Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
A lightweight soothing serum that targets post-acne marks, uneven tone, texture, pore appearance, and barrier support.
A smart pick for blemish-prone skin that wants post-acne mark support and calmness without jumping straight to harsher exfoliating acids.
Most post-acne mark serums either rely on aggressive brighteners (vitamin C, kojic acid) that can irritate reactive skin, or niacinamide alone at high percentages. This formula takes a different angle — NAG addresses the melanin-transfer mechanism at the root with less irritation risk, making it accessible for people who want brightening support without the side effects.
After cleansing, before moisturizer, both morning and evening. It is gentle enough to use twice daily and has no restrictions on layering with most actives.
People with post-acne hyperpigmentation who want a gentle, consistent mark-fading treatment that stays in the routine even on reactive skin days. Also great for anyone who finds higher-percentage niacinamide too stimulating.
If you expect rapid pigmentation correction. NAG works slowly — expect a 6–12 week timeline before visible mark improvement. People who abandon it at week 4 consistently miss the payoff period.
This is one of the more comfortable options to keep going during a barrier-stressed period. No acids, no photosensitivity, no harsh actives — just NAG and aloe, which both work well on sensitized skin.
- SPF 30+ every morning — essential for mark-fading to work, since unprotected UV exposure will redarken marks faster than NAG can fade them
- A squalane or ceramide moisturizer over the top to support the barrier alongside the brightening step
- Niacinamide serum on alternating evenings for overlapping melanin-inhibiting support
Best For
- Post-acne marks
- Uneven tone
- Pore appearance
- Blemish-prone skin
- Soothing support
- Barrier-conscious brightening
How to Use
Apply a few drops to the entire face morning and evening after cleansing, before moisturizer. Results build over 6–12 weeks of consistent use.
Key Ingredients
Aloe vera calms redness, soothes irritated skin, provides lightweight hydration, and supports the skin environment needed to stay comfortable during active ingredient use. Its anti-inflammatory polysaccharides and acemannan content make it a reliable soothing and barrier-support ingredient.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine interferes with the enzyme tyrosinase and inhibits the transfer of melanin (pigment) from melanocytes to skin cells, reducing the formation and intensity of post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation. It also functions as a mild humectant and has been studied for its support of skin barrier function.
Draws moisture to the skin, helps maintain hydration, and reinforces the skin barrier.
Attracts moisture to the skin (humectant), improves the slip and spreadability of formulas, and helps dissolve other ingredients.
Ingredients to Note
May be a concern for some skin types. Tap to learn more.
Full Ingredient List
About This Product
The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution combines two complementary ingredients at meaningful concentrations: aloe vera (2%) for soothing and anti-inflammatory support, and N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG, 2%) for its well-documented ability to interfere with melanin transfer — the process that creates post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation. NAG works as a mild enzyme inhibitor, reducing the production and transfer of melanin to skin cells over time, while aloe vera calms redness and supports the skin environment needed for consistent use. Together, they deliver a gentle brightening and mark-fading effect without the irritation risk of stronger acids or pure niacinamide at high percentages.