Topical NAD Precursors
Skincare's newest darling — NAD-precursor serums based on the idea that boosting cellular NAD+ in skin reverses age-related decline. Early data, big claims.
Animal and ex-vivo skin data support NAD+ elevation and downstream skin benefits. Human trial data is limited and mostly from small brand-funded studies. Effects: 8–16 weeks.
NAD+ levels drop with age in every tissue, including skin. Topical NAD precursors (mainly niacinamide-based, sometimes with added NR or NMN) attempt to raise local NAD+ to support skin cell energy, DNA repair, and longevity-related pathways. Niacinamide itself (covered separately) is already a proven topical with NAD-precursor mechanism among its actions. Direct NR / NMN topicals are newer and pricier — animal and ex-vivo data are encouraging, but published human trials are limited.
- Form
- Topical NR or NMN serums (NIA-114 nicotinic acid esters, Nuria, Resibrium). Niacinamide as the workhorse precursor (covered separately).
- Dose
- Apply per product instructions, AM or PM.
- Timing
- AM or PM.
- Schedule
- Daily.
- Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated. Mild irritation rare.
- Interactions
- Generally clean.
- Contraindications
- None significant.
- Lab markers
- Visual tracking.
- Food sources
- Not food (oral NMN, NR, niacinamide are separate).
Pairs with
Topical niacinamide (overlapping pathway, lower cost). Retinoids, vitamin C (anti-aging stack).
within Topicals (skin / transdermal)