INCI: Ceramide NG - Also known as: Ceramide 2, Non-hydroxy fatty acid / Sphingosine Ceramide

QUICK FACTS

What is Ceramide NG?

Ceramide NG - where NG designates non-hydroxy fatty acid linked to sphingosine - is a ceramide subtype characterized by a sphingosine backbone (as opposed to the phytosphingosine backbone found in Ceramide NP and Ceramide AP) linked to a non-hydroxylated fatty acid chain. In older nomenclature it was designated Ceramide 2. This sphingosine-based structure gives Ceramide NG a different molecular geometry compared to its phytosphingosine counterparts, allowing it to occupy distinct positions within the lipid bilayer assembly and contribute a structural character that NP and AP ceramides cannot provide alone.

Ceramide NG is identified as one of the ceramide species present in the stratum corneum, and is the ceramide type most suited to oil-phase and anhydrous formulation environments - making it the appropriate ceramide choice for the Barrier Repairing Oil-Serum. In an oil-based, waterless formula where emulsification chemistry does not apply, a ceramide must have sufficient oil-phase compatibility to distribute evenly within the formula and reach the skin's barrier from an anhydrous delivery vehicle. Ceramide NG's molecular structure supports this compatibility.

At Sweet Chemistry, Ceramide NG is formulated alongside Ceramide NP within the Oil-Serum's 3% ceramide complex, providing two-ceramide coverage that extends barrier support to this waterless, highest-concentration formula in the Max Repair System.

What does it do for skin?

Like all physiological ceramides, Ceramide NG is studied in connection with integrating into the lamellar lipid matrix of the stratum corneum to support barrier structure and moisture retention. Its sphingosine backbone contributes structural diversity to the ceramide layer - meaning it is designed to address positional gaps in the bilayer that phytosphingosine-based ceramides do not occupy, producing a more complete lipid assembly.

In the specific context of the Barrier Repairing Oil-Serum, Ceramide NG's barrier-supportive character is delivered without water - a meaningful formulation distinction. Water-based ceramide delivery relies on emulsification to stabilize the lipid in a water phase. In an anhydrous formula, ceramides are delivered directly in the lipid phase, alongside the formula's other lipid actives including squalane, cholesterol, phytosphingosine, and the omega fatty acid complex. This lipid-to-lipid delivery approach is designed to support integration into the stratum corneum's lipid environment.

Ceramide NG also contributes to the emollient character of the Oil-Serum. Beyond its barrier-supportive association, it adds to the smooth, skin-conditioning lipid feel of the formula - providing both immediate surface comfort and the structural benefit of lamellar lipid replenishment in a single ingredient.

FOUND IN

In 1 Formula

Ceramide NG is specific to the Barrier Repairing Oil-Serum, where its oil-phase compatibility makes it the appropriate ceramide partner for Ceramide NP in the brand's waterless, 100%-active formula.

Nourishment - Dry to Combination

Barrier Repairing Oil-Serum 3% Ceramides (NP + NG) + Full Barrier Lipid Complex - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

A waterless, 100%-active serum delivering Ceramide NP and Ceramide NG alongside 7% THD ascorbate, 7% squalane, 3% Matrikynes® peptides, 1% cholesterol, 0.2% phytosphingosine, 2% omega 3/6, and 0.5% CoQ10. Zero carrier oils; all organic botanicals at a minimum of 5% each.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Barrier Lipid Ceramide NP

INCI: Ceramide NP.

The primary physiological ceramide in the Oil-Serum and the most abundant ceramide type in the stratum corneum. Ceramide NG and Ceramide NP are co-formulated in the Oil-Serum at a combined 3% ceramide concentration. Synergy Note: Ceramide NG's sphingosine backbone and Ceramide NP's phytosphingosine backbone give them complementary molecular geometries within the bilayer - producing a more complete lamellar approach when combined than either ceramide delivers alone.

Barrier Lipid Cholesterol

INCI: Cholesterol.

Present at 1% in the Oil-Serum alongside Ceramide NG as the sterol component of the complete barrier lipid trio. Synergy Note: Research on barrier lipid ratios suggests ceramides and cholesterol may need to coexist in appropriate balance to support lamellar organization - their co-presence in the Oil-Serum is designed to provide the structural conditions for more complete bilayer integration.

Ceramide Precursor Phytosphingosine

INCI: Phytosphingosine.

Present at 0.2% in the Oil-Serum alongside Ceramide NG, studied in connection with ceramide biosynthesis support and a more comfortable skin surface. Synergy Note: While Ceramide NG addresses immediate lamellar lipid replenishment, phytosphingosine is researched in connection with the skin's ongoing capacity to generate new ceramides - a complementary immediate-and-sustained approach.

Stable Vitamin C THD Ascorbate

INCI: Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

At 7% in the Oil-Serum, THD ascorbate is the highest-concentration vitamin C active in the Sweet Chemistry lineup, associated with brightening and collagen-supportive activity. Synergy Note: Ceramide NG is associated with supporting the physical barrier that may reduce environmental oxidative damage from reaching viable skin cells; THD ascorbate is studied in connection with addressing oxidative damage that has already occurred - protection and support working in parallel.