In this article:
- What are ceramosides?
- What are ceramides?
- What is the difference between ceramides and ceramosides?
- How to choose the right one for you
Ceramosides and ceramides are two ingredients you may come across in wellness and skincare products. While their names sound alike, they’re not the same, and each may play a different role in supporting skin hydration and overall skin health.
Whether you’re after topical care, internal support or a mix of both, understanding what sets them apart can make it easier to choose the option that feels right for you. In this guide, we’ll look at the differences between ceramosides and ceramides, explore how they could benefit your skin, and share a few things you may want to consider when thinking about them.
What are ceramosides?
Ceramosides are a type of plant-derived lipid extract, often sourced from wheat¹ ². While the name might sound technical, they’re essentially natural fats that include compounds such as glucosylceramides and digalactosyl diglycerides (DGDG)¹ ². This blend is sometimes referred to as a wheat polar lipid complex (WPLC)¹ ².
These components are thought to help the skin retain moisture and support the normal function of its barrier¹ ². Some research also suggests that ceramosides could have benefits beyond hydration, such as contributing to hair health³.
What do ceramosides do?
Ceramosides work from within, the body’s natural ability to retain moisture. When taken as a supplement, they may help encourage your skin to produce ceramides, the natural lipids that play a role in maintaining healthy hydration⁴.
Some studies have found that people taking ceramoside supplements reported improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and smoothness¹, helping skin feel more nourished. Ceramosides can also help support your skin’s hydration as part of a balanced wellness routine¹²⁷.
The benefits of ceramosides
These plant-based lipid extracts may support skin and hair health by working in harmony with the body’s natural processes, such as helping to maintain the skin barrier, promoting moisture retention, and supporting overall skin integrity¹²⁷.
Here are some of the main benefits:
- Supporting skin hydration by helping the skin retain moisture¹ ²
- Assisting the skin’s natural barrier, which may help protect against dryness from environmental factors such as weather and pollution²
- Contributing to a balanced and smooth complexion²
- Providing precursors to ceramides, important lipids naturally found in the skin that are involved in hydration and skin barrier function¹
- Research has also explored their potential to help reduce hair loss and promote healthier hair growth³
If you’re looking for an ingredient that may support your skin’s hydration and overall wellbeing, including hair health, ceramosides could be one option to try.
What are ceramides?
While ceramosides are plant-derived compounds, ceramides are naturally present in in the outer layers of the skin ⁵ ⁶. They play an important role in helping to maintain hydration and support skin health. Working alongside cholesterol and fatty acids, they form a protective barrier that may help reduce moisture loss and shield against environmental stressors⁶.
They can be thought of as part of the “glue” that holds skin cells together, helping skin stay smooth, soft, and resilient. When levels of these lipids drop, skin may sometimes feel dry or more sensitive to factors like weather or pollution⁵.
What do ceramides do?
Ceramides support the skin’s natural barrier, which may help lock in moisture and protect against everyday environmental stressors such as pollution and allergens⁷. By helping to hold skin cells together, they can contribute to smoothness, comfort, and overall skin resilience.
What does ceramide do for your skin?
Ceramides for skin help support the natural protective barrier, which may assist in locking in moisture and keeping it feeling smooth and resilient⁶. They can also help guard against dryness and everyday environmental stressors, supporting overall skin wellness and balance.
The benefits of ceramides
Known for their role in skin barrier health, these lipids may offer several supportive benefits:
- May help strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and support moisture retention⁷
- Can support smoother, softer, and more comfortable skin⁵
- May offer protection against dryness caused by environmental factors⁵
- Could contribute to skin resilience and overall daily wellness⁶
- Naturally found in the skin to help maintain hydration and balance⁵
When it comes to ceramide skin benefits, they are considered important for supporting a healthy-looking complexion and helping skin feel well-hydrated.
What is the difference between ceramides and ceramosides?
Understanding the differences between ceramides and ceramosides can make it easier to decide which one might suit your skin and wellness goals. The table below offers a simple comparison of their sources, how they work, and the ways they may support skin health.
|
Feature |
Ceramides |
Ceramosides™ (WPLC) |
|
Source |
Naturally present in human skin⁴ ⁵ |
Derived from wheat as a plant-based lipid complex¹ ³ |
|
Type |
Endogenous epidermal lipids that form part of the skin’s protective barrier⁴ ⁵ ⁶ |
Sphingolipids (including glucosylceramides) and digalactosyl diglycerides¹ ³ |
|
Function |
Strengthen the skin barrier, reduce water loss, and protect against irritants⁴ ⁵ |
Improve skin hydration, elasticity, and smoothness when consumed orally¹ ² |
|
Application |
Used in topical skincare for barrier repair and moisturisation⁴ ⁶ |
Used in ingestible beauty supplements for systemic skin support¹ ² |
|
Mechanism |
Works externally on the very top layer of skin (stratum corneum) to restore barrier integrity⁵ |
Works internally to improve hydration and elasticity at a cellular level¹ ² |
|
Clinical Support |
Supported by dermatological literature on barrier repair and skin health⁴ ⁵ ⁶ ⁷ |
Clinically shown to improve multiple skin parameters within 15 days¹ ² |
How to choose the right one for you
When deciding between ceramides and ceramosides, it can help to think about how each one might fit into your routine and what you’d like to focus on.
If topical skincare is your priority, ceramides are often included to help support the skin’s natural barrier and reduce moisture loss⁷. If you’re looking at internal support, ceramoside supplements may assist with skin hydration and could also offer benefits for hair health over time¹ ² ³.
It’s always a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements, so you can find what feels right for you and your needs.
To explore more about caring for your skin from within and beyond, take a look at What Are Ceramides and Why Are They Important in Your Skincare Regime? or The Natural Active Skincare Ingredients You Should Look Out For on the Swisse Wellness Hub. Both ceramides and ceramosides can play a role in supporting skin hydration and overall wellness. Remember that it's all about finding what approach works best for you.
References:
- Bizot, V., Cestone, E., Michelotti, A., & Nobile, V. (2017). Improving Skin Hydration and Age-related Symptoms by Oral Administration of Wheat Glucosylceramides and Digalactosyl Diglycerides: A Human Clinical Study. Cosmetics, 4(4), 37. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics4040037
- Kern C, Dudonné S, Garcia C. Dietary supplementation with a wheat polar lipid complex improves skin conditions in women with dry skin and mild-to-moderate skin aging. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Apr;23(4):1320-1330. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16130
- Dudonné S, Kern C, Garcia C. Efficacy of a wheat polar lipid complex in reducing hair loss and improving hair growth in healthy women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2024 Apr;46(2):284-296. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12929
- Schild J, Kalvodová A, Zbytovská J, et al. The role of ceramides in skin barrier function and the importance of their correct formulation for skincare applications. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2024 Aug;46(4):526-543. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12972
- Bzioueche, H., Tamelghaghet, M., et al. Ceramide AD™ Restores Skin Integrity and Function following Exposure to House Dust Mite. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(11):9234. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119234
- Yong TL, Zaman R, Rehman N, Tan CK. Ceramides and Skin Health: New Insights. Exp Dermatol. 2025 Feb;34(2):e70042. https://doi.org/10.1111/exd.70042
- Ishikawa, J., Ohno, Y., & Nakamura, M. (2000). Wheat ceramides may enhance the skin’s barrier function, improve moisture retention, and promote overall skin health. Journal of Dermatological Science, 23(3), 151–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0923-1811(99)00092-6
