AKA: 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose, 7512-17-6, Marine Sweet, GreenNAG, Bio-NAG, N-[(2R, 3R, 4S, 5R)-3, 4, 5, 6-tetrahydroxy-1-oxohexan-2-yl]acetamide, 2-Acetamido-2-deoxyglucose, N-((2R, 6-Tetrahydroxy-1-oxohexan-2-yl)acetamide
WHAT IS IT? Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Origin -Derived (shellfish) or Plant-Derived (corn/fungi)
The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety concluded that Acetyl Glucosamine is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
State
Solid; [Merck Index] Beige powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
IS IT FOR ME? Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
WHAT’S IT DO? Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
CAN I TRUST THIS? The paper trail
🛡️ Safety-assessed 2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
IS IT CLEAN? CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 832)
Not an Eye Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 832)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 832)
Dermal Absorption 6.5–7%
split-thickness Caucasian cadaver skin / in vitro Franz-type diffusion cells / 5 µl of 2% Acetyl Glucosamine alone or 4% niacinamide + 2% Acetyl Glucosamine in unknown vehicle / 6 h (CIR 832)
Concentration Guide
0% 50% 100%
CIR reported use · report published 2026
Regulatory Status
JAPAN ⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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