ceramide

noun

cer·​amide ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd 

ˈser-

plural ceramides

: any of various simple sphingolipids that are composed of a fatty acid linked to sphingosine, are found especially in cell membranes, are involved in mediating various cellular processes (such as those affecting cell differentiation and apoptosis), and act as precursors for more complex sphingolipids

The enzyme controls production of a cellular substance, ceramide, which triggers the natural process of egg cell death.

—L. Stivitz

Moisturizers containing ceramides (natural lipids that are similar in structure to those in the skin's own moisture barrier) … are also worthwhile splurges for women with dry or problem skin, according to independent tester Grove.

—Constance Cardozo

Examples of ceramide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Magnesium lotions may include other active ingredients, like ceramides, depending on the goal of the product. —Health, 16 June 2025

This rich formula is filled with skin-soothing ingredients like oat extract and ceramides, which help calm irritation and strengthen your skin’s natural defenses. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 13 June 2025

The 2024 Best of Beauty-winning Rosemary Hair Duo has our hearts for its breakage-reducing peptide and ceramide formula, plant proteins (from rice, jojoba, quinoa, potato, and pea, to be exact) married with one of the most divine scents available. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 25 May 2025

First Aid Beauty’s version prioritizes moisture with a potent combo of squalane and ceramides. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

cerebroside + amide

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ceramide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• certified
• citywide

Medical Definition

ceramide

noun

cer·​amide ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd 

: any of a group of amido sphingolipids formed by linking a fatty acid to sphingosine and found widely in small amounts in plant and animal tissue