3-Ketodihydrosphingosine is a critical intermediate in the de novo biosynthesis pathway of sphingolipids, formed from the condensation of serine and palmitoyl-CoA. It plays a key role in ceramide synthesis and is extensively used in biochemical and biomedical research to investigate sphingolipid metabolism, cellular signaling pathways, including those related to cell proliferation, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and intracellular signaling. Its involvement in these processes makes it valuable for studying skin barrier function, wound repair, and anti-aging mechanisms at the cellular level. Additionally, it is employed in research on disorders associated with sphingolipid dysregulation, such as neurological diseases and metabolic conditions. Primarily utilized as a research reagent rather than in commercial cosmetic products.