Sphingolipids Excellent Émollient Hydratation Anti-âge Apaisant Sphingolipids at a glance Long chain fats that are skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients Help skin make more ceramides Prevent water loss Sphingolipids description Sphingolipids are complex, long chain lipids (fats) that function as skin-replenishing and conditioning ingredients. In layperson’s terms, this means they help maintain an intact skin barrier and prevent water loss, leading to healthier, smoother, more youthful-looking skin. They are a precursor to ceramides, and help skin make more ceramides, which are key to keeping it strong. The name “sphingolipid” is in part derived from the term sphingoid, coined in 1884 by chemist J. L. W. Thudichum because their enigmatic nature reminded him of the mythological sphinx.