NAD⁺ in Skincare: What It Really Does and What Korean Beauty Brands Are Getting Right
NAD⁺ is one of the most talked-about molecules in longevity research, and now it’s starting to appear in skincare, including K-beauty. From NAD⁺ serums to NMN-infused essences, Korean brands are embracing cellular energy science earlier than ever.
But while NAD plays a critical role inside our skin cells, translating that biology into topical skincare is far from straightforward.
In this article, we’ll take a closer, evidence-based look at what NAD and NMN really do in the skin, what current research supports, and how Korean skincare brands are thoughtfully — and sometimes creatively — approaching this emerging ingredient category.
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Table of Contents:
What Is NAD⁺ and Why Does It Matter for Skin?
NMN, NAD⁺, and Niacinamide: What’s the Difference?
How NAD-Related Pathways Affect Skin Aging
Can NAD or NMN Actually Work Topically?
What Skin Concerns NAD-Focused Skincare Is Best For
How Korean Brands Are Using NAD Differently
Best NAD and NMN Products in Korean Skincare
Final Thoughts: Where NAD Skincare Is Headed
What Is NAD⁺ and Why Does It Matter for Skin?
Before NAD became a skincare buzzword, it was already a well-established molecule in biology and aging research. Understanding what NAD actually is helps set realistic expectations for how it may (and may not) work in skincare.
At its core, NAD⁺ is not a “beauty ingredient” in the traditional sense. NAD⁺ (short for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a molecule found in every living cell. It acts as a coenzyme, meaning it helps other enzymes do their job. When we talk about NAD in skincare, we’re really talking about how skin cells manage energy, repair damage, and cope with daily stress over time.
In your skin, NAD⁺ is involved in several essential processes:
energy production (ATP generation)
DNA repair after UV damage
regulation of oxidative stress
control of inflammation
normal cell renewal and repair
As we age, NAD⁺ levels naturally decline. This decline is accelerated by:
chronic UV exposure
inflammation
oxidative stress
environmental pollutants
Lower NAD⁺ levels are associated with slower repair, reduced resilience, and visible signs of skin aging.
This is why NAD has become so interesting — not just in supplements, but now in skincare.
NMN, NAD⁺, and Niacinamide: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been looking into NAD skincare, you’ve probably noticed that different products mention NAD⁺, NMN, or niacinamide — sometimes interchangeably. While these ingredients are related, they are not the same, and understanding the difference can help you choose products more wisely.
1. NAD⁺
The active molecule used inside cells
Large and water-soluble
Does not easily cross the skin barrier
In skincare, it mainly acts as a supporting or signaling ingredient
In simple terms:
Applying NAD⁺ to the skin does not automatically increase NAD⁺ levels inside your skin cells.
2. NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
A direct precursor to NAD⁺
Smaller molecular size than NAD⁺
Converts into NAD⁺ inside cells via the natural “salvage pathway”
Why NMN is interesting for skincare:
Laboratory studies using skin-mimicking membranes show that NMN can penetrate into the upper dermal layers
In fibroblast models, NMN increased collagen type I production
NMN appears more biologically plausible than topical NAD⁺ itself
That said, human clinical data is still limited.
3. Niacinamide (Nicotinamide)
A form of vitamin B3
A well-known NAD precursor
Extensively studied in skincare
Topical niacinamide is proven to:
strengthen the skin barrier
reduce transepidermal water loss
improve uneven tone and pigmentation
calm inflammation
support skin aging processes
If we’re being honest, niacinamide is currently the most evidence-backed NAD-supportive ingredient in skincare.
How NAD-Related Pathways Affect Skin Aging
To understand why NAD has attracted so much attention in skincare, it helps to look at what happens inside the skin as it ages. Skin aging is not driven by one single process, but by a combination of energy loss, accumulated damage, inflammation, and reduced repair capacity. NAD-related pathways sit at the center of many of these mechanisms.
When NAD levels are sufficient, skin cells are better able to:
produce energy efficiently
repair UV-induced DNA damage
control oxidative stress
regulate inflammatory signaling
In laboratory and animal studies, NAD precursors such as NMN have been associated with improved skin hydration, preservation of collagen structure, reduced inflammatory markers, and better barrier recovery after UV exposure.
