Phytosphingosine is a natural component belonging to the class of sphingolipids, polar lipids that are essential for the functioning of the cell membrane system that provides cell stability and contribute to the permeability and immunological barriers of the skin. Lipids are believed to form at least part of the microbial barrier.

It appears in the form of a white powder

What it is used for and where

Medical

Phytosphingosine has shown varying degrees of antimicrobial (1) and anti-inflammatory activity and has been shown to be effective in restoring the damaged skin barrier and controlling acne bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, in in vitro studies, its anti-adherence and anti-biofilm properties preventing salivary biofilm formation (2) and antifungal activity against Candida albicans (3) have been confirmed.

Cosmetics

Phytosphingosine is a water-soluble lipid material, a moisturising agent developed in recent years with the ability to rapidly penetrate the skin and strengthen the stratum corneum by forming a mesh structure. It stimulates the differentiation of human epidermal keratinocytes and contributes to lipid nutrition for the synthesis of ceramides while also exerting discrete antimicrobial activity. Lipids are believed to form at least part of the microbial barrier and are synthesised in the epidermis. It produces an anti-desquamation and anti-ageing effect due to its properties of reconstituting the skin's natural barrier function.

For more information:

Phytosphingosine studies

Typical commercial product characteristics Phytosphingosine 

• Molecular Formula    C₁₈H₃₉NO₃
• Molecular Weight      317.5
• Exact Mass     317.292999
• CAS  554-62-1
• UNII    GIN46U9Q2Q
• EC Number     205-516-1
• DSSTox Substance ID  DTXSID80203951
• IUPAC  (2S,3S,4R)-2-aminooctadecane-1,3,4-triol
• InChl=1S/C18H39NO3/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-17(21)18(22)16(19)15-20/h16-18,20-22H,2-15,19H2,1H3/t16-,17+,18-/m0/s1
• InChl Key      AERBNCYCJBRYDG-KSZLIROESA-N
• SMILES   CCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(C(C(CO)N)O)O
• MDL number  
• PubChem Substance ID    
• ChEBI  46961

Synonyms

• 4D-Hydroxysphinganine
• (2S,3S,4R)-2-Aminooctadecane-1,3,4-triol

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Pavicic T, Wollenweber U, Farwick M, Korting HC. Anti-microbial and -inflammatory activity and efficacy of phytosphingosine: an in vitro and in vivo study addressing acne vulgaris. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2007 Jun;29(3):181-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2494.2007.00378.x. 

(2) Bikker FJ, Hoogenkamp MA, Malhaoui A, Nazmi K, Neilands J, Krom BP. Phytosphingosine Prevents the Formation of Young Salivary Biofilms in vitro. Caries Res. 2018;52(1-2):7-13. doi: 10.1159/000480712. 

(3) Veerman EC, Valentijn-Benz M, van't Hof W, Nazmi K, van Marle J, Amerongen AV. Phytosphingosine kills Candida albicans by disrupting its cell membrane. Biol Chem. 2010 Jan;391(1):65-71. doi: 10.1515/BC.2010.001.