ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE

Acetyl Glucosamine, commonly referred to as Acetyl Glucosamine or NAG, is the N-acetylated derivative of glucosamine and an amino sugar naturally involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
Acetyl Glucosamine has the molecular formula C8H15NO6, a molecular weight of 221.21 g/mol, and CAS number 7512-17-6.
Acetyl Glucosamine is also known as N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine, 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose, 2-Acetamido-2-deoxyglucose and N-Acetylglucosamine. 

CAS Number: 7512-17-6
Molecular Formula: C8H15NO6
Molecular Weight: 221.21
EINECS Number: 231-368-2

Synonyms: Marine Sweet, GreenNAG, Bio-NAG, DTXSID3045855, N-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-1-oxohexan-2-yl]acetamide, acetyl glucosamine, N-((2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5,6-Tetrahydroxy-1-oxohexan-2-yl)acetamide, 2-Acetamido-2-deoxyglucose, D-Glucose, 2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy-, 2 Acetamido 2 Deoxyglucose, Acetyl Glucosamine D-, 2 Acetamido 2 Deoxy D Glucose, DTXCID5032369, D-Glucose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-, Glucopyranose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-, V956696549, N acetylglucosamine, NSC-400525, NSC-524344, Glucosamine, Acetyl, N Acetyl Glucosamine, Glucosamine, N-acetyl, beta N Acetylglucosamine, RefChem:936033, GlyTouCan:G01864SU, N Acetyl beta D Glucosamine, CHEBI:59640, G01864SU, 231-368-2, 2-Acetylamino-2-deoxy-D-glucose, 7512-17-6, Acetylglucosamine, Acetyl Glucosamine, N-Acetylglucosamine, aldehydo-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, MFCD00136044, N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine - plant source, NSC 524344, CCRIS 9357, acetyl-glucosamine, NCGC00159338-02, NCGC00159338-03, EINECS 231-368-2, MFCD00061615, UNII-V956696549, NSC 400525, N Acetyl D Glucosamine, Glucosamine, N-acetyl-, A1EJ0, SCHEMBL19900, MLS006011606, orb1302795, N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine (NAG), CHEMBL4303483, N-ACETYLGLUCOSAMINE [MI], CHEBI:17411, HY-A0132R, N-ACETYLGLUCOSAMINE [DSC], N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine (Standard), HY-A0132, Tox21_111344, BBL033994, EBC-26229, N-ACETYLGLUCOSAMINE [USP-RS], N-ACETYLGLUCOSAMINE [WHO-DD], STK801800, AKOS005622647, DB00141, MA00834, MA10891, NCGC00159338-05, BP-13072, DS-18661, SMR002121580, SY046107, 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-alpga-D-glucopyranose, CAS-7512-17-6, CS-0017447, T4514, A-1200, A-1202, AB01325684-02, EN300-7414561, F224637, GLUCOPYRANOSE, 2-ACETAMIDO-2-DEOXY-, D-, N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine-Agarose, saline suspension, BRD-K80653534-001-01-7, Q32030210, 1186B229-E28C-4CF9-8146-EC06A584F821, N-[(1R,2R,3S,4R)-1-formyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxy-pentyl]acetamide, GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE POTASSIUM CHLORIDE IMPURITY A [ EP IMPURITY], 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine N-[2,4,5-Trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl]acetamide D-GlcNAc, 27555-50-6, N-Acetyl-D-glucosaMine, 98.0%(LC&N;N-qcetyl-D-glucosamine;2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-alpga-D-glucopyranose;ACETYL-D-GLUCOSAMINE, N-;N-ACETYL-DELTA-GLUCOSAMINE;2-ACETAMIDO-2-DESOXY-D-GLUCOPYRANOSE, N-ACETYL-D-GLUCOSAMINE;2-AcetaMido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose, 98% 10GR;N-ACETYL-D-GLUCOSAMINE 80 MESH

