Pseudoceramides
INCI: Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Also known as: Synthetic ceramide analogs
BarrierbarriersyntheticModerate evidencePregnancy safe
72
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
0/5
Best applied
Both
Effective range
0.5%–2%
How It Works
Synthetic small-molecule analogs of ceramides, cheaper, similarly effective at restoring barrier function.
Mimic the chemical structure of natural ceramides closely enough to integrate into lamellar lipid sheets.
pH Range
4.0–7.0
Benefits
- Cost-effective barrier repair
- Stable
- Suitable for mass-market formulas
Proven For
What the evidence supports.
Barrier weakness
Best For
- All skin types
Avoid If
No notable contraindications reported.
Layering Order
7/10
Later treatment or moisturiser step.
Max Safe Concentration
2%
Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.5%–2%
Seasonal Use
Year-round.
For Estheticians & Professionals
Often appear in drugstore 'ceramide' moisturisers alongside true ceramides.
Clinical Evidence
The research behind Pseudoceramides.
Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.
Randomized Controlled Trial
Ceramide-dominant emollients improved skin barrier function by 63% within 6 weeks.
Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C
Cutis, 2006
View Study →Cutis, 2006
Systematic Review
Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.
Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
View Study →Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
Pairs Well With
Conflicts With
No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.
Your Skin Compatibility
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