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

Ingredients to look out for include ceramides, shea butter, and squalane. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025

Inspired by Scandinavian winters, the moisturizer taps electrolytes, ceramides and black currant and cloudberry oils to hydrate the skin and recover skin barrier strength. —Noor Lobad, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025

As Berry noted above, other growth-enhancing ingredients include tea tree oil, peptides, and ceramides. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, the ceramides in this product lock in moisture, strengthen your skin’s barrier and protect it from environmental stressors like pollution. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 4 Feb. 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