Topical NAD: What to Know Before You Buy

What Is Topical NAD+?

As many unique skincare routines go viral, you might find yourself wondering if your regimen is missing anything. And you’ve probably noticed NAD+ showing up in your research. It can be found in serums and creams, with product claims that sound almost too good to be true.

So, what is NAD+ anyway?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of your body that is involved in cellular energy production and other metabolic processes. Topical NAD, on the other hand, delivers NAD+ or its precursors directly to the skin.

Some topical NAD products contain NAD+ itself, but others use precursor molecules, including niacinamide, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), or nicotinamide riboside (NR) that the skin can convert into NAD+ once absorbed. But do these actually work?

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Can NAD+ Actually Penetrate the Skin?

Your skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, is designed to keep foreign substances out. In other words, it’s highly selective about what it lets through, and NAD+ is a relatively large, water-soluble molecule. And this doesn’t actually make it easy to absorb.

In fact, pure NAD+ applied to the skin without a specialized delivery system has difficulty reaching the deeper layers where it can interact with living cells. This is why many topical NAD products don’t actually contain NAD+.

Some newer formulations are addressing this problem through advanced delivery systems. For instance, liposomal encapsulation wraps the NAD+ molecule in a lipid layer, which is intended to enhance skin delivery.

Nanoparticle technology is another approach being explored, along with permeation enhancers and pH adjustments, to improve absorption. However, much of the evidence is still in the early stages, often based on in vitro studies (lab tests on cell cultures) rather than large-scale human trials.

The alternative, and arguably more practical approach, is using NAD+ precursors that are smaller and easier for the skin to absorb. Once these precursors penetrate the skin, your cells can convert them into NAD+ through their natural metabolic pathways.

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What Does the Research Say?

Research on topical NAD+ is still evolving. Most existing evidence focuses on precursors, while studies on direct NAD+ application remain in early stages. So, here’s what we know right now:

• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) has the strongest body of evidence among topical NAD+ precursors. Multiple randomized controlled clinical trials have found that topical niacinamide at 2%-5% concentrations may improve skin texture, reduce uneven tone, support barrier function, and promote elasticity. It works in part by supporting normal cellular processes involved in skin barrier function. Niacinamide is also well tolerated across skin types, which is one reason it’s become such a widely used ingredient in mainstream skincare.
• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) as a topical ingredient is more limited but growing. In vitro studies using skin-mimetic membranes have shown that NMN can penetrate the upper dermal layers, where it has been observed to influence collagen-related activity in laboratory models. However, clinical data in humans is still sparse.
• Direct topical NAD+ was explored in a 2024 study that found exogenous NAD+ applied to human fibroblasts in a lab setting was associated with cellular changes in vitro, particularly when combined with compounds, such as quercetin and enoxolone, that inhibit the CD38 enzyme (which breaks down NAD+). The researchers suggested this approach could influence NAD+ stability under laboratory conditions by preventing its rapid degradation. However, translating lab results to real-world skincare still requires further study.
• An older study tested topical NAD+ in a Vaseline-based formulation on 37 patients with psoriasis and found that it was reported to be cosmetically acceptable and associated with clinical observations in that small study. While this was a small study focused on a specific condition, it suggests that topical NAD+ may exhibit biological activity when properly formulated.

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What to Look for in a Topical NAD+ Product

If you’re considering adding a topical NAD product to your routine, here are a few things worth noting:

First, check the ingredient list. Look for whether the product contains NAD+ itself, a precursor, such as niacinamide or NMN, or a combination. Products that use NAD+ directly should ideally include an advanced delivery system (liposomal, encapsulated, or nano).

Second, consider the formulation as a whole. A well-designed product will pair NAD+ or its precursors with complementary ingredients, including antioxidants, peptides, or hydrating agents. 

On top of the above, be cautious about products that make bold claims without supporting research. If something promises dramatic results from topical NAD+ alone, be skeptical. The research is still evolving.

Finally, pay attention to the form you’re getting. NAD+ and NADH are related but not identical. 

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Final Thoughts

The evidence base for topical NAD+ is still developing. At the same time, niacinamide remains the best-supported topical option for supporting NAD+ pathways in the skin, while newer formulations that use NAD+ directly or NMN are still being explored.

If you’re curious about how NAD+ fits into your overall wellness routine, Eden can help. Start with a brief online intake, then connect with a licensed healthcare provider to review your goals and health history. If NAD+ support is a good fit, your provider will discuss appropriate options based on your individual health needs, and any prescribed treatments ship directly to your door through a licensed pharmacy. You’ll also gain access to 24/7 provider messaging so you can ask questions as they come up.