In "in vitro" human skin cultures, topical application of N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide stimulated hyaluronan synthesis. These treatments also led to an increase in collagen (procollagen-1) expression. Twice daily use of a facial moisturizer containing a combination of N-acetyl glucosamine and niacinamide for 4 to 8 weeks by women with moderate to severe fine and wrinkles reduced the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in the eye area of the face. The in vitro hyaluronan results suggest that this effacement of fine lines and wrinkles is due at least in part to improved hydration of the skin. There are specific percentages in the actives used although this is considered proprietary information.

References 1.Sayo T, Sakai S, Inoue S.  Synergistic effect of N-acetylglucosamine and retinoids on hyaluronan production in human keratinocytes.  Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2004; 17: 77-83. 2.Ghersetich I, Lotti T, Campanile G et al.  Hyaluronic acid in cutaneous aging.  Int J Dermatol 1994; 33: 119-22. 3.Weindl G, Schaller M, Schafer-Korting M, Korting HC.  Hyaluronic acid in the treatment and prevention of skin diseases: molecular, biological, pharmaceutical and clinical aspects.  Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2004; 17: 207-13.

Method of Application
Apply a pea-sized amount of this serum to your face and neck. Spritzing your face with spring water or a hydrosol will help this serum to glide across the skin gently yet effectively.

Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients

Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life.
Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).

Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible 

Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.

Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark

Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator.
Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.    

Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt

Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place.   
Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated.
Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove
what you need and keep the rest in the fridge.
Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years.
Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location.
Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years.
They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place.
Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.

Spring Water hydrating

Niacinimide skin lightening, anti-aging agents, stimulates circulation, anti-inflammatory

N-Acetyl Glucosamine glucose based monosaccharide, anti-inflammatory,  antioxidant, naturally increases natural production of hyaluronic acid, promising evidence showing this helps to fight hyperpigmentation

Cosmocil CQ (Polyaminopropyl Biguanide) preservative that does not contains parabens or formaldehyde releasers

Locust Bean Gum natural thickener