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

Packed with ceramides, shea butter, squalane, and sodium hyaluronate, the foundation has a lightweight, creamy consistency and comes in 30 shades. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Hyaluronic acid and ceramides hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

Hyaluronic acid piles on even more hydration, while ceramides support the moisture barrier and soothing extracts like cica keep skin feeling comfortable—all adding up to that bouncy, glass-skin finish. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026

The Aquaphor Hydrating Daily Body Lotion is a lightweight yet deeply nourishing face and body lotion formulated with skin-replenishing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 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