C18 Phytoceramide (t18:0/18:0)

C18 Phytoceramide (t18:0/18:0) (Cer (t18:0/18:0) ) is a bioactive sphingolipid found in S. cerevisiae, wheat grains, and the stratum corneum layer of mammalian epidermis. It comprises a phytosphingosine backbone amine-linked to a C18 fatty acid chain. Cer (t18:0/18:0) regulates apoptosis, cell differentiation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, and inhibits the mitochondrial respiratory chain. It also suppresses the expression of allergic cytokines IL-4, TNF-α, and transcription factors c-Jun and NF-κB in histone-stimulated murine skin tissue. Formulations with cer (t18:0/18:0) are utilized in cosmetics as skin protectants, reducing water loss and preventing epidermal dehydration and irritation.