Acetyl Glucosamine contains several hydroxyl groups and an acetamido functional group within its carbohydrate structure.
Acetyl Glucosamines numerous oxygen-containing functional groups give it a strongly hydrophilic character and allow it to participate in extensive hydrogen bonding.
The D-form of Acetyl Glucosamine is particularly important biologically and occurs as a structural and metabolic component in numerous organisms. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is an important building block of chitin, a structural polysaccharide found in fungal cell walls and the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans.
Acetyl Glucosamine is also present in bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan and in several carbohydrate structures associated with eukaryotic cells.
These roles make Acetyl Glucosamine an important naturally occurring monosaccharide derivative rather than simply a synthetic cosmetic ingredient. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is also a structural component of hyaluronic acid, where Acetyl Glucosamine alternates with glucuronic acid to form the polysaccharide chain.
Hyaluronic acid is an important extracellular-matrix molecule involved in tissue organization, hydration and biological repair processes.
Consequently, Acetyl Glucosamine is closely connected with pathways involved in extracellular-matrix formation and skin biology. 

Within cells, Acetyl Glucosamine is converted into activated forms such as UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, which serves as a donor substrate in several glycosylation reactions.
UDP-GlcNAc participates in the biosynthesis of chitin, N-linked glycans, glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors and other carbohydrate-containing cellular structures.
Acetyl Glucosamine is therefore involved in both structural biosynthesis and cellular signaling processes. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is the N-acetyl derivative of glucosamine.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an amide between glucosamine and acetic acid. 
A single N-acetlyglucosamine moiety linked to serine or threonine residues on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins -O-GlcNAc, is an ubiquitous post-translational protein modification. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is a derivitized glucose monomer found in polymers of bacterial cell walls, chitin, hyaluronic acids and various glycans. 
Acetyl Glucosamine is also synthesized in the glycosylation pathway as uridine diphosphate (UDP-GlcNAc), which can then be released following degradation of glycosylated proteins.
D-GlcNAc is used to identify, differentiate and characterize N-acetyl-β-D-hexoaminidase(s). 

Acetyl Glucosamine is also used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. 
Acetyl Glucosamine is used as a substrate in sialic acid production, cosmetics and in drug development research.

Acetyl Glucosamine, also known as N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, NAG or GlcNAc, is an amino sugar derived from glucose and the N-acetylated form of glucosamine.
Acetyl Glucosamine has the molecular formula C8H15NO6, a molecular weight of 221.21 g/mol, and CAS number 7512-17-6.
Acetyl Glucosamine occurs naturally in biological systems and serves as an important structural component and metabolic building block in organisms. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is a monosaccharide derivative containing multiple hydroxyl groups together with an acetamido functional group.
Acetyl Glucosamines IUPAC name is N-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxy-1-oxohexan-2-yl]acetamide, reflecting its carbohydrate structure and N-acetyl substitution.
The combination of several hydroxyl groups gives the molecule a strongly hydrophilic character and contributes to its compatibility with aqueous biological and cosmetic formulations. 

Acetyl Glucosamine has gained particular attention in the cosmetic industry because of its effects on visible skin pigmentation.
Research indicates that Acetyl Glucosamine can interfere with the processing of pro-tyrosinase, an important step in the pathway responsible for melanin production.
This mechanism has supported its development as a cosmetic ingredient for products designed to improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. 

Topical Acetyl Glucosamine has also demonstrated measurable skin penetration in experimental testing.
In an eight-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, a formulation containing 2% Acetyl Glucosamine reduced the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation.
The same research reported that Acetyl Glucosamine was well tolerated and relatively easy to formulate because of its stability in solution. 

Acetyl Glucosamine can also be combined with niacinamide in cosmetic formulations targeting irregular pigmentation.
A randomized controlled clinical study using a formulation containing 4% niacinamide and 2% Acetyl Glucosamine reported reductions in detectable facial spots and pigmentation compared with the vehicle formulation.
This combination has consequently become an area of interest for brightening moisturizers and other skincare products formulated for uneven pigmentation. 

