Frequently asked questions
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule that’s naturally found in every cell of your body, but over time, our NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, says Dr. Gohara. It plays an important role in how cells produce energy, repair damage, and maintain normal cellular function. Because those processes are also closely tied to skin health and visible signs of aging, NAD+ has become a buzzy ingredient in both longevity research and skin care.
NAD+ works by repairing damaged DNA, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the activity of mitochondria, which are your cells’ batteries, says Dr. Zeichner. Dr. Gohara explains that while NAD+ won’t magically erase wrinkles overnight, healthy NAD+ levels help your skin function more efficiently, which is one reason it’s become such a buzzworthy ingredient in longevity and skin health research. In skin care, the goal is essentially to support some of the cellular processes that can become less efficient with age, including those involved in skin repair and maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
Is NAD+ good for the skin?
Potentially, yes. “The science behind NAD+ biology is incredibly compelling, but topical skin care is still catching up,” says Dr. Gohara. The jury is still out on how effectively topical NAD+ can be absorbed by the skin. NAD+ is a very large molecule that may not penetrate through the outer skin layer, says Dr. Zeichner. “Many products use NAD+ precursors or related technologies that skin cells may be able to convert into NAD+,” says Dr. Gohara. You’ll notice in our roundup above that many of the formulas we selected utilize precursors like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) to aid in DNA repair along with other proven effective ingredients. Depending on the formula, those complementary ingredients may also target more familiar skin concerns, including skin hydration, barrier support, fine lines, and uneven texture.
Does NAD+ skin care work?
“Early laboratory studies and small clinical studies are encouraging, but we still need larger, long-term human studies before we can say topical NAD+ products are game changers, “ says Dr. Gohara. She goes on to say, “It’s a promising category, but not one I’d call a miracle ingredient just yet.” For now, think of NAD+ skin care as a developing area of skin-aging research rather than a proven replacement for established anti-aging ingredients. If you’re looking to address visible signs of aging, ingredients with a longer track record, such as retinoids and sunscreen, still have a place in a well-rounded routine.
How do you use NAD+ skin care products?
Most NAD+ products focus on repair, and like other reparative formulas, nighttime is typically the best time to apply. “The majority of skin cell turnover occurs in the evening, so I would recommend NAD+ products before bed to enhance the naturally occurring cellular activities,” says Dr. Zeichner. That said, always follow the directions for your specific product, since formulas can vary and some NAD+ products are designed for daytime use. If your formula also contains potentially irritating actives, such as retinal or other exfoliating ingredients, you may want to introduce it gradually and pay attention to how your skin responds.
We tested NAD+ serums by evaluating their texture, application, and overall efficacy. Our testers had a range of skin types and concerns, including sensitive, dry, mature, and combination skin. We looked closely at formulas featuring NAD+ alongside complementary ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, which can help support skin hydration, firmness, and a more even, radiant-looking complexion.
The serums that made the cut had elegant textures that absorbed easily without feeling sticky, greasy, or heavy. After consistent use, our top picks left skin looking and feeling more hydrated, bouncy, smooth, and radiant, while helping to minimize the appearance of fine lines, dullness, and uneven texture. We also considered how formulas performed alongside the rest of our testers’ skin-care routines, prioritizing products that delivered noticeable results without irritating the skin.
