What it is & what it does
Ceramide AP is an alpha-hydroxy fatty acid–phytosphingosine ceramide that contributes to the organised lipid architecture of the stratum corneum.
STRUCTURE: The letters AP describe an alpha-hydroxy fatty-acid chain (A) linked to a phytosphingosine base (P). This differs from NP, NS and the esterified omega-hydroxy ceramides EOS and EOP; they are related skin-barrier lipids but not identical compounds.
BARRIER SCIENCE: The outer epidermis uses a mixture of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids to build protective lipid layers. The mixture is relevant to maintaining hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss. Ceramide AP is therefore a structural lipid, not a retinoid or a chemical exfoliant. Evidence of benefit is strongest for properly formulated ceramide-containing moisturizers rather than an isolated molecule on an ingredient list.
IN TRIPLE DOSE: Ceramide AP is one of the five explicitly listed ceramides in the serum. The group is designed to complement retinoid-containing care with barrier support. Whether that translates into a measurable benefit from Triple Dose depends on the finished formula and its testing.
BARRIER SCIENCE: The outer epidermis uses a mixture of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids to build protective lipid layers. The mixture is relevant to maintaining hydration and reducing transepidermal water loss. Ceramide AP is therefore a structural lipid, not a retinoid or a chemical exfoliant. Evidence of benefit is strongest for properly formulated ceramide-containing moisturizers rather than an isolated molecule on an ingredient list.
IN TRIPLE DOSE: Ceramide AP is one of the five explicitly listed ceramides in the serum. The group is designed to complement retinoid-containing care with barrier support. Whether that translates into a measurable benefit from Triple Dose depends on the finished formula and its testing.