Melting point: 211 °C (dec.) (lit.)
Alpha: 42° (c = 2, water, 2 hrs)
Vapor pressure: 8 Pa at 20 °C
Refractive index: +39.0 to +42.0° (C = 1, H2O)
Storage temp.: -20 °C
Solubility: Soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and formic acid. Insoluble in water, dilute acids, dilute alkalis, concentrated alkalis and organic solvents.
Form: Saline suspension
Boiling point: 636.4 ± 55.0 °C (Predicted)
Density: 1.54 g/cm3
pKa: 13.04 ± 0.20 (Predicted)
Color: White to off-white
Biological source: Crab (red)
Optical activity: Alpha type +75 → +41; Beta type -22 → +41.3
Water solubility: H2O: 50 mg/mL, colorless to faint yellow solution, clear to very slightly hazy
Sensitive: Hygroscopic
Merck: 14,4458
BRN: 1727589
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Acetyl Glucosamine is also studied in relation to cell signaling and protein modification, because UDP-GlcNAc supplies the sugar used for O-GlcNAc modification of intracellular proteins.
O-GlcNAcylation can influence proteins involved in transcription, signal transduction and cellular regulation.
Changes in GlcNAc metabolism can therefore affect cellular processes beyond the structural functions of chitin and extracellular polysaccharides. 

Acetyl Glucosamine antiarthritic mode of mechanism involves the suppression of IL-1β (Interleuken-1β)-induced NO (nitric oxide), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and IL-6 production by inhibition of expression of iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) protein and mRNA.
Acetyl Glucosamine oligomer may have the ability to initiate factors for canine polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) in vivo. 

Acetyl Glucosamine possesses wound healing and chemotactic activity. 
Acetyl Glucosamine and its derivatives are usually employed in preparing dietary supplements and also used in therapeutic development.

Acetyl Glucosamine is also an important precursor in the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid, because cells use UDP-N-acetylglucosamine as one of the two substrates required by hyaluronan synthase enzymes.
Through this metabolic pathway, N-acetylglucosamine contributes to the formation of hyaluronic acid in the extracellular matrix, including the epidermis.
This relationship has increased interest in Acetyl Glucosamine as a cosmetic ingredient associated with skin hydration, extracellular matrix maintenance and barrier-related functions. 

Acetyl Glucosamine also occurs as a fundamental structural sugar in chitin, the polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects and in the cell walls of many fungi.
Acetyl Glucosamine is also incorporated into bacterial peptidoglycan, where N-acetylglucosamine alternates with N-acetylmuramic acid to form an important component of bacterial cell walls.
Its presence in these structurally different biological materials demonstrates that Acetyl Glucosamine has functions extending far beyond its applications in cosmetics. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is involved in protein glycosylation and cellular signaling through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway.
The resulting UDP-GlcNAc can participate in O-GlcNAc modification of intracellular proteins, including regulatory proteins involved in transcription and cellular signaling.
Changes in cellular GlcNAc metabolism can therefore influence processes such as gene regulation, nutrient sensing and signal transduction. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is closely connected with the formation and maintenance of the skin extracellular matrix, particularly through its relationship with hyaluronan metabolism.
Hyaluronan is continuously synthesized and degraded in the skin, and its molecular size influences its biological behavior and interactions with epidermal cells.
Acetyl Glucosamine forms part of the hyaluronan structure, its availability is linked to an important metabolic pathway involved in epidermal extracellular matrix homeostasis. 

Research has also examined Acetyl Glucosamine in relation to skin barrier function and epidermal renewal.
The production of hyaluronan in keratinocytes is associated with processes involving epidermal organization, hydration and barrier maintenance, although the precise relationship between hyaluronan metabolism and keratinocyte proliferation remains complex.
This has encouraged investigation of N-acetylglucosamine-related compounds as cosmetic ingredients for supporting the appearance and condition of the skin barrier. 

Acetyl Glucosamine can be produced from chitin-rich biological materials, making crustacean shells and fungal biomass important potential starting materials for industrial production.
Traditional manufacturing approaches can involve enzymatic or chemical conversion of chitin or chitosan into N-acetylglucosamine, while microbial and enzymatic production methods have also been investigated.
These production routes allow Acetyl Glucosamine to be supplied for applications in cosmetics, food, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. 

Commercial Acetyl Glucosamine can be produced from chitin-rich biological materials, including crustacean shells and fungal biomass.
Chitin can be converted into Acetyl Glucosamine through chemical hydrolysis, enzymatic processes or microbial bioconversion.
These production routes have created applications for the compound across cosmetics, nutraceuticals, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. 

