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Phytoceramides

Otherskin lipidModerate dose evidence

Also known as: ceramides, glucosylceramides, wheat ceramides, Ceramosides, Lipowheat, rice ceramides, Oryza ceramide

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Ceramides are the lipids that make up much of the intercellular cement of the skin's outer layer and help it hold water. Phytoceramides are plant-derived ceramides and glucosylceramides from wheat, rice, or konjac, sold in beauty-from-within products for skin hydration and barrier function. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of 350 mg wheat extract oil for three months improved skin hydration in women with dry skin, and newer trials of concentrated plant ceramides have reported lower water loss. Concentrated powders are dosed at 30–70 mg.

Research summary

Dietary glucosylceramides are absorbed as sphingoid bases and appear to stimulate ceramide synthesis in the epidermis, improving barrier function.

Skin

Dosage

Daily amounts, of extract.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
—30–70 mg——

30–70 mg of concentrated phytoceramide powder (e.g., Ceramosides) daily is the common market dose; the verified RCT used 350 mg of a less concentrated wheat extract oil (Lipowheat) for 12 weeks, which is not directly comparable and is therefore not entered as dose_max_studied. Take with food. Effects on hydration appear over 4–12 weeks. Wheat-derived grades are typically gluten-free but still require wheat allergen labeling; rice-derived grades avoid this.

Standardization: standardized to glucosylceramides/ceramides (supplier dependent, e.g., ≥3% ceramides + digalactosyl diglycerides)

Source material: wheat (Triticum) grain lipid extract or rice bran extract

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Oil-based grades go in softgels; powder grades are fine in capsules, gummies, and tablets at these small doses.

Formulation notes

Wheat-derived grades require wheat allergen labeling; choose rice-derived material for wheat-free claims.

  • Allergen: wheat

Sources

  1. The moisturizing effect of a wheat extract food supplement on women's skin: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. (Guillou, 2011)PubMed
  2. Efficacy and Safety of Oral Administration of Wine Lees Extract (WLE)-Derived Ceramides and Glucosylceramides in Enhancing Skin Barrier Function: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. (Sanjaya, 2024)PubMed

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