Cholesterol

Cholesterol is one of the three major intercellular lipids of the stratum corneum, alongside ceramides and free fatty acids. Topical barrier repair often fails unless cholesterol is present with the ceramide fraction[1][2].

What it does

It fluidises and organises ceramide-rich lamellae. In physiologic molar ratios, cholesterol + ceramides + fatty acids accelerate barrier recovery after disruption[1].

The evidence

Elias and colleagues demonstrated that incomplete lipid mixes recover barrier more slowly than the full triad[1]. Moisturisers listing ceramide NPCeramide NPModerateCeramide NP · Sphingolipid (non-hydroxy fatty acid, phytosphingosine)The most abundant ceramide class in the stratum corneum; topical replacement improves barrier in controlled trials.Open in the Index → with cholesterol follow that logic.

How to use it

A marker of serious barrier design when paired with multiple ceramides — not a brightening or anti-ageing hero on its own.