Uses Of Acetyl Glucosamine:
Acetyl Glucosamine is widely used in skincare formulations as a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient associated with skin conditioning, hydration support, and improved skin appearance.
Acetyl Glucosamine is incorporated into creams, lotions, serums, moisturizers, masks, and other leave-on formulations where its compatibility with aqueous systems is useful.
Its role as a building block of hyaluronic acid and other glycoconjugates has also contributed to interest in Acetyl Glucosamine for skin-quality and moisture-related formulations.

One of the best-documented cosmetic applications of Acetyl Glucosamine is the formulation of products targeting the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
A clinical study found that topical 2% Acetyl Glucosamine reduced the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation after eight weeks of use, while another controlled study reported improved pigmentation outcomes from a formulation containing 2% Acetyl Glucosamine and 4% niacinamide.
For this reason, the ingredient can be found in brightening creams, spot-care products, tone-correcting serums, and other cosmetic products designed to improve the appearance of discoloration.

Acetyl Glucosamine is also used in cosmetic formulations where support for the skin's extracellular matrix and moisture-retention mechanisms is desired.
Research has investigated its influence on hyaluronic acid production in keratinocytes as well as collagen-related responses in fibroblasts, providing a scientific basis for its use in skin-conditioning and skin-smoothing products.
These applications have encouraged its incorporation into formulations marketed for dry, rough, mature, or environmentally stressed skin.

Acetyl Glucosamine is used in the identification and characterization of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexoaminidase. 
Acetyl Glucosamine is also used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. 
Further, it is used as a substrate in sialic acid production, cosmetics and in drug development research.

Acetyl Glucosamine is a monosaccharide derivative of glucose. 
Acetyl Glucosamine is released by the action of O-GlcNAcase, in mammalian systems from proteins that have been post-translationally modified with O-GlcNAc.
Acetyl Glucosamine enhances the proliferation and collagen expression of fibroblasts, reduces hyperpigmentation and is therefore considered a valuable ingredient in cosmetics for improving skin wrinkles and color.

Important substrate for the production of sialic acids.
Used in multiple other applications in drug development and food supplement, based on a newly described bio-wave model.
Acetyl Glucosamine is widely used in skincare formulations as a multifunctional cosmetic active, particularly in products designed for uneven skin tone and visible signs of aging.

Acetyl Glucosamine can be incorporated into creams, lotions, serums, moisturizers, masks and other topical preparations because of its water compatibility and formulation stability.
Its established cosmetic research profile has made it especially relevant to products targeting pigmentation, skin texture and overall skin appearance. 

One of the best-documented cosmetic applications of Acetyl Glucosamine is the reduction of the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that topical 2% Acetyl Glucosamine reduced the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation after eight weeks of use.
Acetyl Glucosamine is therefore used in brightening products intended for dark spots, uneven pigmentation and other forms of visible discoloration. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is also used in combination with niacinamide in cosmetic formulations for uneven pigmentation.
A randomized, double-blind clinical study evaluated a moisturizer containing 4% niacinamide and 2% Acetyl Glucosamine and reported reductions in detectable facial spots and pigmentation compared with the vehicle formulation.
This combination is therefore relevant to facial moisturizers, brightening creams and daily skincare products formulated for irregular pigmentation. 

The ingredient is used in moisturizing and skin-conditioning products because topical Acetyl Glucosamine has been investigated for effects on stratum corneum hydration and exfoliation.
Clinical and laboratory research reported increased skin moisturization, reduced flakiness and normalization of stratum corneum desquamation following topical treatment with Acetyl Glucosamine.
These properties support its incorporation into products intended for dry, rough or unevenly textured skin. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is also used in anti-aging skincare, including formulations targeting fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture and loss of visible smoothness.
Clinical research has evaluated products containing Acetyl Glucosamine in facial and neck formulations and reported improvements in several measured signs of skin aging.
This has led to its inclusion in firming creams, facial moisturizers, neck creams and décolletage treatments. 

Acetyl Glucosamine is particularly suitable for neck and décolletage products where pigmentation and textural changes are common cosmetic concerns.
A 16-week clinical study evaluated a firming neck and décolletage cream containing Acetyl Glucosamine and reported improvements in texture-related aging parameters and measured skin brightness.
This supports its use in specialized products for areas that receive significant environmental exposure but are often treated differently from facial skin. 

