Common Name(s): Phytosphingosine pca,phytosphingosine pca,ceramide precursor sphingoid base,sc barrier lipid antimicrobial active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Serves as a direct ceramide biosynthetic precursor for sc barrier repair, provides antimicrobial activity against c. acnes and malassezia from the fatty amine's membrane disruption, and integrates into sc lamellar bilayers for barrier function restoration.
Why It's Used: Phytosphingosine is the only ingredient simultaneously a ceramide precursor and an antimicrobial โ the sphingoid base's terminal amine disrupts microbial membranes at cosmetic concentrations while the hydroxyl backbone is incorporated into sc ceramide synthesis.
How It Works: Phytosphingosine (d-ribo-2-amino-1,3,4-octadecanetriol): ceramide synthetase substrate โ n-acylphytosphingosine (ceramide) + phospholipase d ceramide โ sc lamellar bilayer. antimicrobial: the primary amine (pka ~9) protonates at skin ph 5 โ cationic species โ electrostatic interaction with anionic microbial membranes โ disruption. pca conjugate adds nmf humectancy.
Typically Found In: Barrier repair,anti-acne,anti-dandruff,sc lipids
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.05%โ1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ plant
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Phytosphingosine concentration and irritation: >0.2% free phytosphingosine can cause transient skin tingling from the cationic amine โ formulation at lower concentrations (0.05-0.1%) in conjunction with ceramide precursors avoids the tingling while maintaining barrier repair and antimicrobial benefits.
Last Verified: Cosing database,phytosphingosine ceramide precursor sc barrier antimicrobial review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-22