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

Its conditioning blend of sensitive skin-friendly ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and allantoin helps restore the skin barrier and stave off dryness all day long. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

More of a milky toner than a traditional, liquid-y essence, this formula uses ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterols (all lipids naturally found in the skin barrier) to make quick work of dryness. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026

Look for products with a mix of humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin; emollients like ceramides and squalane; and occlusives like petroleum jelly. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 22 Sep. 2026

Apply a nourishing hand cream with ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid after your cuticle oil — and after washing your hands, as soap and warm water can sap moisture from the skin. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 18 Sep. 2026

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
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• certified

Medical Definition

ceramide

noun

cer·​amide ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd 

: 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

Elevated plasma levels of many of the sphingolipids have also been correlated with chronic disease—for example, sphingomyelins with coronary heart disease and ceramides with type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

—Oswald Quehenberger and Edward A. Dennis, The New England Journal of Medicine