Acetyl Glucosamine has applications in food and nutritional products because it is a naturally occurring amino sugar and can be produced from chitin-rich biomass.
Acetyl Glucosamine and related GlcNAc-derived materials have been investigated for functional foods, dietary supplements, and other nutritional applications, although the regulatory status and permitted use depend on the specific product and jurisdiction.
Its production from chitin also provides a route for converting seafood-processing by-products and other chitin-containing biomass into higher-value carbohydrate ingredients.

Acetyl Glucosamine is used as a biochemical and pharmaceutical research material because it participates in the formation of glycoproteins, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, and other biologically important structures.
Researchers use GlcNAc and GlcNAc-derived compounds to investigate glycosylation, cellular signaling, carbohydrate metabolism, tissue biology, and the development of bioactive derivatives.
These research applications have also supported interest in Acetyl Glucosamine as a starting material for pharmaceutical and functional chemical development.

Acetyl Glucosamine is also important as a starting material for producing GlcNAc-containing oligosaccharides and other carbohydrate derivatives.
Enzymatic processing of chitin can generate N-acetyl chitooligosaccharides with applications being investigated in food, biotechnology, agriculture, and pharmaceutical research.
These derivatives are being studied for properties such as prebiotic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and plant-elicitor activity, although many of these applications remain at the research or development stage.

Acetyl Glucosamine is further relevant to biotechnology because microorganisms can metabolize it as a carbon and nitrogen source and convert it into other useful products.
Research has explored the conversion of GlcNAc obtained from chitin waste into biofuels and other biobased chemicals, linking the compound with biorefinery and circular-bioeconomy concepts.
Microbial and metabolic-engineering approaches are also being developed to produce GlcNAc itself from alternative renewable substrates rather than relying exclusively on shellfish-derived chitin.

In pharmaceutical and biomedical research, Acetyl Glucosamine is investigated as a precursor or building block for biomaterials, carbohydrate derivatives, and biologically active molecules.
Its relationship with chitin, hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, and other glycoconjugates makes it relevant to research involving tissue repair, drug delivery, inflammation, and biomolecular engineering.
However, these research applications should be distinguished from established commercial pharmaceutical indications for the pure compound.

Safety Profile Of Acetyl Glucosamine:
Acetyl Glucosamine is generally considered to have a low hazard profile, and current aggregated GHS information indicates that N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine is not classified as hazardous.
A 2025 Sigma-Aldrich safety data sheet for N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine likewise identifies the substance as not hazardous under the applicable OSHA classification and reports no known additional hazards.
However, the classification of a specific commercial product can depend on its purity, impurities, formulation, and supplier-specific assessment. 

Although Acetyl Glucosamine is not generally classified as a skin or eye irritant, direct contact with concentrated laboratory or raw-material powder should still be minimized.
Good laboratory practice includes wearing suitable gloves and eye protection and washing exposed skin after handling the material.
Particular care is appropriate when handling large quantities or formulations containing other ingredients with their own hazard classifications. 

Inhalation is mainly a practical concern when Acetyl Glucosamine is handled as a fine dry powder.
Dust generation should therefore be minimized, particularly during weighing, transferring, milling, or other operations that can produce airborne particles.
Adequate ventilation and appropriate respiratory protection should be considered when effective dust control cannot be maintained. 

The available cosmetic safety literature provides a generally favorable safety profile for Acetyl Glucosamine when used under appropriate formulation conditions.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review evaluated Acetyl Glucosamine together with other glucosamine ingredients used in cosmetics, including its reported use in leave-on and rinse-off formulations.

Acetyl Glucosamine is generally considered to have a relatively low hazard profile when handled and used under appropriate conditions.
Current aggregated GHS information reports that Acetyl Glucosamine does not meet the criteria for classification as a hazardous substance, with all reported ECHA notifications indicating no GHS hazard classification.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has also concluded that Acetyl Glucosamine is safe for cosmetic use under the assessed conditions when formulations are designed to be non-irritating. 

Acetyl Glucosamine Procurement and Technical Support:
Ataman Kimya supports customers looking for Acetyl Glucosamine with dependable supply solutions and relevant technical information for industrial and formulation requirements. 
Additional support can be provided regarding product specifications, available documentation, and the evaluation of suitable product options based on the intended application.