ceramide

biochemistry

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Ceramides are simple sphingolipids composed of a fatty acid linked to sphingosine. They are found in cell membranes and play a role in cellular processes like differentiation and apoptosis. Ceramides also act as precursors for more complex sphingolipids. They are naturally present in the skin's moisture barrier and are found in moisturizers to help with dry skin. Abnormal metabolism of sphingolipids, including ceramides, is associated with diseases like Tay-Sachs and Niemann-Pick disease.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

sphingolipid
…most simple sphingolipids are the ceramides (sphingosine plus a fatty acid), widely distributed in small amounts in plant and animal tissues. The other sphingolipids are derivatives of ceramides.
Read More
…most simple sphingolipids are the ceramides (sphingosine plus a fatty acid), widely distributed in small amounts in plant and animal tissues. The other sphingolipids are derivatives of ceramides.
Read More

multiple sclerosis
Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
…fluid of lipids known as ceramides is associated with inflammation and with progression of the disease. Evidence indicates that ceramide levels are increased in MS in two ways, one of which involves the upregulation of genes that synthesize ceramides and the other of which involves increased intake of saturated fats…
Read More
…fluid of lipids known as ceramides is associated with inflammation and with progression of the disease. Evidence indicates that ceramide levels are increased in MS in two ways, one of which involves the upregulation of genes that synthesize ceramides and the other of which involves increased intake of saturated fats…
Read More