased skin hydration in a clinical study. In mouse studies, a complete mix of barrier lipids helped barrier recovery, while a single lipid slowed it. Phytosphingosine showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in lab tests and a small acne study; acne is a medical use, and ORY® does not make acne claims.
Citations:
- Spada, F., Barnes, T. M., & Greive, K. A. (2018). Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 11, 491–497. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S177697
- What it shows: Clinical hydration study of a multi-ingredient cream.
- Man, M. Q., Feingold, K. R., & Elias, P. M. (1993). Exogenous lipids influence permeability barrier recovery in acetone-treated murine skin. Archives of Dermatology, 129(6), 728–738. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.1993.01680270066008
- What it shows: Mouse study of barrier lipids.
- Pavicic, T., Wollenweber, U., Farwick, M., & Korting, H. C. (2007). Anti-microbial and -inflammatory activity and efficacy of phytosphingosine: An in vitro and in vivo study addressing acne vulgaris. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 29(3), 181–190. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2007.00378.x
- What it shows: Lab and small clinical study of phytosphingosine in acne (a medical use).
- Spada, F., Barnes, T. M., & Greive, K. A. (2018). Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 11, 491–497. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S177697
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Ceramide Complex is used in leave-on ORY® Skincare, non-cationic Haircare, and Cosmetics. It is not used in soap. |
Verification: Supported. Bar soap rinses away before lipids can deposit, so ORY® does not use it there.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 3–5% | Barrier creams, moisturizers, serums, eye and night creams (pH 5–7). |
| Haircare | 2–4% | Non-cationic leave-ins and serums. |
| Handmade Soap | Not used | No benefit in rinse-off bars. |
| Cosmetics | 2–4% | Foundations, primers, and tinted moisturizers. |
Citations:
- Lotioncrafter. Ceramide Complex — product specification and formulation guide (supplier technical source; not peer reviewed). Accessed September 2026. https://www.lotioncrafter.com/products/ceramide-complex
- What it shows: Supplier use guidance.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Lotioncrafter. Ceramide Complex — product specification and formulation guide (supplier technical source; not peer reviewed). Accessed September 2026. https://www.lotioncrafter.com/products/ceramide-complex
7. Pros
Claim: Three skin-identical ceramides with cholesterol in an easy-to-use form, each with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review and barrier science.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Boyer, I. J., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of ceramides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 5S–25S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820958692
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Coderch, L., López, O., de la Maza, A., & Parra, J. L. (2003). Ceramides and skin function. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(2), 107–129. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004
- What it shows: Barrier science.
- Burnett, C. L., Boyer, I. J., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of ceramides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 5S–25S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820958692
8. Cons
Claim: The complex is costly, has a narrow pH window, and is not compatible with cationic conditioners. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Cost. Premium ingredient with about 2.5% active lipids.
- Cationic incompatibility. Not for BTMS conditioners.
- pH 5–7 only. Not for strongly acidic serums.
- No product-specific trial. Evidence comes from ceramide research and other formulas.
Citations:
- Lotioncrafter. Ceramide Complex — product specification and formulation guide (supplier technical source; not peer reviewed). Accessed September 2026. https://www.lotioncrafter.com/products/ceramide-complex
- What it shows: Supplier guidance.
- Lotioncrafter. Ceramide Complex — product specification and formulation guide (supplier technical source; not peer reviewed). Accessed September 2026. https://www.lotioncrafter.com/products/ceramide-complex
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., Boyer, I. J., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of ceramides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 5S–25S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820958692
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Burnett, C. L., Boyer, I. J., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of ceramides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 5S–25S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820958692
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Ceramide Complex is not used in ORY® soap.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Burnett, C. L., Boyer, I. J., Bergfeld, W. F., et al. (2020). Safety assessment of ceramides as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 39(3 Suppl), 5S–25S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820958692
- Coderch, L., López, O., de la Maza, A., & Parra, J. L. (2003). Ceramides and skin function. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 4(2), 107–129. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200304020-00004
- Elder, R. L. (Ed.). (1986). Final report on the safety assessment of cholesterol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 5(5), 491–516 (conclusion reaffirmed in Raj, P., et al. (2025). Re-review summary of cholesterol. International Journal of Toxicology, 44(3 Suppl), 129S–132S). https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818609141922
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- Imokawa, G., Abe, A., Jin, K., Higaki, Y., Kawashima, M., & Hidano, A. (1991). Decreased level of ceramides in stratum corneum of atopic dermatitis: An etiologic factor in atopic dry skin? Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 96(4), 523–526. https://doi.org/10.1111/1523-1747.ep12470233
- Lotioncrafter. Ceramide Complex — product specification and formulation guide (supplier technical source; not peer reviewed). Accessed September 2026. https://www.lotioncrafter.com/products/ceramide-complex
- Man, M. Q., Feingold, K. R., & Elias, P. M. (1993). Exogenous lipids influence permeability barrier recovery in acetone-treated murine skin. Archives of Dermatology, 129(6), 728–738. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.1993.01680270066008
- Pavicic, T., Wollenweber, U., Farwick, M., & Korting, H. C. (2007). Anti-microbial and -inflammatory activity and efficacy of phytosphingosine: An in vitro and in vivo study addressing acne vulgaris. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 29(3), 181–190. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2007.00378.x
- Spada, F., Barnes, T. M., & Greive, K. A. (2018). Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin’s own natural moisturizing systems. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 11, 491–497. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S177697
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
