Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine

AKA: 190249-36-6, Mexanyl GAA, Hexadecanamide, HYDROXYPALMITOYL SPHINGANINE [INCI]
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
1,3-Dihydroxy-2-amino-[(N-(2-hydroxy)-hexanedecanoyl]-octadecane
Formula
C34H69NO4
Mol. Weight
555.90
CAS #
190249-36-6
Form
Powder
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.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Developed in the late 20th century as a synthetic ceramide analog designed to mimic natural ceramides found in skin. Created to improve skin barrier function and hydration in modern skincare formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR