ceramide
noun
cer·amide
ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd 
ˈser-
plural ceramides
: any of various simple sphingolipids that are composed of a fatty acid linked to sphingosine, are found especially in cell membranes, are involved in mediating various cellular processes (such as those affecting cell differentiation and apoptosis), and act as precursors for more complex sphingolipids
The enzyme controls production of a cellular substance, ceramide, which triggers the natural process of egg cell death.—
L. Stivitz
L. StivitzMoisturizers containing ceramides (natural lipids that are similar in structure to those in the skin's own moisture barrier) … are also worthwhile splurges for women with dry or problem skin, according to independent tester Grove.—Constance Cardozo
Constance CardozoExamples of ceramide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
First Aid Beauty’s version prioritizes moisture with a potent combo of squalane and ceramides.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 28 May 2025
Lucky for you, our editors sniffed through their stashes to round up shampoos and conditioners that marry top-tier efficacy (think skin- and hair-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and botanical blends) with both luxe and lightweight fragrance notes.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 25 May 2025
Its second task is to provide long-term and ongoing resilience by sending biomimetic peptides and skin-identical ceramides deep into the dermis for firmness and a clear complexion.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
Not to mention, it’s packed with peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin to keep your complexion fresh, nourished, and calm.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceramide
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Deanna Pai, Glamour, 28 May 2025
Lucky for you, our editors sniffed through their stashes to round up shampoos and conditioners that marry top-tier efficacy (think skin- and hair-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and botanical blends) with both luxe and lightweight fragrance notes.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 25 May 2025
Its second task is to provide long-term and ongoing resilience by sending biomimetic peptides and skin-identical ceramides deep into the dermis for firmness and a clear complexion.
—Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
Not to mention, it’s packed with peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, allantoin to keep your complexion fresh, nourished, and calm.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ceramide
Cite this Entry
“Ceramide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ceramide. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
ceramide
noun
cer·amide
ˈsir-ə-ˌmīd
: any of a group of amido sphingolipids formed by linking a fatty acid to sphingosine and found widely in small amounts in plant and animal tissue
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