INIDS2-1596
Complementary Roles of Ceramide Subclasses in the Stratum Corneum Barrier: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Topic
IDS2. Frontiers in Cosmetic Science and Technology (Sponsored by COSMAX)
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
16:40 - 17:05
Room 102
Session Chairs
Chan-Jin KIM
Presenter(s)
Yoonsung Nam (KAIST)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
The skin barrier function is governed by the extracellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum (SC), which prevents transepidermal water loss and the penetration of exogenous substances. Ceramides are the major structural components of this lipid matrix, yet the distinct roles of individual ceramide subclasses, the importance of their physiological composition, and the impact of ceramide deficiency on barrier function remain incompletely understood. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate how the major non-hydroxy ceramides (CERNP, CERNS, and CERNDS), their relative composition, and overall ceramide content influence lipid packing and the barrier properties of SC lipid membranes. Physiological, single-ceramide, compositional imbalance, and ceramide-deficient models are systematically compared to characterize the structural contribution of each ceramide species and the effects of altered ceramide composition. The results show that CERNP enhances hydrogen-bond formation, CERNS promotes membrane flexibility, and CERNDS promotes dense lipid packing, demonstrating the complementary structural roles of the three ceramide species. The physiological composition integrates these complementary properties to produce the most balanced and spatially consistent skin barrier among the tested models. In contrast, ceramide imbalance or depletion shifted lipid packing and intermolecular interactions away from the coordinated properties observed in the physiological model. These findings demonstrate that maintaining both the physiological composition and adequate ceramide content is essential for an effective skin barrier and provide molecular-level insight into the complementary roles of major ceramide species in the SC.
