Common Name(s): N-oleyl hydroxyhexanamide,ceramide analogue,sc barrier integration active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Restores sc lamellar lipid bilayer organisation by integrating as a ceramide structural analogue — reducing tewl and improving barrier function in dry, eczematous, or ageing skin without requiring natural ceramide sourcing.

Why It's Used: Ceramide analogues provide barrier repair from a synthetic scaffold — lower cost and better formulation compatibility than natural ceramides while retaining the structural features required for genuine sc bilayer integration.

How It Works: The oleyl (c18:1) chain provides sc bilayer integration; the hydroxyhexanoic amide head group mimics ceramide's sphingosine amide and hydroxyl geometry for lamellar phase participation. the cis double bond at c9 prevents crystalline over-packing providing fluid bilayer integration at skin temperature without disrupting barrier function.

Typically Found In: Barrier repair creams,eczema care,dry skin

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Ceramide analogue chain length specificity: c16-c24 chains and amide/hydroxyl head groups preferentially partition into the sc orthorhombic lipid phase — the phase state that correlates with optimal barrier function and minimum tewl.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,n-oleyl hydroxyhexanamide ceramide analogue barrier review