Emollient

Acetyl Cysteine

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is a precursor to glutathione, the most powerful antioxidant in the cell. It restores intracellular protection against oxidative stress and supports natural skin brightening by inhibiting tyrosinase.

NACPrecursor to glutathioneAntioxidantBrightening

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

N-Acetyl Cysteine is an acetylated derivative of L-cysteine that easily penetrates cells and converts to L-cysteine, the limiting substrate for glutathione synthesis (γ-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine). Glutathione is the main intracellular antioxidant, the "master antioxidant" of the cell. NAC also directly neutralizes free radicals (especially hydroxyl and peroxyl) due to the thiol group -SH. INCI: Acetyl Cysteine.

Anti-aging formulas with a focus on brightening and antioxidant protection. Synergist with vitamin C, glutathione, niacinamide for comprehensive brightening.

Key Benefits

✦

Increasing glutathione levels — internal antioxidant protection

Glutathione cannot effectively penetrate cells from the outside. NAC (acetyl cysteine) is the best way to increase its intracellular level: it penetrates the cell, converts to L-cysteine, which is used for GSH synthesis. Higher glutathione levels → better neutralization of free radicals, protection against photoaging and oxidative stress.

◈

Skin brightening through tyrosinase inhibition

NAC inhibits tyrosinase — the key enzyme in melanin synthesis — by chelating copper in the enzyme's active site. The brightening effect is enhanced as glutathione (of which NAC is a precursor) shifts melanogenesis from eumelanin (dark) to pheomelanin (yellow/lighter). Synergy with vitamin C and niacinamide.

✧

Protection against pollution and UV-induced oxidative stress

Pollution (PM2.5, ozone) and UV generate excessive amounts of ROS in the skin. NAC neutralizes ROS directly (through the -SH group) and replenishes glutathione stores for prolonged protection. An effective component of urban shield and anti-pollution formulas.

Suitable for

Dull skin with uneven toneAging skinUrban skin exposed to pollution

Main Actions

✓ Increasing glutathione levels✓ Antioxidant protection✓ Skin brightening

NAC vs Glutathione vs Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a direct external antioxidant, quick effect, unstable. Glutathione is internal but poorly penetrates cells externally. NAC is a precursor to glutathione, effectively increasing intracellular GSH. For maximum brightening effect: NAC + Vit C + niacinamide — each acts at different levels of melanogenesis.

CategoryEmollients

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