Ceramide NP is a lipid molecule that helps restore the skin's natural barrier, improve hydration, and protect against environmental damage. Ceramide NP has been shown to reduce dryness, increase moisture retention, and support overall skin health.

We’ll take a wild guess that “fatty acid” wouldn’t crack the top of your list of stuff to slather your face with. But what if we told you there’s a special type of fatty acid that can fight dry skin, protect you from irritants, and make you look like an absolute gem?

Enter ceramide NP: a high-performing skincare ingredient that helps your skin retain moisture and renew its protective barrier. Ceramide NP is one of the most abundant types of ceramides found naturally in your skin. Accordingly, it’s a no-brainer to work it into your daily regimen if you want to level up your face game.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about ceramide NP, including how it works, why your skin needs it, and how to make it a part of your daily skincare routine. Best of all, we’ll explain it using language you don’t need a dermatology degree to understand.

What Is Ceramide NP?

Ceramide NP is an essential lipid molecule found naturally in the outer layer of your skin. It’s one of many types of ceramides, which make up about half of the stuff between your skin cells.

Ceramide NP—also known as ceramide 3—is one of the most abundant types of ceramides in your skin and has a unique structure. The “N” stands for the type of normal fatty acid and “P” stands for its phytosphingosine base.

Ceramides in skincare products can be derived from natural plant sources or synthesized in laboratories. Either way, they reinforce your skin's barrier, retain moisture, and improve your overall appearance.

You can think of it as the mortar between the bricks of your skin’s layers.

4 Benefits of Ceramide NP for Your Skin

Here are four damn good reasons to use ceramide NP.

1. Keeps Skin Moisturized

Ceramide NP is your skin's hydration hero, enhancing moisture retention to ensure a healthy complexion. It works by reinforcing the skin's natural barrier, preventing water loss, and keeping your skin hydrated all day long.

2. Protects Your Skin Barrier

Think of Ceramide NP as your skin's armor. By restoring and strengthening the lipid barrier, it protects against environmental aggressors like pollution, harsh weather, and UV damage, reducing the risk of irritation.

3. Prevents Early Signs of Aging

Ceramide NP doesn't just hydrate—it also helps maintain your skin's elasticity and firmness. By supporting the skin's natural structure, it can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping you looking younger, longer.

4. Soothes Irritation

If you have sensitive skin, Ceramide NP is a game-changer. Its barrier-repairing properties help to calm and soothe irritation, making it a go-to ingredient if you’re dealing with skin conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea.

Ceramide NP vs. Hyaluronic Acid

A lot of people compare ceramide NP to another hydration hero: hyaluronic acid. So, how do they stack up?

Ceramide NP and hyaluronic acid both hydrate your skin, but play different roles. Ceramide NP strengthens and repairs your skin's natural barrier, enhancing long-term moisture retention and protection against environmental damage. This makes it ideal for dry or sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that provides an immediate hydration boost by attracting and holding water, resulting in a smoother appearance. While ceramide NP focuses on barrier repair and lasting hydration, hyaluronic acid offers instant plumping and hydration.

Bottom line: Ceramide NP and hyaluronic acid are complementary ingredients in any man’s skincare routine.

How to Use Ceramide NP

The best way to incorporate ceramide NP into your skincare routine is to use a lightweight, gel-based moisturizer that has ceramide NP as an active ingredient.

Shameless plug alert: Revival has the exact amount of ceramide NP you need to keep your skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

1. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of any excess oil and dirt.
2. Pat your face dry and spread a dime-sized amount of moisturizer across your face and neck. It’s crucial to moisturize right after cleansing, since that’s when your skin is most absorbent.
3. Use moisturizer twice every day: Once when you wake up and again before bed.

You don’t need any special ceramide NP serums, toners, or eye sticks. At PrettyBoy, we put your entire skincare routine into one pump with Revival so you can reclaim your counter space and save some dough in the process.

Is Ceramide NP Safe?

Yes—ceramide NP is considered safe by the overwhelming majority of dermatologists. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel’s 2020 assessment concluded that ceramides are “safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use.”

That’s a fancy way of saying you’re in the clear to slather your face with ceramide NP every day.

How Long Does It Take for Ceramide NP to Work?

Most people start to see improvements in hydration and skin texture within a week of consistently using ceramide NP. For more significant results, such as enhanced barrier function and reduced dryness, it can take 4-6 weeks of regular application. As always, skincare results can vary depending on your skin type.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned building PrettyBoy, it’s that skincare is like going to the gym: You don’t see wild transformations after one day. But if you build strong habits and trust the process, you’ll look back and be so glad you started.