Once reserved for lab coats and longevity labs, NAD+ is now rubbing elbows with sea moss smoothies, cryo facials and red light masks.
Touted as the coenzyme behind cellular regeneration and mitochondrial health, it’s become beauty’s latest obsession—not just for what it promises on the surface, but for how deeply it claims to work beneath it.
Enter NAD+ skincare, the biohacking-adjacent trend that’s nudged its way into modern routines through IV drips, serums and topical patches. It’s part of a wider shift in beauty—one that’s moved past terms like ‘moisture’ and radiance to chase the glow-up at the cellular level. But is it worth the hype or simply the latest shiny object in the era of performance skincare?
What is NAD+ doing in skincare?
“NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme involved in several essential biological functions, including collagen production, memory, ATP generation and more,” explains Dr Geetika Srivastava, dermatologist and founder of Influennz Clinic. “It’s the only known molecule that directly activates longevity proteins called sirtuins, potentially contributing to increased lifespan.”
In theory, boosting NAD+ levels could help improve skin function, texture and resilience, offering deeper benefits than surface-level hydration or exfoliation. But how it’s delivered makes all the difference.
Why IVs still lead the conversation
Topicals are trending, but IV NAD+ therapy is still considered the gold standard in efficacy. Krysh Bajaj, co-founder and director of REVIV India—one of the first to offer these treatments locally—positions it as a way to address urban stress at the cellular level.
“India’s heat, pollution and UV exposure create a canvas for oxidative stress and skin damage,” she says. “NAD+ improves the skin’s energy reserves and repair mechanisms. Delivered intravenously, it ensures near 100 per cent absorption, maximising its bioavailability.”
REVIV’s clients report improved energy, diminished brain fog, better skin clarity and reduced inflammation. These aren’t just aesthetic claims—they’re whole-system effects, which is precisely why NAD+ skincare appeals to a growing audience invested in beauty from the inside out.
Can NAD+ skincare catch up?
The topical route is less straightforward. “It’s an unstable molecule,” explains Dr Kiran Sethi, MD, aesthetic doctor and author of Skin Sense. “It oxidises easily, breaks down when exposed to air and is difficult for the skin to absorb.”
