Ceramide 4
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Ceramide as (ceramide 4), N-Butyryl-D-erythro-sphingosine, Ceramide 4 (retired) [INCI], Ceramide as (ceramide 4) [INCI], CERAMIDE 4 (RETIRED)
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Ceramide
Not Clean
Ceramide 4 (Retired) is the N-acylated sphingolipid having the erythro structure that conforms generally to the formula, where m has a value ranging from 13 to 27 in which the acyl moiety may be saturated or mono-unsataurated and n has a value ranging from 10 to 16. Ceramide 4 is similar to Ceramide 5, however, the acylating hydroxy acids are generally shorter in Ceramide 4 than in Ceramide 5.The INCI Name, Ceramide 4, originally developed in 1997, was designated with a retired status in 2014. F
Formula
C22H43NO3
Mol. Weight
369.6
CAS #
100403-19-8
Form
Liquid
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Strengthens skin barrier
Locks in moisture
Prevents moisture loss
Traditional Use
A ceramide variant identified in modern skin science research. Synthesized for use in cosmetics to support the skin's natural lipid barrier and improve hydration.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR