Common Name(s): 4-hydroxysphinganine,tetrahydroxysphinganine
CAS Number: 554-62-1
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides antimicrobial activity against p. acnes and s. aureus while supporting ceramide synthesis and reducing inflammation.
Why It's Used: Used in acne and sensitive skin formulations for combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and barrier repair activity from a single plant-derived sphingoid base.
How It Works: Trihydroxy structure provides stronger antimicrobial activity vs sphingosine. substrate for ceramide synthase to form phytoceramides. reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production in keratinocytes.
Typically Found In: Anti-acne products,sensitive skin treatments,barrier repair formulations
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ plant sphingoid base
Secondary Functions: Anti-acne,ceramide synthesis,anti-inflammatory
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ0.5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Derived from yeast (pichia) fermentation or plant sphingolipid hydrolysis. fully plant-derived. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Endogenous molecule; excellent tolerability.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Exceptional safety profile. natural skin component. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Other ceramides,cholesterol,free fatty acids,hyaluronic acid,niacinamide
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Phytosphingosine's additional 4-hydroxy group (vs sphingosine) significantly enhances antimicrobial activity while maintaining ceramide precursor function. clinically demonstrated to reduce p. acnes counts and inflammatory lesions in acne studies.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,lintner phytosphingosine review,kawano et al. ceramide precursor study