Acetylglucosamine, abbreviated as NAG, is a naturally occurring compound in the human body. Its name is Acetyl Glucosamine, also known as N-acetyl-D-glucosamine or N-acetylglucosamine. It is formed by the combination of glucosamine and acetyl groups. It is an important structural molecule in the human body, naturally present in many tissues and body fluids, including skin, joint fluid, and synovial fluid. Acetylglucosamine is a white crystalline powder that is easily soluble in water, with a mild taste and a slight sweetness. Acetylglucosamine belongs to the category of amino acid sugars and is the main component of mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid.

Acetylglucosamine is a precursor of natural moisturizing hyaluronic acid in the skin, which can enhance the activity of hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS), promote the synthesis and secretion of hyaluronic acid by skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and increase the content of hyaluronic acid in skin cells.

NAG is a synthetic amino sugar that's found in the spaces between cells in human skin. It's considered a "skin identical ingredient". NAG is generally considered safe.Acetyl glucosamine (NAG) has many potential benefits for the skin, including: 

• Anti-aging: Acetylglucosamine NAG can increase skin firmness, elasticity, and thickness.
• Hydration: NAG can improve skin hydration and moisture content.
• Hyperpigmentation: NAG can reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.
• Wound healing: NAG can accelerate wound healing.
• Exfoliation: NAG can normalize exfoliation and reduce skin flakiness.
• Acne: NAG can reduce acne by shrinking breakouts, whiteheads, and blackheads.

• Skin tone: NAG can improve skin tone.

• Skin barrier: NAG can maintain the skin's barrier abilities and reduce dryness.

• Skin calming: NAG can offer skin-calming properties.

• Hyaluronic acid: NAG can help the skin make its own hyaluronic acid.