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
The hand cream has a multipurpose approach to care for your hands on all fronts, from the ceramide-rich complex that strengthens your skin’s barrier to antioxidants like purslane and vitamin E that protect the hands from free radicals.
—Denise Primbet, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025
The formula is packed with skin-supportive ingredients like allantoin to soothe delicate eye skin and ceramides to help strengthen the moisture barrier (a huge win if dryness or crepiness makes eyeliner skip or smear).
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 Nov. 2025
Look for formulas that have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
The fragrance-free formula nourishes both scalp and lengths, with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide working together to hydrate, strengthen, and support a healthier hair environment.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
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Denise Primbet, Glamour, 18 Nov. 2025
The formula is packed with skin-supportive ingredients like allantoin to soothe delicate eye skin and ceramides to help strengthen the moisture barrier (a huge win if dryness or crepiness makes eyeliner skip or smear).
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 Nov. 2025
Look for formulas that have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
The fragrance-free formula nourishes both scalp and lengths, with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide working together to hydrate, strengthen, and support a healthier hair environment.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceramide
Cite this Entry
“Ceramide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramide. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.
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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