Present in every cell of our body, NAD+ is essential for cellular energy production and DNA repair, making it particularly attractive for cosmetics. However, before incorporating it into a skincare routine, it is crucial to understand its effects and ensure its safety. What are the possible risks?
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NAD+ in Cosmetics: Is it Safe?
Summary
- NAD+ in Cosmetics: Is it Really Risk-Free?
- NAD+: What about its safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
- How to use NAD+ based products safely?
- Sources
Published February 6, 2025,
updated on February 6, 2025,
by
Jamal, PhD, Doctor of human pathology and infectious diseases
—
7 min read
NAD+ in Cosmetics: Is it Really Risk-Free?
The available clinical research, although limited to a small number of participants, shows that products boosting NAD+ levels are generally safe and can effectively increase the levels of this molecule in the body. However, to date, there is no comprehensive study on the safety of topical application of NAD+ in cosmetics. Despite this, experts highlight that the NAD+ in skincare products generally does not pose major risks.
Skin Tolerance : NAD+ is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Products containing NAD+ are tested, like others, to minimise any risk of irritation.
Infrequent side effects: Research shows that the application of NAD+ on the skin is safe and seldom causes side effects. However, some users may experience tingling or slight redness, often related to skin sensitivity or the concentration of the product.
Use with Caution : The recommended dosage of NAD+ is 5 to 10 mg per day (orally). For more targeted treatments, there are methods such as infusions (500 mg per session), injections (100 to 1000 mg/day), nasal sprays (30 mg per spray) or topical products, typically in the form of creams containing a concentration of 10 to 20% of NAD+. Of course, the adjustment of dosages depends on each individual, their condition and their goals, and medical supervision is recommended to avoid side effects such as fatigue or nausea.
NAD+: What about its safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
To date, there is no scientific study indicating that the use of cosmetic products containing NAD+ poses a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, an in vivo study has shown that oral supplementation with NAD+ (400 mg per kilogram of body weight per day) during breastfeeding could have beneficial effects, such as stimulating postpartum weight loss, the support for infant development, as well as contributing to neurogenesis in offspring. However, this study pertains to oral supplementation and cannot be directly extrapolated to topical use. In the absence of specific data in this area, it is recommended to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before incorporating products containing NAD+ into one's daily routine.
How to use NAD+ based products safely?
To enjoy the benefits of NAD+ without risking skin irritation, it is important to follow a few simple precautions:
Perform a skin test beforehand: We recommend that you test the product on a small area of skin, especially if you have sensitive skin, to ensure that it does not cause any allergic reaction.
Start with a low concentration: If you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to start with products that have a low concentration of NAD+ (10%) and gradually increase the concentration if your skin responds well.
Consulting a dermatologist: If in doubt, particularly if you have a history of reactive skin or allergies, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist before using a product containing NAD+.
Although NAD+ is commonly considered safe for cosmetic use, it is important to adhere to the recommended dosage and perform a skin test before applying it, especially for sensitive skin. Due to the lack of comprehensive studies on its topical application, a certain level of caution is necessary, particularly in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional to ensure optimal and safe use.
Sources
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DAMIAN D. & al. Nicotinamide Enhances Repair of Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced DNA Damage in Human Keratinocytes and Ex Vivo Skin. Carcinogenesis (2013).
BRENNER C. & al. Nicotinamide Riboside Is Uniquely and Orally Bioavailable in Mice and Humans. Nature Communications (2016).
O'BRIEN K. & al. An Open-Label, Non-Randomized Study of the Pharmacokinetics of the Nutritional Supplement Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Its Effects on Blood NAD+ Levels in Healthy Volunteers. PLoS One (2017).
JACOBSON M. & al. A Topical Lipophilic Niacin Derivative Increases NAD, Epidermal Differentiation and Barrier Function in Photodamaged Skin. Experimental Dermatology (2007).
SEALS D. & al. Chronic Nicotinamide Riboside Supplementation Is Well-Tolerated and Elevates NAD+ in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Nature Communications (2018).
MILISAV I. & al. Vitamin B3 Forms as Precursors to NAD+: Are They Safe? Trends in Food Science & Technology (2018).
BIRCH-MACHIN M. & al. 1047 Nicotinamide Enhances Mitochondrial Function in Human Skin Cells. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2018).
WAN Y. & al. NR Supplementation During Lactation: Benefiting Mother and Child. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism (2019).
LIU Y. & al. NAD+ Therapy in Age-Related Degenerative Disorders: A Benefit/Risk Analysis. Experimental Gerontology (2020).
SUOMALAINEN A. & al. Niacin Cures Systemic NAD+ Deficiency and Improves Muscle Performance in Adult-Onset Mitochondrial Myopathy. Cell Metabolism (2020).
ITOH H. & al. Effect of Oral Administration of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide on Clinical Parameters and Nicotinamide Metabolite Levels in Healthy Japanese Men. Endocrine Journal (2020).
ALMEIDA I. & al. Sensitive Skin: Active Ingredients on the Spotlight. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2022).
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