Inside every skin cell, there’s a molecule working constantly to keep things running smoothly. It fuels repair, maintains balance, and gives the skin the energy it needs to renew itself day after day. This molecule is NAD⁺, a coenzyme that has quietly supported our health since the day we were born.
For a long time, NAD⁺ lived in the world of supplements. Experts in aging and longevity have studied its potential to support energy production and cellular repair, especially through precursors like NMN and NR. But in skincare, it’s only recently started gaining attention. That shift comes from new discoveries in ingredient stability and delivery systems, which are making it possible to formulate NAD⁺ topically in a way the skin can actually use. As this science reaches the hands of formulators, we’re seeing a wave of new-generation serums designed not just to improve how skin looks, but to help it function the way it used to.
So what exactly is NAD⁺ doing in your skin, and why is everyone suddenly talking about it? Let’s take a closer look.
What is NAD⁺ and what does it do in the skin?
NAD⁺, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a molecule that exists in every single one of your cells. Think of it as a power source. Without it, your cells can’t do the most basic things they’re designed to do, like turning nutrients into energy, repairing DNA, or responding to stress. That includes skin cells. When NAD⁺ is available, your skin runs like a well-oiled machine. When it’s low, the whole system slows down. Although NAD⁺ is closely linked to vitamin B3, they’re not the same. Vitamin B3 is the raw ingredient, NAD⁺ is what your body builds from it. You can think of B3 as the fuel and NAD⁺ as the spark that makes everything work.
In the skin, this translates to stronger daily defenses and faster recovery. NAD⁺ supports DNA repair, helps maintain collagen production, and strengthens the skin’s barrier function. It gives your cells the resources they need to regenerate and protect themselves, which contributes to a visibly smoother, firmer, and more resilient complexion.
However, your body’s natural supply of NAD⁺ doesn’t stay constant. Levels begin to decline in your twenties, and by your fifties, you may have lost up to 50 percent. This gradual depletion affects how well your skin repairs itself, handles oxidative stress, and maintains its structural integrity. External factors like sun exposure, poor sleep, alcohol, and pollution can speed up the loss, placing even more pressure on your skin’s ability to stay healthy over time.
Can You Boost NAD⁺ Levels Through Supplements?
Yes. As we age, the natural production of NAD⁺ slows down. But by taking targeted supplements, you can support your body’s ability to rebuild and maintain this essential molecule. Clinical studies in humans have shown a measurable increase in NAD⁺ levels in the blood after just a few weeks of consistent use.
Proven Benefits from Scientific Studies:
- Improved physical endurance (walking speed, grip strength)
- Better energy metabolism and reduced feelings of fatigue
- Positive effects on cardiovascular markers like blood pressure and arterial stiffness
- Enhanced insulin sensitivity and better glucose regulation
- Reduced biological age based on blood biomarkers in some studies
- Support for mitochondrial health, your cells’ energy factories
- Potential improvements in cognitive function and inflammation regulation
What About Risks?
Current research shows that these supplements are well tolerated in healthy adults. Side effects, when they happen, are usually mild, things like bloating or nausea. However, they haven’t been widely studied in people with heart arrhythmias, cancer, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you fall into any of those categories, it’s best to talk to your doctor first.
Topical NAD⁺: A New Era in Skincare
While supplements have long been the go-to for boosting NAD⁺ from the inside, skincare science has recently taken a major leap forward: we can now deliver NAD⁺ directly to the skin. But that hasn’t always been the case. For years, the biggest challenge was keeping the molecule stable. NAD⁺ is fragile; it breaks down easily when exposed to light, air, or water, making it nearly impossible to use effectively in topical formulas.
That’s where recent innovation comes in. New delivery systems and encapsulation technologies now make it possible to protect NAD⁺ and help it reach the cells where it’s needed most. Once there, it gets to work, recharging cellular energy, supporting natural repair mechanisms, and improving the skin’s ability to handle stress like UV exposure and pollution.
This shift means we’re no longer just treating the surface. We’re giving skin the tools it needs to renew itself from within, using a molecule it already depends on, just delivered in a smarter, more targeted way.
Functionalab EXO-GF High-Performance Skincare, Backed by Science
EXO-GF Serum by Functionalab was developed to support the skin as it faces the visible effects of time, stress, and modern life.
Its high-performance formula is built around a synergy of three key ingredients, each selected to help improve the skin’s overall appearance:
- Plant-derived exosomes, incorporated into an advanced cosmetic formula to help refine texture and support a more balanced, radiant-looking complexion
- Cosmetic-grade growth factors, chosen to visibly enhance firmness, smoothness, and skin tone
- Coenzyme NAD⁺, included to promote a more energized, luminous, and well-rested look
Each ingredient is carefully stabilized to preserve its cosmetic integrity and ensure optimal performance. Together, they contribute to skin that looks smoother, more even, and visibly refreshed with consistent use.
