N-Acetyl Glucosamine Key Facts
Rating: Best.
(Best / Excellent / Good / Average / Not Recommended)
Origin: Natural.
(Natural / Synthetic)
Vegan: No.
(Yes / No)
Functions: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, skin hydrating agent, hyaluronic acid booster, skin brightening agent, radiance booster, skin renewal booster, skin repair booster, skin texture enhancer, anti-ageing.
Suitability: all skin types including sensitive skin.
What is N-Acetyl Glucosamine?
N-acetyl glucosamine is a nano peptide naturally extracted from the outer shells of shellfish. Peptide is part of the protein structure that gives your skin strength and elasticity. Clinical studies showed many benefits of n-acetyl glucosamine for the skin from enhancing skin health to diminishing dark spots and signs of ageing.
The Benefits of N-Acetyl Glucosamine For Your Skin
1. N-acetyl glucosamine boosts skin's hyaluronic acid content
N-acetyl glucosamine boosts your skin's hyaluronic acid production by 107% and reduces inflammation. It significantly improves skin's ability to retain moisture and plumps up the appearance of the skin. N-acetyl glucosamine enhances skin density and elasticity.
2. N-acetyl glucosamine reduces facial hyperpigmentation and brightens complexion.
N-acetyl glucosamine inhibits the melanin production and protects skin cells against free radicals and oxidative stress. The skin brightening effects of n-acetyl glucosamine is further boosted when it is mixed with niacinamide (vitamin B3).
3. N-acetyl glucosamine reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of ageing.
N-acetyl glucosamine enhances the skin's ability to renew itself and repair damaged cells. N-acetyl glucosamine also increases the collagen synthesis in the skin by 33%. It strengthens skin matrix and restores the youthfulness of the skin. N-acetyl glucosamine firms and lifts up the appearance of the skin.
4. N-acetyl glucosamine gently exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates cell regeneration.
N-acetyl glucosamine gently peels off dead skin cells and boosts skin cell regeneration. It improves skin texture and promotes radiance.
5. N-acetyl glucosamine protects skin against free radical, oxidative and DNA damage
N-acetyl glucosamine is a powerful antioxidant which can potentially be used to protect skin against oxidative stress and damage including DNA damage caused by free radicals.
6. N-acetyl glucosamine protects skin against inflammation
N-acetyl glucosamine has very strong anti-inflammatory activities which can potentially be used to protect skin against inflammation and inflammatory damage.
Can all skin types benefit from n-acetyl glucosamine?
Yes, n-acetyl glucosamine benefits are suitable for all skin types from oily, dry to sensitive skin. However, please be informed that people who are allergic to shellfish should do a patch test before using n-acetyl glucosamine skincare products.
Can you use n-acetyl glucosamine skincare products during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
As long as you and baby are not allergic to shellfish, n-acetyl glucosamine skincare products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is there any ingredient recommended to be used together with n-acetyl glucosamine?
Studies showed that n-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide work synergistically to reverse signs of photoageing including dark spots. Both ingredients have excellent anti-ageing properties which help enhance skin health and reduce signs of ageing.
When is the best time to use n-acetyl glucosamine skincare products?
N-acetyl glucosamine is not phototoxic. Unlike retinol, kojic acid, hydroquinone or alpha/beta hydroxy acids; n-acetyl glucosamine doesn't make your skin more sensitive to sun. It is also non-comedogenic. You can use n-acetyl glucosamine skincare products at anytime during the day and night.
The Best Skincare Product With N-Acetyl Glucosamine
AGEless Serum learn more >>>
Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Specialist with 3 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list.
Scientific Sources: (1) Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007 Mar, 6(1): 20-6. (2) N-Acetylglucosamine modulates function of the skin fibroblasts, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013 Oct, 35(5):472-6. (3) The effect of N-acetyl-glucosamine on stratum corneum desquamation and water content in human skin, Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009 Jul-Aug, 60(4): 423-8. (4) Topical n-acetylglucosamine provides fast acne-reducing benefits and mildness demonstrating its potential utility in enhancing conventional Rx or OTC acne treatments, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, February 2007, Volume 56, Issue 2, Supplement 2, Page AB19. (5) Oral N-acetylglucosamine supplementation improves skin conditions of female volunteers: Clinical evaluation by a microscopie three-dimensional skin surface analyzer, Journal of Applied Cosmetology 20, 143-152, April/June 2002. (6) A Firming Neck Cream Containing N-Acetyl Glucosamine Significantly Improves Signs of Aging on the Challenging Neck and Décolletage, Joel Schlessinger, MD1 and Barbara Green, RPh, MS2 and Brenda L. Edison, BA2 and Lynn Murphy, MA2 and Yamini Sabherwal, PhD. (7) Differential metabolic effects of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine in human articular chondrocytes, Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2009 Aug, 17(8): 1022–1028. (8) N-acetylglucosamine reduces inflammatory response during acute peritonitis in uremic rats, Blood Purification, 2006, 24(3): 274-81. (9) Genomic expression changes induced by topical N-acetyl glucosamine in skin equivalent cultures in vitro, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007 Dec, 6(4): 232-8. (10) Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?, Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2013 Jan-Mar, 6(1): 4–11. (10) Protective effects of glucosamine and its acetylated derivative on serum/glucose deprivation-induced PC12 cells death: Role of reactive oxygen species, Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018 Apr; 13(2): 121–129. (11) An observational cohort study to assess N-acetylglucosamine for COVID-19 treatment in the inpatient setting, Annals of Medicine & Surgery, 2021 Aug; 68: 102574. (12) Assessment of protective effects of glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine against DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide in human lymphocytes, Drug and Chemical Toxicology, anuary 2014. (13) In Vitro Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of N-Acetylglucosamine: Development of an Alternative and Safe Approach to Fight Viral Respiratory Infections, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023 Mar; 24(6): 5129.