The Science of NAD+ in Skincare: A New Frontier in Skin Longevity
Written by: Radhika Sen
Updated on: 22nd August 2025
Retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C… meet the latest ingredient set to join this A-list lineup: NAD⁺. Short for the very clinically complex-sounding nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (don’t worry, it’s friendlier than it looks), NAD⁺ is suddenly cropping up in beauty conversations, wellness supplements, and dermatology circles alike.
Here’s the twist: it’s not some lab-made novelty. NAD⁺ has been in your body all along, quietly helping to power energy, repair cells, and keep skin functioning at its best. So why is it only now becoming the industry’s newest buzzword? Scientists and skin experts are connecting the dots between NAD⁺ levels and visible signs of ageing, sparking fresh excitement about its potential to support skin repair, resilience, and radiance.
In this article, we’ll demystify NAD⁺ by exploring what it does, how it works in the skin, and whether it’s worth adding to your routine. Think of it as your shortcut to understanding the most talked-about (and surprisingly approachable) breakthrough in beauty right now.
What is NAD+ and why is it showing up in skincare?
Let’s get into the science of NAD+. Short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, this coenzyme is found in every cell of the body. Often described as a “cellular battery,” it fuels essential processes such as energy production, DNA repair, inflammation regulation, and overall cellular health. All of which are critical for maintaining youthful, resilient-looking skin.
While NAD⁺ supplements have been around for years, their use in topical skincare is far newer. Due to challenges in delivering the molecule directly into the skin, many formulas use precursor forms such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), NR (nicotinamide riboside), or niacinamide. Recent breakthroughs in ingredient stability and delivery systems are making topical NAD⁺ a reality and a trending focus in skin science.
So why the sudden buzz? A surge in longevity research, advanced formulation technology, and rising consumer demand for proactive age-defying solutions are spotlighting NAD⁺. This is timely, as NAD⁺ levels naturally decline with age — a key factor in visible skin ageing.
So, does NAD+ slow the ageing process?
NAD⁺ naturally peaks in early adulthood, then gradually declines over time. By midlife, levels can be significantly lower than in youth. This reduction means cells have less “energy” to repair damage, renew themselves and maintain a strong skin barrier. The result? Skin may appear duller, fine lines become more noticeable, and resilience against daily stressors decreases.
Given that NAD⁺ is essential for fundamental skin functions, from repair to protection, supporting its levels through topical application or supplementation is an appealing approach. It’s not a miracle solution, but it may help the skin perform more like it did when NAD⁺ was naturally higher, making it a valuable consideration for healthy-ageing skincare.
How is NAD+ used in skincare?
While NAD⁺ is far from new to science, recent innovation has made it possible to harness it in topical skincare. Once found mainly in supplements, IV drips, and wellness treatments, it’s now part of the growing beauty–wellness crossover trend. Today, you’ll find NAD⁺ skin booster featured in advanced serums, moisturisers and high-performance treatments.
But can NAD⁺ be absorbed through the skin? The answer lies in how it’s delivered. On its own, NAD+ is not efficiently absorbed because of its large and unstable molecule. To overcome this, some products use precursor molecules, such as NMN or NR, which are smaller and more stable, allowing the skin to convert them into NAD⁺.
Others include NAD+ itself, but in stabilised, encapsulated forms designed to improve penetration into skin cells. This is where expert formulation and advanced delivery systems become essential to ensure topical NAD+ products deliver meaningful results.
Why NAD+ deserves a spot in your routine
From boosting cellular energy to supporting repair and resilience, NAD⁺ plays a vital role in maintaining youthful-looking skin. When harnessed in skincare, it helps defend against visible signs of ageing, making it a powerful addition to your daily routine.
This makes NAD+ a true multi-tasking ingredient, helping target dullness, uneven tone, loss of firmness, fine lines and hyperpigmentation - all while supporting well-ageing skin and longevity pathways for skin that looks and feels its best.
Incorporating NAD+ skincare boosters into your routine
NAD⁺ works best when paired with synergistic actives that support its cellular benefits:
While generally compatible with most ingredients, avoid pairing with harsh, unbalanced formulations that could compromise tolerance.
On an INCI list, look for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or precursor forms such as NMN, NR or niacinamide. NAD⁺ is suitable for most skin types, particularly those concerned with premature ageing, dullness or loss of firmness.
In your CSA routine, an NAD⁺ serum is best applied after cleansing and before moisturiser or SPF in the morning, and before night cream in the evening. If you’re using an NAD+ face cream instead, simply use it as your moisturiser step. As with any advanced active, consistency is key to visible results, and always look for products supported by research rather than relying on any generic claims of NAD+ boosters.
Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
Our latest innovation unites advanced technologies in a single powerhouse cream: Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream. At its core is Growth Factor MiniProtein™, designed to help stimulate collagen levels with precision, supporting firmer, more youthful-looking skin. It’s paired with NAD⁺ Longevity Booster, formulated to optimise absorption and complement other powerhouse actives like peptides - working in harmony to support youthful skin function.
This targeted formula addresses visible markers of skin ageing, including deep-set wrinkles, loss of volume and reduced elasticity, leaving skin looking smoother and more lifted. Clinically proven to increase firmness and elasticity in just 7 days*, it preserves skin’s structure and quality to help delay visible signs of ageing.
At Medik8, skin longevity means more than hydration or temporary smoothing. It’s about maintaining the skin’s health, resilience and vibrancy for years to come - through a science-first approach that targets the foundation of youthful-looking skin.
*Proven via independent clinical study on Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream on 60 volunteers over 1 week
The future of NAD+ in skincare
NAD⁺ is more than just the latest buzzword; it’s a molecule your skin already relies on every day, rooted in real biology. While its use in topical skincare is still an emerging area of research, it reflects a wider shift toward longevity-focused, holistic skin health.
For those over 30 looking to proactively support skin ageing, NAD⁺ can be a smart addition to a well-rounded routine. It works best alongside proven actives like vitamin C, vitamin A and peptides, and is most effective when combined within expertly formulated products - not as a standalone replacement.
At Medik8, our science-first, clinically backed approach ensures NAD⁺ is paired with complementary technologies to maximise results, supporting skin’s resilience and vitality now and for years to come.
Discover our latest NAD⁺ innovations and experience how future-focused skincare can help you achieve your best skin at every age.
FAQ's
An NAD⁺ booster is a product containing NAD⁺ or its precursors (such as NMN, NR or niacinamide) to help replenish the skin’s natural levels. When expertly formulated, they can support healthy skin function, repair processes and resilience, making them a valuable addition to an age-defying skincare approach.
No. While related, NAD⁺ is a coenzyme your body makes from vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 forms (like niacinamide) can act as precursors that the skin converts into NAD⁺.
Timeframes can vary depending on the formulation and your routine. With consistent use, some visible improvements in texture, tone and radiance may be seen within weeks, but benefits to skin health and resilience build over the longer term.
Topical NAD⁺ is generally well-tolerated. However, as with any active ingredient, it’s best to introduce it gradually and monitor your skin’s response, especially if using multiple potent actives.
No. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that acts as a precursor to NAD⁺ in the skin. They’re related but not identical; niacinamide helps the skin to create its own NAD⁺.
The most effective forms for ageing skin are NAD⁺ itself and its precursors like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and NR (nicotinamide riboside). These molecules support cellular energy, repair, and skin longevity. However, due to stability and delivery challenges, many skincare products use precursors such as niacinamide, which the skin converts into NAD⁺.
Yes. NAD⁺ can complement retinol (vitamin A) by supporting skin repair and resilience, making it a natural fit in your CSA routine.
Most NAD⁺ skincare products are designed for daily use, morning and/or evening, depending on the formula and your skin’s tolerance.
NAD⁺ and resveratrol serve different but complementary roles in skin health. NAD⁺ primarily supports cellular energy, repair, and longevity pathways, while resveratrol is a potent antioxidant that helps protect against environmental stress and inflammation. Rather than choosing one over the other, combining them in a well-formulated routine can offer synergistic benefits for ageing and skin resilience.
NAD⁺ is the active coenzyme used by your cells. NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) is a precursor molecule that the skin can convert into NAD⁺.
NAD⁺ supports key cellular functions like energy production, DNA repair, and inflammation control, which are essential for maintaining youthful, resilient skin. Consistent use of NAD⁺-boosting skincare can help improve skin texture, firmness, and overall appearance over time, making it a promising ingredient for those looking to support healthy ageing.
Radhika Sen
Radhika Sen is a skincare enthusiast and beauty writer. She's always on the lookout for a stellar serum and moisturiser combination, topped by a sunscreen that protects and primes. Her idea of self care is to pop on a face mask, light a scented candle and call it an early night.