Abstract: Ceramide is a major ingredient of the lipid in stratum corneum, the key material, which reflects skin barrier function. The change of content of ceramide can lead to the structure damage of the lipid in stratum corneum, which leads to the skin barrier function damage and skin diseases. The composition, catabolism and the effects on skin barrier function of ceramide is reviewed in this article.

Key words: ceramide, skin barrier, metabolic pathway, enzyme