Common Name(s): D-erythro-dihydrosphingosine,2-amino-1,3-octadecanediol
CAS Number: 764-27-2
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides ceramide synthesis substrate and antimicrobial activity for barrier repair formulations.
Why It's Used: Ceramide synthesis precursor in skin providing complementary antimicrobial properties to phytosphingosine in anti-acne barrier repair formulations.
How It Works: Substrate for ceramide synthase converting to dihydroceramide (then oxidized to ceramide). antimicrobial via membrane integration and disruption of microbial membranes.
Typically Found In: Ceramide complexes,anti-acne products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – dihydrosphingosine
Secondary Functions: Ceramide precursor,antimicrobial
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–0.2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Synthetic or phytoceramides (wheat, konjac). verify source for vegan/halal. [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: 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
Sphinganine is the direct metabolic precursor to ceramide in the de novo ceramide biosynthesis pathway (serine + palmitoyl-coa → 3-keto-sphinganine → sphinganine → dihydroceramide → ceramide). this makes it a metabolically efficient ceramide precursor for supporting endogenous ceramide synthesis in keratinocytes.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,hannun & bell sphingolipid metabolism review