Can a naturally derived ingredient reduce the appearance of pigmentation?

If you've been struggling with uneven skin tone or stubborn dark spots, there's promising news from skincare science. A clinical study tested a gentle, naturally-derived ingredient called N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) - a stabilized form of glucosamine - to see if it could help reduce the look of hyperpigmentation. 

The key takeaways: 

• NAG works - When applied topically at 2%, it significantly reduced the appearance of sun spots. 

• Even better with niacinamide - Combined with 4% niacinamide (a skincare superstar), results improved further. 

• Suitable for daily use - The formula was well-tolerated with no irritation. 

• Visible in 8 weeks - Participants saw noticeable brightening in just two months. 

Why this matters: 
Unlike harsh brightening treatments, NAG offers a gentler approach to achieving more even, radiant skin. When paired with niacinamide - which helps block pigment transfer - you get a powerful but skin-friendly solution for discoloration. 

The bottom line? For those looking for an effective yet gentle way to tackle hyperpigmentation, this natural ingredient combo shows real promise. 

REDUCTION IN THE APPEARANCE OF FACIAL HYPERPIGMENTATION BY TOPICAL N-ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE 

Donald L Bissett PhD, Larry R Robinson PhD, Patricia S Raleigh BS, Kukizo Miyamoto PhD, Tomohiro Hakozaki MS, , Jim Li MS, MA, Gary R Kelm PhD. 

BACKGROUND

Glucosamine has been reported to inhibit melanin production in melanocyte culture, suggesting its potential to reduce hyperpigmentation when applied topically. However, glucosamine's stability limitations led to the clinical evaluation of its stable derivative, N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), which demonstrates good skin penetration based on in vitro Franz cell testing. 

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of topical NAG, both alone and in combination with niacinamide, in reducing the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation. 

METHOD

The study involved in vitro skin penetration experiments using human cadaver skin in Franz-type diffusion cells to assess the penetration of NAG and niacinamide, alone and combined.   

Two double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face clinical studies were conducted on female subjects (Japanese and Caucasian) with facial hyperpigmentation.   

The studies involved topical application of NAG (2%) alone or combined with niacinamide (4%) versus control formulations, with assessments at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks using digital photography, computer image analysis, and expert visual grading. 

RESULTS

Topical NAG was found to be effective in reducing the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation.  

The combination of NAG and niacinamide demonstrated greater efficacy than either agent alone. Notably, the enhanced effect of the combination is likely due to their distinct mechanisms of action on pigmentation, rather than improved skin delivery, as confirmed by in vitro penetration studies.  

Both agents were well tolerated by the skin. 

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated the efficacy of topical N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG) in reducing the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation, particularly when combined with niacinamide.  

These findings suggest that NAG, especially in combination with niacinamide, could be a valuable ingredient in skincare products targeting hyperpigmentation issues.  

Consumers looking for brighter, more even skin tone may benefit from products containing these ingredients. 

Click here to read the full study >

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT 

All the authors are employed by the Procter & Gamble company, where the study was conducted. 
Procter & Gamble Company, Miami Valley Laboratories, 11810 East Miami River Road, Cincinnati, OH 45252. Sharon Woods Technical Center, 11510 Reed Hartman Highway, Cincinnati, OH 45241.