Ceramide is a kind of functional active element. The structural characterization, functions of ceramide, application in food, cosmetic and medical were introduced in the paper.

• 神经酰胺是一种功能性食品和化妆品活性成分,该文主要对神经酰胺的结构、功能、及在食品、日化、医药业中应用进行综述。