Dosage of ceramides, cerebrosides

Ceramide and cerebroside analysis allows for the characterization of the sphingolipid composition of an ingredient, plant extract, or cosmetic formulation. These bioactive molecules play a key role in skin hydration, cell cohesion, and lipid signaling. In nutraceuticals and cosmetics, they are used to assess the quality of natural extracts (rice, soy, wheat) and finished products intended for skincare or cellular well-being.

The analysis of ceramides and cerebrosides is carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS), two reference techniques for the separation, identification and quantification of sphingolipids in complex matrices.

Principle and operation of the method

The analysis relies on the selective extraction of lipids from the matrix (plant extract, cosmetic ingredient, powder, oil). The sample is then injected into an HPLC or LC-MS system.
HPLC allows for the efficient separation of ceramides and cerebrosides according to their polarity and molecular weight, while LC-MS offers precise structural identification through the measurement of the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of each compound.

This approach ensures reliable quantification, even at very low concentrations. Results are expressed relative to certified reference standards, allowing for direct comparison between batches or formulations.

Analytical performance and related analyses

HPLC and LC-MS techniques offer excellent sensitivity and robustness for sphingolipid detection. They are suitable for a wide range of matrices, including rice, soy, and wheat extracts, nutritional powders, creams, lotions, and dietary supplements.
These methods not only determine ceramide concentration but also establish a complete sphingolipid profile, useful for quality control and validating functional claims.

They are often combined with other services from the YesWeLab catalogue, such as phospholipid assay, triglyceride assay or fatty acid analysis by GC-FID , in order to complete the overall lipid characterization of a sample.

Applications and sectors concerned

The measurement of ceramides and cerebrosides is applicable to several fields:

• Human nutrition : evaluation of plant extracts rich in sphingolipids used in functional foods or food supplements.
• Nutraceuticals : control of bioactive ingredients and validation of formulations aimed at supporting skin or cellular health.
• Cosmetics : characterization of dermocosmetic formulations to measure the ceramide content, essential for hydration and the skin barrier.
• Animal nutrition and plants : study of complex lipids in plant-based ingredients and their impact on nutrition and cellular physiology.

These analyses can be complemented by tests such as the measurement of fat-soluble vitamins or the measurement of antioxidants in order to evaluate the interactions between lipids and protective compounds in enriched formulations.

The advantages of the YesWeLab service

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of partner laboratories specializing in lipidomics and biochemical analyses, most of which are certified or accredited according to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards. Each project is directed to the most suitable laboratory based on the matrix, method, and level of precision required.

Thanks to its digital analysis platform, YesWeLab simplifies the management of your services: quote requests, sample tracking, and online results delivery. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, distributors, and engineering firms have relied on our expertise for managing their lipid and nutraceutical analyses.

For any specific request regarding the measurement of ceramides and cerebrosides, contact our scientific team for personalized support and a quote tailored to your analytical objectives.