Ingredients

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetyl-L-cysteine · N-acetyl cysteine · Acetylcysteine · NAC

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine in which the amino group is acetylated; on labels it may also appear as N-acetyl-L-cysteine or acetylcysteine. It is a small, water-soluble organosulfur compound that is chemically related to cysteine found naturally in proteins and in human metabolism. In food supplements it is typically supplied as a powder or in capsules/tablets containing NAC as the primary ingredient, sometimes in blends with other amino acids. In cosmetics it may be present under the INCI name “Acetyl Cysteine”, used in water-based formulas such as serums or skin-care products. As a raw material, NAC is commonly identified by its chemical name “acetylcysteine” and standard identifiers such as a CAS number, while specifications can differ by purity grade and supplied form.