It’s important to note that many of these effects come from oral or systemic administration, not topical skincare — which brings us to the next key point.
Can NAD or NMN Actually Work Topically?
This is an important question, and one that deserves an honest answer. While NAD biology is well understood inside the body, skincare operates under very different conditions. What works systemically does not always translate easily to topical application.
What current evidence suggests:
Topical NAD⁺ itself is unlikely to penetrate deeply or enter skin cells intact
NMN shows better skin permeability in laboratory models, particularly when stabilized in fermented systems
Even with NMN, effects are likely supportive, not transformative
In skincare, NAD-focused products should be viewed as:
supporting cellular resilience
complementing antioxidant and barrier repair strategies
helping stressed or aging skin function more efficiently
They are not the same as NAD supplements or medical treatments.
What Skin Concerns NAD-Focused Skincare Is Best For
Not every trending ingredient suits every skin type or concern, and NAD-related skincare is no exception. These formulas tend to focus on long-term skin resilience rather than quick, dramatic changes.
If you’re considering NAD or NMN products, it’s helpful to think about what your skin actually needs right now — support, repair, calming, or prevention — rather than chasing the ingredient name alone.
Best suited for:
early signs of aging
dull or tired-looking skin
barrier-impaired or stressed skin
post-procedure recovery (with gentle formulas)
skin exposed to pollution or UV stress
Not ideal for:
active acne or inflamed breakouts
very sensitive or reactive skin (many formulas are complex)
anyone expecting dramatic “anti-aging” results on their own
Think of NAD skincare as supportive care, not a miracle solution.
How Korean Brands Are Using NAD Differently
One reason NAD skincare has gained attention so quickly is the way Korean beauty brands approach formulation. Instead of treating NAD as a standalone hero ingredient, most Korean formulas place it within a broader skin-support strategy.
This reflects a core K-beauty philosophy: healthy skin function comes from balance — barrier health, hydration, antioxidants, and gentle stimulation working together. NAD-related ingredients are usually woven into this bigger picture, rather than expected to do everything on their own.
Instead of relying on NAD alone, most formulas combine:
NAD⁺ or NMN
antioxidants (resveratrol, astaxanthin, glutathione)
barrier lipids (ceramides, cholesterol)
ferments that improve stability and skin compatibility
Best NAD and NMN Products in Korean Skincare
With more NAD- and NMN-labeled products entering the Korean skincare market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Not all formulas use these ingredients in the same way, and their overall effectiveness depends heavily on the surrounding formulation.
So now, let’s take a closer look at how Korean skincare brands are actually using NAD and NMN in their latest products — and what that means for your skin in real-world use.
1. numbuzin No. 9 NAD Bio Lifting-sil Essence
This essence is often described as an NAD-focused product, but in practice it’s a rich peptide and antioxidant formula where NAD plays a minor, supportive role.
NAD / NMN in this formula
Contains NAD⁺ at a low level
No NMN included
Supports the “cell energy” concept rather than actively influencing NAD pathways
What it really targets
Firmness and elasticity
Antioxidant protection
Overall skin conditioning
Best suited for
Mature or resilient skin
Dull, tired-looking skin
Those who enjoy complex, multi-functional formulas
This works best when viewed as a luxury anti-aging essence, not a true NAD-boosting product.
2. EQQUALBERRY NAD+ Peptide Boosting Serum
This serum combines NAD and NMN with a strong peptide system, ceramides, and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid.
NAD / NMN in this formula
Includes NMN alongside NAD⁺
NMN placement makes this one of the more biologically plausible options
What it really targets
Skin resilience and elasticity
Barrier support through ceramides and cholesterol
Long-term skin conditioning
Best suited for
Dry or mature skin
Preventative, long-term skin support
This is a good example of NAD skincare done with more realistic expectations.
3. BIOHEAL BOH NAD-PRIZCELL Glow Power Serum
This serum features NAD, antioxidants, barrier lipids, and soothing botanical extracts.
NAD / NMN in this formula
Contains NAD⁺, included at a supportive level
No NMN present
What it really targets
Dullness and uneven tone
Barrier recovery through ceramides, cholesterol, and hydrogenated lecithin
Antioxidant defense, such as astaxanthin, resveratrol, and glutathione
Early texture changes, rather than deep wrinkles or loss of firmness
Best suited for
Dull or environmentally stressed skin
Those looking for glow with added barrier support
Here, NAD complements the antioxidant and barrier-focused design, but the visible benefits come mainly from hydration, soothing ingredients, and oxidative stress support.
4. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier 2% NAD+ Serum Mist
This mist lists 2% NAD+, which refers to a complex or solution containing NAD-related components, not pure, free NAD in its active form.
NAD / NMN in this formula
Contains NAD⁺ at a relatively high listed level
The complex includes fermented black rice, probiotics, and supportive barrier ingredients
No NMN included
What it really targets
Barrier repair and hydration
Microbiome-friendly skin conditioning
Daily comfort rather than active rejuvenation
Best suited for
Barrier-impaired or overtreated skin
Sensitive skin needing frequent hydration
This mist works best as a barrier-supporting, maintenance product, where NAD⁺ supports overall skin vitality rather than acting as a standalone active.
5. Dermafactory NMN 1% Renewing Serum
One of the most straightforward and science-aligned formulas in this category.
NAD / NMN in this formula
Clearly stated 1% NMN, which is relatively high compared to most topical NMN products
NAD⁺ included at a lower level, supporting the overall concept rather than acting as a primary active
Minimal marketing-driven complexity, with a simple, functional base
What it really targets
Skin renewal and resilience, supported by NMN alongside niacinamide
Long-term aging prevention
Barrier support and comfort, thanks to ingredients like squalane, panthenol, and humectants
Best suited for
Early to moderate aging concerns
Skin that values consistency and tolerance over strong actives
Those who prefer minimalist, ingredient-led formulas
This is one of the strongest examples of NMN used with realistic expectations, where supportive ingredients help translate the concept into a usable daily serum.
6. Sungboon Editor Green Tomato NMN Pore Hydro Soothing Toner
This toner includes NMN at a very low concentration, but its real value lies in a well-built hydrating and soothing formula rather than NAD-related activity. When viewed as a pore-comfort and moisture-balancing toner, it makes much more sense.
NAD / NMN in this formula
NMN at 1,000 ppb, which is a very small amount
At this level, NMN is symbolic rather than functionally active
What it really targets
Deep hydration with 10 types of hyaluronic acid, helping skin stay plump and comfortable
Pore comfort and oil–water balance
Lightweight antioxidant support from green tomato extract
Best suited for
Sensitive or easily dehydrated skin
Oily or combination skin that still needs hydration
Daily layering routines where lightweight, calming hydration is a priority
Here, NMN is more of a trend-aligned addition than a key active, while hydration and soothing remain the main benefits.
7. CNP Derma Answer Pore Firming Ampoule
This ampoule combines NMN, PDRN, and retinol, all used at very low, supportive levels. Rather than acting as a targeted treatment product, it is best understood as a barrier-supporting and resilience-focused ampoule designed to gently support skin firmness and texture over time.
Important clarification on retinol
Retinol appears very low in the INCI list. At this concentration, it is not a treatment-level retinol and should not be expected to deliver classic resurfacing or corrective effects.
NAD / NMN in this formula
Contains NMN, but plays a secondary, background role
What it really targets
Firmness and skin regeneration
Pore appearance and elasticity
Hydration and resilience through PDRN, ceramides, cholesterol, panthenol, and humectants
Best suited for
Experienced skincare users
Skin already tolerant of active ingredients
Usage note
Due to the presence of retinol — even at low levels — evening use is recommended, along with daily sunscreen.
Final Thoughts: Where NAD Skincare Is Headed
New skincare trends often come with big promises, and it’s completely normal to feel both curious and skeptical at the same time. NAD-related skincare sits at an interesting intersection between solid biological science and still-developing cosmetic research.
Approached thoughtfully, these products can support skin resilience and aging prevention — but they work best when they’re part of a well-rounded routine, not a shortcut or replacement for proven skincare fundamentals.
If you’d like to explore skincare in a more informed and practical way, you can browse my blog for in-depth ingredient guides, honest Korean skincare product recommendations, and educational eBooks designed to help you understand your skin better. And if you prefer personalized support, I also offer one-on-one skincare consultations, where we build a routine tailored specifically to your skin type, concerns, and lifestyle.
