Ceramides
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Ceramides (Phytoceramides / Glucosylceramides (plant-derived oral ceramides)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 146 participants, researched for Skin Barrier Function, Skin Hydration & Anti-ageing, Atopic Dermatitis.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Skin Barrier Function
StrongSkin Hydration & Anti-ageing
ModerateAtopic Dermatitis
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Skin Barrier Function
To assess the safety and efficacy of oral intake of ceramide-containing acetic acid bacteria on stratum corneum hydration.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess the safety and efficacy of oral intake of ceramide-containing acetic acid bacteria on stratum corneum hydration.
Dose
Ceramide-containing acetic acid bacteria supplement
Participants
66 healthy adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Oral ceramide supplementation significantly improved stratum corneum hydration vs placebo. TEWL was reduced, indicating improved skin barrier function. Safe and well tolerated over 12 weeks.
How They Measured It
Corneometry (stratum corneum hydration), TEWL
To evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements including ceramides for skin moisturising in healthy adults.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
To evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements including ceramides for skin moisturising in healthy adults.
Dose
Various ceramide preparations
Participants
Meta-analysis across multiple RCTs
Duration
4–12 weeks
Results
Oral ceramide supplementation resulted in statistically significant increase in skin hydration and decrease in TEWL vs placebo. Effect sizes were comparable to collagen supplementation.
How They Measured It
Meta-analysis of corneometry and TEWL data from 66 RCTs
To evaluate the clinical significance of ceramide-containing formulations for skin water retention and barrier function.
Study Type
Qualitative review
Purpose
To evaluate the clinical significance of ceramide-containing formulations for skin water retention and barrier function.
Dose
Various oral and topical ceramide formulations
Participants
Systematic review
Duration
Various
Results
Ceramide-containing preparations consistently improved skin water retention and barrier function. Oral ceramides showed particular benefit in improving stratum corneum hydration and reducing TEWL in atopic and dry skin conditions.
How They Measured It
Review of TEWL, corneometry, and dermatological outcomes
Topical supplementation with physiological lipids rebalances the stratum corneum ceramide profile and strengthens skin barrier function in adults predisposed to atopic dermatitis
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Topical supplementation with physiological lipids rebalances the stratum corneum ceramide profile and strengthens skin barrier function in adults predisposed to atopic dermatitis
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Efficacy and Safety of Oral Administration of Wine Lees Extract (WLE)-Derived Ceramides and Glucosylceramides in Enhancing Skin Barrier Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
Efficacy and Safety of Oral Administration of Wine Lees Extract (WLE)-Derived Ceramides and Glucosylceramides in Enhancing Skin Barrier Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Dose
As per study protocol
Participants
See full study
Duration
See full study
Results
Statistically significant findings reported — see full study for complete results.
How They Measured It
See full study for endpoints and measurement methods
Skin Hydration & Anti-ageing
To evaluate an oral skincare supplement containing ceramides on skin ageing markers.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate an oral skincare supplement containing ceramides on skin ageing markers.
Dose
Oral supplement containing ceramides and supportive actives
Participants
80 women aged 40-65
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in crow's feet wrinkles and improvements in facial and global skin smoothness vs placebo from week 8. The ceramide-containing supplement was well tolerated.
How They Measured It
Facial wrinkle depth (VISIA), skin smoothness assessment, global skin evaluation
Atopic Dermatitis
To investigate how oral ceramide prescription modulates inflammation, skin barrier function, and gut microbiota in sensitive skin models.
Study Type
Mechanistic animal study
Purpose
To investigate how oral ceramide prescription modulates inflammation, skin barrier function, and gut microbiota in sensitive skin models.
Dose
Oral ceramide prescription (high and low dose)
Participants
Mouse models (atopic dermatitis and dry-skin models)
Duration
4 weeks
Results
High-dose ceramide prescription significantly improved skin lesions, reduced TEWL, decreased inflammatory markers, and upregulated barrier proteins (filaggrin, AQP3). Gut microbiota was beneficially modulated.
How They Measured It
TEWL, epidermal thickness, IL-4/IL-6/IL-31, filaggrin, AQP3, gut microbiota analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ceramides research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Ceramides (Phytoceramides / Glucosylceramides (plant-derived oral ceramides)), involving 146 total participants. Research covers Skin barrier function (TEWL reduction), Skin hydration, Atopic dermatitis support and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Ceramides has been researched for: Skin barrier function (TEWL reduction), Skin hydration, Atopic dermatitis support, Ageing skin. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 7 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
