Glucosyl Ceramide

Best

Emollient

Glucosyl Ceramide at a glance

  • Composed of a ceramide and sugar molecule known as glucose
  • Partially responsible for the healthy formation and appearance of skin’s upper layers
  • Helps repair barrier and provide hydration

Glucosyl Ceramide description

Glucosyl ceramide is a type of sphingolipid (a complex, long-chain lipid) known as a glycosphingolipid. Glucosyl ceramide is composed of a ceramide and sugar molecule known as glucose. This ingredient is responsible for the healthy formation and appearance of skin’s upper layers, known as the epidermis, and is the primary glycosphingolipid in this portion of the skin. Research has shown that oral consumption of glucosyl ceramides, whether from wheat, corn, rice bran, beets, or konjac root can make it from the digestion process to skin. Interestingly (but not too surprising) research has also shown that glucosyl ceramides have less benefit for normal skin than they do for dry, sun-damaged, or otherwise compromised skin. Plant-derived glucosyl ceramides can visibly repair and strengthen skin’s barrier, improve hydration channels in skin, and interrupt factors in skin that trigger signs of sensitivity, dryness, and dullness. In short, glucosyl ceramides are proving to be an integral ingredient for healthier skin at any age, and nicely complement a range of ceramides used in topical skin care products.

Glucosyl Ceramide references

  • Cosmetics, September 2017, ePublication
  • Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, April 2017, pages 115-138
  • Nutrition Research, March 2015, pages 241-250
  • Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, May 2014 ePublication; and September 2013, pages 1,882-1,887
  • Journal of Dermatological Science, June 2012, ePublication; and August 2006, pages 101-107
  • Lipids, April 2010, pages 451-455

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.