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 new product is made with the signature glazing milk formula and includes skin-friendly ingredients such as a ceramide trio, vitamin E and glycerin, according to Rhode.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Night creams with barrier-repairing staples—think ceramides and hyaluronic acid—are also key.
—Jenny Berg, InStyle, 4 June 2026
The oil-free eye cream contains three essential ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), which help restore the skin barrier with lipids found naturally in the skin.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
The new brand has launched body care with face-grade ingredients, and this hydration heavy-hitter (it's got four weights of hyaluronic acid and plus ceramides) is as lightweight as serums get.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceramide
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Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 8 June 2026
Night creams with barrier-repairing staples—think ceramides and hyaluronic acid—are also key.
—Jenny Berg, InStyle, 4 June 2026
The oil-free eye cream contains three essential ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP), which help restore the skin barrier with lipids found naturally in the skin.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
The new brand has launched body care with face-grade ingredients, and this hydration heavy-hitter (it's got four weights of hyaluronic acid and plus ceramides) is as lightweight as serums get.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ceramide
Cite this Entry
“Ceramide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramide. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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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