Céramosides™: wheat phytoceramides, skin barrier and clinical studies
In brief. Céramosides™ is a wheat polar-lipid complex developed by Seppic. The powder form has notably been studied at 30 mg/day. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2024 included 72 women allocated to three groups of 24 for 56 days; a controlled study published in 2017 had also evaluated the powder form at 30 mg/day for 60 days. Eclo evidence rating: several published human studies on the wheat polar-lipid complex; they are neither a study of Ressource™ nor an authorized European health claim.
Céramosides™ at a glance
| Type | Wheat polar-lipid complex containing sphingolipids/glucosylceramides and DGDG, among other components |
|---|---|
| Powder dose used by Eclo | 30 mg / day |
| 2024 trial | 72 women · 3 groups of 24 · randomized · double-blind · placebo · 56 days |
| 2017 trial | Randomized · double-blind · placebo · 60 days · powder at 30 mg/day |
| Status of EFSA claim assessed in 2012 | Cause-and-effect relationship not established for the dossier submitted |
| At Eclo | Ressource™ |
Why do skin-barrier lipids matter?
The stratum corneum combines corneocytes with a lipid matrix rich in ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids, among other components. This organization contributes to barrier function and limits water loss. It explains the biological plausibility of skin lipids, but it does not prove that an oral phytoceramide directly “replaces” skin ceramides.
What did the 2024 published trial show?
Seventy-two women with dry and wrinkled skin were randomized into three groups of 24: wheat polar-lipid complex in oil form, powder form, or placebo. Supplementation lasted 56 days, with measurements at day 14, day 28 and day 56, followed by another assessment 56 days after stopping.
The authors report improvements in hydration, smoothness and elasticity, together with reductions in TEWL, roughness and wrinkle depth during supplementation. The effects were not maintained after discontinuation. The protocol therefore does not support the idea of a permanent effect.
What did the 2017 study show?
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Cosmetics evaluated a wheat-derived glucosylceramide and DGDG complex. The powder form was given at 30 mg/day for 60 days. The authors reported changes in several skin parameters, including hydration, elasticity, smoothness, roughness and barrier function.
What does the 2012 EFSA opinion mean?
In 2012, EFSA assessed a dossier on a wheat polar-lipid extract and a claim concerning protection of the skin against dehydration. The panel concluded that a cause-and-effect relationship had not been established from the data submitted.
The 2017 and 2024 trials came later and are part of the current literature. They do not retroactively “overturn” the EFSA opinion and, on their own, do not create an authorized European health claim. Clinical publication and regulatory authorization of a claim are two different questions.
TEWL and hydration: two different endpoints
TEWL measures water flux through the skin; hydration of the stratum corneum is assessed by other methods. A reduction in TEWL can be compatible with improved barrier function in a given protocol, but it does not automatically mean “more hydration”.
Wheat, gluten and allergy: what can we say?
Céramosides™ is derived from wheat. A supplier specification concerning gluten in a raw material should not be turned into general medical advice for coeliac disease or wheat allergy. The composition, allergen declaration and label of the current finished product remain the reference.
What we know — and what it does not allow us to conclude
- Published studies: several controlled human trials exist on the wheat polar-lipid complex.
- Documented dose: 30 mg/day for the powder form in the 2017 trial.
- Important finding: the benefits observed were not maintained after discontinuation in the 2024 study.
- Regulation: EFSA did not establish the cause-and-effect relationship for the assessed claim in 2012.
- Do not extrapolate: a study on the complex is not a study of Ressource™.
Frequently asked questions
Is Céramosides™ an oral ingredient?
Yes. Here it refers to a lipid complex intended for oral supplementation.
Is 30 mg a dose that is “too low”?
The number alone cannot tell you that. 30 mg is the studied dose of the powder form.
Did EFSA authorize the claim “protects against dehydration”?
No. The 2012 opinion concluded that a cause-and-effect relationship had not been established for the dossier submitted.
Can we say Céramosides™ is safe for someone with a wheat allergy?
No. The ingredient is wheat-derived; the label and individual medical context take precedence.
Sources
- [Publication] Kern et al., 2024 — randomized trial on a wheat polar-lipid complex
- [Publication] Bizot et al., 2017 — randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- [Regulation] EFSA Journal 2012;10(7):2773 — Wheat Polar Lipid Extract and protection of the skin against dehydration
Read next
Skin barrier, ceramides and TEWL · ExceptionHYAL® Star · How to read a clinical study · Ressource™
Method note: Eclo distinguishes ingredient trials, instrumental measurements and the regulatory status of claims. These levels are not merged into a promise about Ressource™.
Last scientific review: 27 August 2026.