NAD+ Skincare Information Hub

NAD+ is a coenzyme involved in cellular energy metabolism and maintenance. In skincare, it is discussed alongside NMN and niacinamide because these molecules are connected through the pathways that produce and recycle NAD+. This hub explains the terminology, the research and its relevance to topical skincare.

What is NAD+?

NAD stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It occurs naturally in cells and participates in reactions involved in energy metabolism. NAD+ is its oxidised form; NADH is its reduced form. Moving between these forms allows it to carry electrons during metabolic reactions.

NAD+ is also used by enzymes involved in cellular regulation and maintenance. These include sirtuins, which participate in metabolic and stress-response processes, and PARPs, which are involved in responses to DNA damage. This broader biology is one reason NAD+ is studied in ageing research.

These descriptions concern normal cellular mechanisms. To understand a skincare product, the additional question is what happens when its particular formulation is applied to skin.

NAD+, NMN and niacinamide: how are they related?

Three related molecules found in NAD+ skincare discussions
Name Meaning Relationship to NAD+
NAD+ Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, oxidised form The coenzyme itself.
NMN Nicotinamide mononucleotide A precursor that can be converted into NAD+.
Niacinamide / NAM Nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3 A precursor recycled through the NAD+ salvage pathway.

In one simplified salvage pathway, niacinamide is converted to NMN, which is then converted to NAD+. The conversions require enzymes; the three ingredient names therefore describe different points in a biological pathway, rather than three names for the same substance.

What does the research tell us about skin?

Niacinamide and the skin barrier

Tanno and colleagues investigated nicotinamide's effects on skin lipids, including ceramides. Their work reported increased lipid synthesis in cultured skin cells and, following topical application to dry skin, increased outer-skin lipid levels and reduced water loss. This is directly relevant to the interest in niacinamide for barrier support.

Niacinamide and visible facial ageing

A clinical study by Bissett and colleagues assessed a 5% niacinamide formulation against its vehicle. Reported improvements included wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and elasticity. The results concern that formulation and study population; they do not assign an identical outcome to every product containing niacinamide.

NMN and skin-cell research

Laboratory research in human skin fibroblasts has examined NMN's effects on NAD+ levels, stress responses and cellular ageing. Such work can help explain a possible mechanism and guide formulation research. A study of cells in a laboratory is a different level of evidence from a trial of a serum used on people's faces.

Finished-product studies

These answer the question closest to everyday skincare: what outcomes were observed when people used the actual formulation? Look for the exact product, duration, measured outcomes and whether results came from participant reports, clinical grading or instruments. If methods are not stated, do not assume a particular method was used.

Why does formulation matter?

The skin barrier affects how substances interact with and move into skin. For topical NMN, research has explored delivery systems designed to improve penetration and stability. The vehicle and delivery approach therefore matter alongside the ingredient name.

Results from an experimental carrier do not establish the delivery performance of an unrelated commercial serum. Equally, evidence about an oral supplement does not establish the effects of applying a topical cosmetic. The route and finished formulation must match the question being asked.

Common questions

Is NAD+ the same as niacinamide?

No. Niacinamide is a vitamin B3 form that can contribute to NAD+ production. It also has its own topical skincare research history. NAD+ is the coenzyme further along the pathway.

Is NMN the same as NAD+?

No. NMN is a precursor. Its biological relationship with NAD+ explains why the two are often discussed together, but their chemical identities are different.

What does “skin longevity” mean?

The phrase is used for approaches concerned with maintaining skin function and quality over time. To make it useful when reading a product claim, ask which specific outcome is meant: a cellular measurement, hydration, visible lines or another defined feature.

Can an NAD serum replace sunscreen?

No. Sunscreen has a separate role in protection from ultraviolet radiation. A serum's ingredient mechanism or visible-ageing results do not establish SPF or broad-spectrum protection.

Further reading

For practical product selection and routine advice, read NAD serums: benefits and how to use them. For an explanation of one formulation and its evidence, see our Obagi Nu-Gen serum guide.

Research references

  • Amjad and colleagues. NAD+ and cellular signalling. Molecular Metabolism, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101195.
  • Tanno and colleagues. Nicotinamide, skin lipids and barrier function. British Journal of Dermatology, 2000. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2000.03705.x.
  • Bissett and colleagues. Niacinamide and ageing facial skin. Dermatologic Surgery, 2005. DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732.
  • Laboratory research on NMN and skin fibroblasts. Biomedicines, 2025;13:2395. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13102395.
  • Research on liposomal nanogels for topical NMN delivery. Journal of Liposome Research, 2025. DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2025.2584982.
Related product information

Obagi Nu-Gen Cellular Renewal Serum 30ml: formulation details, clinical results and directions for a serum combining NAD+, NMN and niacinamide.