Ceramides 5% Moisturizing Body Moisturizer

• Skin Type: All Skin Types, Dry, sensitive, normal, and combination skin
• Concerns: Dryness, dehydration, compromised skin barrier, sensitivity, rough texture
• Suitable for: Individuals needing intense moisturization and barrier repair to restore skin health

• Size: 50 G
• Fragrance-free
• Dermatologically tested
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic
• Suitable for daily use, morning and night
• pH-balanced formula

Ceramides (5%): Strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.

Fatty Acids (5%): Replenish skin lipids and maintain barrier function.

Cholesterol (2%): Supports skin barrier repair.

Shea Butter (10%): Nourishes and locks in moisture.

Glycerin (5%): Retains moisture and softens skin.

The Ceramide Cream is meticulously formulated to repair and strengthen the skin barrier by replenishing essential lipids that are naturally present in the skin. This section provides a detailed explanation of how each ingredient contributes to skin health at a molecular level.

Ceramides (5%) are sphingolipid molecules composed of a sphingosine backbone linked to a fatty acid via an amide bond. They are a major component of the stratum corneum lipids, constituting approximately 50% by weight. Ceramides are critical for maintaining the skin's barrier function by forming a lamellar, structured arrangement within the extracellular lipid matrix. This lamellar structure reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by creating a hydrophobic barrier that prevents water evaporation from the skin's surface. Ceramides also play a role in cell signaling, influencing processes such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of keratinocytes.

Fatty Acids (5%) included in the formulation are primarily long-chain fatty acids like linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. These fatty acids integrate into the lipid bilayers of the stratum corneum, contributing to the formation of the intercellular lipid matrix. They help restore the lipid balance in the skin, which is essential for barrier function. Linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, is a key component of acylceramides, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. A deficiency in linoleic acid can lead to impaired barrier function and increased TEWL.

Cholesterol (2%) is a sterol molecule that constitutes approximately 25% of the stratum corneum lipids. Cholesterol intercalates between ceramides and fatty acids within the lipid bilayers, enhancing the structural organization and fluidity of the lipid matrix. It plays a pivotal role in barrier recovery by promoting the formation of lamellar bodies and accelerating the synthesis of new lipids in the epidermis. Cholesterol deficiency can result in delayed barrier recovery and increased skin permeability.

The combination of Ceramides, Fatty Acids, and Cholesterol in a specific molar ratio (approximately 3:1:1) is crucial for optimal skin barrier repair. This ratio mimics the natural composition of the stratum corneum lipids, ensuring effective restoration of barrier function.

Shea Butter (10%) is a fat extracted from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree. It is rich in triglycerides composed of stearic and oleic acids, along with unsaponifiable components like triterpenes, tocopherols, and phenols. Shea Butter acts as an occlusive agent, forming a protective layer on the skin's surface that reduces TEWL. Its emollient properties soften and smooth the skin by filling in the gaps between desquamating corneocytes. Additionally, the unsaponifiable fractions exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, contributing to skin health and protection against oxidative stress.

Glycerin (5%) is a hygroscopic trihydroxy alcohol that acts as a potent humectant. It attracts water from both the environment and the deeper layers of the skin into the stratum corneum via aquaporin-3 (AQP3) channels in keratinocyte membranes. By increasing the water content in the stratum corneum, glycerin enhances skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier function. It also stabilizes lipid bilayers within the intercellular matrix, further reducing TEWL.

By combining these ingredients, the Ceramide Cream addresses skin dryness and barrier impairment through multiple mechanisms:

• Restoring Lipid Balance: Replenishing ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol restores the lipid composition of the stratum corneum, essential for barrier integrity.
• Enhancing Barrier Function: The lamellar structure formed by these lipids reduces TEWL and protects against external irritants.
• Intense Hydration: Glycerin and Shea Butter work synergistically to attract and retain moisture, providing long-lasting hydration.
• Skin Repair and Protection: Shea Butter's unsaponifiable components offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, aiding in skin repair and protection.

This comprehensive approach results in improved skin hydration, reduced dryness and sensitivity, and a stronger, healthier skin barrier.

• Aqua (Water): Base solvent; hydrates and dissolves other ingredients.
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (10%): Rich in triglycerides and unsaponifiable compounds; provides occlusive and emollient properties, nourishes the skin, and reduces TEWL.
• Ceramides (5%): Including Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, and Ceramide EOP; sphingolipids that restore skin barrier function and reduce moisture loss.
• Fatty Acids (5%): Comprising Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, and Stearic Acid; replenish skin lipids and maintain barrier integrity.
• Cholesterol (2%): Sterol that supports lipid bilayer structure, enhances barrier recovery, and maintains skin permeability.
• Glycerin (5%): Humectant; attracts moisture to the skin, enhancing hydration and softness.
• Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin; provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel and improves skin barrier.
• Cetearyl Alcohol: Fatty alcohol; acts as an emulsifier and emollient, providing creamy texture and stabilizing the formulation.
• Glyceryl Stearate: Emulsifying agent; helps blend oil and water phases and provides a smooth texture.
• Phytosphingosine: A sphingoid base; precursor to ceramide synthesis in the skin; supports skin barrier function.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: Salt form of Hyaluronic Acid; hydrates and plumps the skin by retaining moisture.
• Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Converts to pantothenic acid in the skin; moisturizes, soothes, and aids in barrier repair.
• Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Lipid-soluble antioxidant; neutralizes free radicals and protects the skin from oxidative stress.
• Phenoxyethanol: Broad-spectrum preservative; ensures product safety by preventing microbial growth.
• Ethylhexylglycerin: Preservative enhancer and skin conditioning agent; boosts the efficacy of phenoxyethanol and improves skin feel.
• Carbomer: High molecular weight polymer; acts as a thickening agent to achieve the desired texture.
• Triethanolamine (TEA): pH adjuster; neutralizes carbomer and stabilizes the formulation.
• Disodium EDTA: Chelating agent; binds metal ions to improve product stability and efficacy.
• Fragrance-Free: No added fragrances to reduce the risk of irritation, suitable for sensitive skin.

After cleansing and toning, apply a generous amount of the cream to the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Gently massage in upward, circular motions until fully absorbed. Use twice daily, morning and night. For extra hydration, the cream can be applied over a serum or facial oil.

• Is this cream suitable for eczema-prone skin?Yes, the Ceramide Cream contains ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier, which can be beneficial for eczema-prone skin. However, it is not a treatment for eczema. Consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
• Can I use this cream if I have oily skin?While the cream is rich and designed for dry skin, individuals with oily but dehydrated skin may benefit from its barrier-repairing properties. Use sparingly and observe how your skin responds.
• Will this cream clog my pores?No, the cream is non-comedogenic and formulated to absorb without leaving a heavy or greasy residue.
• Can I use this cream under makeup?Yes, the cream provides a smooth base for makeup application and helps keep the skin hydrated throughout the day.
• Is this product safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?The cream contains gentle, skin-friendly ingredients. However, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Does this cream help with fine lines and wrinkles?By improving skin hydration and barrier function, the cream can help plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines associated with dryness.
• Is the Ceramide Cream vegan and cruelty-free?Yes, the product is formulated without animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals.
• How should I store the cream to maintain its effectiveness?Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the stability of the active ingredients.
• Can men use this cream?Absolutely. The cream is suitable for all genders and is especially beneficial for anyone experiencing dry or compromised skin.
• Does the product contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates?No, the Ceramide Cream is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, reducing the risk of irritation.