Corneocyte

Corneocytes—commonly known as "dead skin cells"—are the terminally differentiated keratinocytes that compose the stratum corneum, the outermost epidermal layer. These cells are flattened, enucleated, densely packed with keratin, and form a protein- and lipid-rich barrier essential for preventing water loss and providing protection from environmental stress, pathogens, and physical trauma.[3][5][7] Corneocytes are continually shed from the skin surface in the process of desquamation, while new keratinocytes migrate up from the basal layer to replenish them. While maintenance of the stratum corneum is critical for skin health, individual corneocytes or “dead skin cells” themselves are not therapeutic targets.

Other names

dead skin cellsquamecornified cellflaked keratinocyte