N-Acetylglucosamine

INCI: Acetyl Glucosamine

Also known as: NAG

AdvancedbrighteningbiotechModerate evidencePregnancy safe

Skinlumis Rating

Comedogenic

0/5

Irritancy

0/5

Best applied

Both

Effective range

2%–10%

How It Works

An amino sugar that's a building block for HA and also a tyrosinase pathway modulator. Pairs synergistically with niacinamide for pigmentation.

Inhibits tyrosinase glycosylation, reducing melanin synthesis; substrate for HA synthesis supports dermal hydration.

pH Range

5.0–7.0

Benefits

Brightens
Supports HA synthesis
Synergises with niacinamide

Proven For

What the evidence supports.

HyperpigmentationMild dehydration

Best For

All skin types

Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order

4/10

Mid-routine serum or treatment step.

Max Safe Concentration

10%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 2%–10%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Bone broth, shellfish exoskeleton (glucosamine supplements).

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Pair with 5% niacinamide for evidence-based pigmentation stack.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind N-Acetylglucosamine.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Vitamin C showed comparable efficacy to hydroquinone for melasma treatment.

Espinal-Perez LE, Moncada B, Castanedo-Cazares JP
International Journal of Dermatology, 2004

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer to keratinocytes, reducing hyperpigmentation by up to 35%.

Hakozaki T, Minwalla L, Zhuang J et al.
British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Azelaic acid comparable to hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation with superior safety across all Fitzpatrick types.

Balina LM, Graupe K
International Journal of Dermatology, 1991

View Study →

Randomized Controlled Trial

Nano-hyaluronic acid significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity after 8 weeks.

Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014

View Study →

Pairs Well With

NiacinamideVitamin C

Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility