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
L. StivitzMoisturizers 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
Constance CardozoExamples of ceramide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This plush night cream pairs peptides and a retinoid with lactic and glycolic acids—but if that sounds intense, know that the blend of ceramides, squalane, and niacinamide supports the skin barrier and offsets the potential for dryness and irritation.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 June 2024
It’s designed for normal to dry skin types and has SPF 30 for sun protection, plus ceramides for a healthy skin barrier, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and niacinamide to soothe skin.
—Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 5 June 2024
Its contains essential ceramides and niacinamide, meaning its treating my skin well while providing SPF 30 protection.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Apr. 2024
Your derm can offer product recs that are safe to use on your face, but generally speaking, something with hydrating humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and skin-soothing and protecting ingredients (like ceramides, petrolatum, allantoin, and colloidal oatmeal) are good options.
—Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ceramide 
Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 June 2024
It’s designed for normal to dry skin types and has SPF 30 for sun protection, plus ceramides for a healthy skin barrier, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and niacinamide to soothe skin.
—Amanda Ogle, Southern Living, 5 June 2024
Its contains essential ceramides and niacinamide, meaning its treating my skin well while providing SPF 30 protection.
—Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Apr. 2024
Your derm can offer product recs that are safe to use on your face, but generally speaking, something with hydrating humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin) and skin-soothing and protecting ingredients (like ceramides, petrolatum, allantoin, and colloidal oatmeal) are good options.
—Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for ceramide
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ceramide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Ceramide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramide. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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