N-Acetylglucosamine for Melasma

A gentle brightener that fades dark spots while quietly boosting hydration. Pairs especially well with niacinamide.

Why it works for Melasma

Fades patches by getting in the way of the cell machinery that makes pigment. The best evidence is for a 2% N-acetylglucosamine plus 4% niacinamide combination, which reduced facial pigment in studies. Think of it as a booster for niacinamide rather than a fade ingredient on its own.

How N-Acetylglucosamine works

Amino sugar that disrupts tyrosinase glycosylation in the Golgi, reducing functional tyrosinase reaching melanosomes, and serves as a precursor to hyaluronic acid in the dermis.

Evidence

4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the N-Acetylglucosamine ingredient page.

journal2016

Schlessinger J, Green B, Edison BL, Murphy L, Sabherwal Y, A Firming Neck Cream Containing N-Acetyl Glucosamine Significantly Improves Signs of Aging on the Challenging Neck and Decolletage, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2016;15(1):47-52

journal2011

Hwang JS, Lee HY, Lim TY, Kim MY, Yoon TJ, Disruption of tyrosinase glycosylation by N-acetylglucosamine and its depigmenting effects in guinea pig skin and in human skin, Journal of Dermatological Science 2011;63(3):199-201

journal2010

Kimball AB, Kaczvinsky JR, Li J, Robinson LR, Matts PJ, Berge CA, Miyamoto K, Bissett DL, Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation after use of moisturizers with a combination of topical niacinamide and N-acetyl glucosamine: results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial, British Journal of Dermatology 2010;162(2):435-41 — 10-week RCT (n=202) showed niacinamide + NAG reduced facial spots and hyperpigmentation beyond SPF 15 alone

journal2007

Bissett DL, Farmer T, McPhail S, Reichling T, Tiesman JP, Juhlin KD, Hurley GJ, Robinson MK, Genomic expression changes induced by topical N-acetyl glucosamine in skin equivalent cultures in vitro, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2007;6(4):232-8 — topical NAG reduced melanin production and modulated pigmentation-relevant gene expression in skin equivalents

Products with N-Acetylglucosamine in our catalog

These are the catalog products that list N-Acetylglucosamine as a tracked ingredient.

Abib

Heartleaf Spot Pad Calming Touch

$14.4 · Toner

NEOGEN Dermalogy

Real Fresh Foam Cleanser Green Tea 160g

$14 · Cleanser

Patchology

Rejuvenating Under Eye Gels 30 Pairs with Caffeine, Collagen & Centella Asiatica

$33.8 · Treatment

Clinique

Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Rich Cream

$62 · Moisturizer

Clinique

Smart Clinical™ Md Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Revolumize

$79 · Moisturizer

Dr. Diamond's Metacine

Instafacial Plasma

$200 · Moisturizer

Full N-Acetylglucosamine guide →Melasma overview →