Glucosamine Has Worked On The Skin Care Sidelines For Far Too Long

Allow me to introduce you to glucosamine, the underrated skin care ingredient responsible for juicy complexions everywhere. 

This may sound familiar to another important family of proteins that support your joints and tissues—yep, collagen!—which makes sense, as the two are somewhat linked. Collagen is a structural component of our joints, whereas glucosamine (along with hyaluronic acid) is what helps them stay nicely lubricated.

And while we're on the topic of the beloved humectant: "Glucosamine is a precursor1 molecule to hyaluronic acid," board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, M.D., tells mindbodygreen. Meaning, it helps spur the natural production of hyaluronic acid in your body, which we know also diminishes with age. 

Glucosamine is well known for its impact on joint health, but it has some noteworthy skin benefits too! After all, hyaluronic acid is the key molecule responsible for keeping skin naturally hydrated2, and its precursor molecule, glucosamine, is crucial.

Similar to HA, "Glucosamine acts as a humectant, meaning that it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin," says Camp. Humectants, in case you need a refresher, help usher water into the top layer of your skin and hold it there, making the appearance plump and full of moisture. 

As your body's natural reserve of HA diminishes3, you may notice those physical signs of aging, like sagging and fine lines. By promoting your natural HA levels, you may relieve those etchings. 

According to cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson, founder of BeautyStat, glucosamine can "help even out skin tone" due to its impact on melanin production. One randomized controlled trial4 found that applying a 2% glucosamine topical reduced the appearance of hyperpigmentation on the face, and when combined with 4% niacinamide, that effect on hyperpigmentation was even greater. 

Surprisingly, glucosamine also has the ability to balance keratinocytes (which make up 90% of skin cells) and make sure they don't become too sticky, which often leads to clogged pores. It's kind of like a mild AHA, in that it's gently exfoliating yet hydrating. One study5 even considers glucosamine a solid replacement for AHAs in skin care for those who experience irritation from acids. 

It's such a universal crowd-pleaser and flies so well under the radar that it's probably in a bunch of ingredient lists you use already—check your labels for acetyl glucosamine or N-acetyl glucosamine. 

Now, that being said, many skin care brands opt for vegan, synthetically derived forms of glucosamine, which should take those allergy concerns off the table. If you see N-acetyl glucosamine on the label, that's a good sign the brand uses the synthetic form, but I'd reach out to the brand to make sure if you have concerns.

Again, if you have a shellfish allergy, you probably don't want to consume pure glucosamine, so synthetically derived topicals may be the way to go (with your health care professional's blessing, of course). Feel free to browse some stellar formulas below, best suited for those looking to treat fine lines, dark spots, and rough texture. 

Think of glucosamine like hyaluronic acid's guardian. It's a precursor to the buzzy humectant, and you can't have one without the other. It's gentle, great for aging skin, and can be found in a number of topical formulas, as well as supplements. I'd say it earns main character status—don't you?