NAD⁺ in Skincare: Does It Really Belong in a Formula?

NAD⁺ has become one of the most talked-about molecules in longevity science. From cellular energy to DNA repair, it’s often described as a cornerstone of healthy aging — so it’s no surprise that NAD⁺ has started appearing in skincare.

But at SkinRequisite, we don’t follow ingredients just because they’re trending.
We ask a more important question:

Does this ingredient actually work topically — and does it respect skin physiology?

Let’s take an honest look.

What NAD⁺ Does in the Body

NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays a critical role in:

• Cellular energy production (mitochondria)

• DNA repair

• Cellular stress resistance

• Longevity signaling pathways (including sirtuins)

As we age, intracellular NAD⁺ levels decline, which is why NAD⁺ supplementation has gained so much attention in internal medicine and longevity research.

So the idea of adding NAD⁺ to skincare sounds compelling — but skin biology is very different from systemic biology.

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The Topical Reality of NAD⁺

Here’s the part most brands skip.

NAD⁺ is:

• A large, highly polar molecule

• Water-soluble and unstable

• Poorly penetrating through intact skin

Even when delivered in advanced formats (like liposomes), topical NAD⁺:

• Primarily remains in the upper layers of the skin

• Does not reliably enter skin cells intact

• Does not consistently raise intracellular NAD⁺ levels

In other words, topical NAD⁺ cannot perform its most famous functions, because those functions require it to be insidethe cell.

That doesn’t mean it’s useless — but it does mean its role must be framed honestly.

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What Topical NAD⁺ Can Do

When properly stabilized and formulated, NAD⁺ may offer:

• Local antioxidant support

• Redox balance at the epidermal level

• A supportive environment for repair signaling

• Benefits for compromised or post-procedure skin

These effects are surface-to-epidermal, not deep cellular rejuvenation.

This distinction matters.

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Why Stability Is a Serious Challenge

To even keep NAD⁺ intact in a cosmetic formula, you need:

• Neutral pH (5.5–6.5)

• Encapsulation or protective delivery systems

• Strong oxidation control

• Airless, opaque packaging

• Limited compatibility with other actives

Even then, shelf stability can be unpredictable.

This raises a critical formulation question:
Is the cost, complexity, and limitation justified by the benefit?

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The Ingredient That Actually Supports NAD⁺ in Skin

If the goal is to support NAD⁺ inside skin cells, there’s a much more effective option:

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3).

Niacinamide:

• Penetrates skin easily

• Is extremely stable

• Has decades of clinical support

• Increases intracellular NAD⁺ production

• Strengthens the barrier

• Reduces inflammation

• Improves tone, texture, and resilience

This is why niacinamide remains one of the most biologically meaningful longevity ingredients in topical skincare.

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Our Formulation Philosophy at SkinRequisite

We believe skincare should:

• Work with skin physiology

• Deliver benefits where they actually occur

• Avoid overclaims and ingredient theater

• Prioritize barrier health and repair signaling

That’s why we focus on:

• NAD⁺ pathway support, not surface buzzwords

• Ingredients that demonstrably improve cellular function

• Regenerative signaling (not forced stimulation)

In advanced repair formulas, we pair:

• GHK-Cu for repair communication

• Niacinamide for NAD⁺ synthesis support

• Barrier lipids and calming antioxidants for resilience

When NAD⁺ is used, it is secondary, supportive, and positioned with honesty — never as a miracle ingredient.

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So, Does NAD⁺ Belong in Skincare?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no.

NAD⁺ does not belong as a hero ingredient in topical skincare if the goal is cellular energy renewal or DNA repair inside skin cells.

However, it may have a place as a supportive ingredient in:

• Repair-focused

• Barrier-first

• Post-procedure

• Longevity-inspired formulations

— when paired with ingredients that actually do the heavy lifting.

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The SkinRequisite Standard

At SkinRequisite, every ingredient must earn its place.

We don’t formulate for trends.
We formulate for function, integrity, and long-term skin health.

Because true skin longevity isn’t about what sounds impressive —
it’s about what works.