Ceramides: Timeless essentials, renewed innovation

What’s new in the SphingoCARE™ range?

The enduring power of ceramides

Ceramides are essential components of the skin barrier, helping to lock in moisture and protect against environmental stressors. While their vital role is well established, ongoing advances continue to reveal new information on how specific ceramide types and synthesis pathways influence barrier strength and resilience (1).

Still trending and trusted

Ceramides are widely recognised by consumers and highly sought after: in Brazil, 57 % of consumers frequently search for skincare products infused with ceramides and in China, over 20 % of new sensitive skin product launches contain this lipid (2).

Backed by robust scientific evidence and continuous innovation these hero ingredients now power new formulations across emerging beauty trends, from skinification of hair and body care to hybrid products, such as skin care-infused makeup and biomimetic actives. Their versatility also meets the growing demand for personalised skincare routines, including dermocosmetics, that target individual barrier need. Ceramides also respond to future skin needs, offering protection and resistance to damage caused by climate change.

The SphingoCARE™ range at the forefront of beauty innovation

SphingoCARE is a skin-inspired range composed of the key stratum corneum lipids, including sphingolipids, pure ceramides, as well as vectorised versions and complex lipid systems. Backed by 30 years of precision fermentation expertise, this range now brings exclusive new data on four standout ingredients! Discover how the SphingoCARE™ range can elevate your formulations.

Sphingo’HAIR™ Drypure™

Skinification of hair & scalp care

Skinification is a holistic approach that applies skin care principles and ingredients to areas beyond the face, to promote overall skin health and well-being. This trend is on the rise in hair and scalp care. In the US, 56 % of women look for ingredients in hair care that they recognise from skin care products. Globally, new product development in scalp care is growing, with 42 % of new shampoos in China featuring claims related to scalp conditions (2). 

Ceramides, well-established in skin care, are increasingly recognised in hair care, where barrier protection has become a key concern.

Biomimetic ceramide for perfect hairmony

Ensuring strong, healthy barriers is the foundation to scalp wellness and hair protection. Sphingo’HAIR Drypure is a unique precision fermentation-derived ceramide NP, which replenishes the skin with essential longer fatty acid chain ceramides, supporting a healthy, self-reinforcing cycle of strong scalp and hair barrier function.
This ingredient improves your hair care formulations by reinforcing the scalp, stopping irritation and flaking, providing deep moisture, smoothed cuticles, noticeable shine and softness.

Sphingo’HAIR Drypure fits with the hair care skinification trend delivering scientifically proven benefits:
SCALP: Daily application of a leave-on essence on confirmed scalp desquamation:

• Inflammation -11.8 %
• Hydration +36.5 %
• Desquamation regulation -42.5 %

HAIR: Single application of leave‑on hair oil on virgin and damaged ex vivo tresses:

• Shine +78.6 %
• Hydration balance +5.7 %
• Softness +66.8 %
• Roughness -40.3 %

DS-Hydroceramide50™ & 50S™

When toiletries become skincare

In the US, 92 % of body wash users believe caring for body’s skin is as important as facial skin care (2). However, hot showers, harsh soaps, and over-washing can deplete the skin of its natural protective lipids, leading to dryness, irritation and increased susceptibility to bacteria or allergens. Body washes formulated with water-dispersible ceramides help lock in moisture and strengthen the skin’s natural defence during cleansing.

Deeper performance and higher solubility

DS-HydroCeramide50 & 50S are unique versions of ceramide NP, the most abundant lipid in the stratum corneum, developed using innovative water-dispersible solid-lipid particle technology. This vectorised form improves formulation stability, maximises bioavailability and increases performance, enabling its integration across various product types.

• Designed to address the challenges encountered when using pure ceramide, DS-HydroCeramide50 & 50S have proven clinical benefits in rinse-off formulations on legs:
• Enhance skin hydration after the 1st application: +13.4 %
• Reduce skin flaking: +13 %
• Reinforce natural skin barrier functions: -27 % transepidermal water loss
• Provide a dual replenishing action:
• Controlled and prolonged replenishment of ceramide into the skin
• Boost skin’s natural ceramide biosynthesis

DS-Ceramide Y3S™

Geoskincare, considering climate change in beauty routines

The impact of changing climate on extreme temperatures and humidity fluctuations is creating greater challenge for maintaining healthy skin, which is gaining recognition as a concern for consumers. In the US, 39 % of consumers reported worsening skin conditions due to environmental changes in 2024, while 66 % said they adjusted their skin care seasonally in 2025 to counteract these effects (2).
Geoskincare adapts personal care products to specific geographical and climatic conditions. As this concept grows, ceramides emerge as hero ingredients, meeting consumer demand for scientifically-backed, climate-resilient skin care that protects the skin from environmental aggressors.

Climate-adaptative barrier protection

• Key benefits include:
• Strengthening the skin barrier by replenishing it with its most abundant ceramide,
• Boosting skin hydration,
• Promoting climate-resilient skin,
• Protecting against harsh conditions such as hot, cold, dry and humid environments.

Clinically tested on forearm skin, this innovative skin care ingredient provides immediate and long-lasting hydration:

• +50 % in cold and dry conditions, after a single application
• +47 % in hot and dry environments
• +37 % in temperate conditions (24°C)
• +20 % in humid climates

These multiclimate benefits make DS-Ceramide Y3S an ideal adaptive protector that aligns with the geoskincare trend.

DS-CERAmix-V™

Personalisation for sensitive skin and other skin concerns

Skin conditions are worsening globally under the influence of climate, lifestyle, stress and pollution (3). Consumers seek personalised solutions tailored to their skin types, driving the rise of AI-based diagnostics and targeted product launches. In Europe, 56.88 % of consumers want personalised beauty, grooming advice or products based on their skin concerns, making it the top factor for personalisation (2). Additionally, a global survey in 2025 showed that 70 % of individuals worldwide self-identified as having some degree of sensitive skin (4). This is why protecting and reinforcing the skin barrier has become an indispensable step in skin care routines, with ceramides gaining recognition for their vital role in skin health.

Bio-designed barrier & moisture reinforcement for sensitive skin

The upper layer of the skin directly in contact with the external environment has a multi-lamella lipid structure mainly composed of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids. Formulations containing skin-identical lipid blends have been proven to reduce skin dryness and help repair skin barrier (5).
DS-CERAmix-V delivers essential lipids to the stratum corneum in optimal proportions through a liquid crystal lamellar structure, mimicking the skin’s natural composition and structure. Clinically tested, it enhances hydration of sensitive skin by +57 % while also reducing skin flaking by 24 %. Beyond addressing personalised skin care demands, when included in formulations, this unique blend promotes positive feeling upon application on the skin, aligning perfectly with the global wellness and neurocosmetic trends and revolutionising ceramide applications for skin.