Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) as brightening agent
Introduction: Hyperpigmentation from UV-induced melanogenesis contributes to conditions like melasma, PIH, and uneven skin tone. Conventional brightening agents—such as niacinamide, cysteamine, alpha-arbutin, 2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycine, and isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol primarily inhibit tyrosinase or melanin intermediates, but often face limitations like irritation or instability. NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a key coenzyme in cellular energy and DNA repair, also activates sirtuins, PARPs, and redox enzymes—core regulators of oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic balance. These
Materials / method: A randomized, single-blind study in 33 participants used a UV-induced melanization model on the back. Seven formulations were applied twice daily for 4 weeks: Placebo, 0.1% NAD+, 10% Niacinamide, 2.5% Encapsulated Cysteamine, 2% Alpha-Arbutin, Commercial serum with 2-MNG, Commercial serum with isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol. Assessments were conducted after 4 weeks on parameters: ITA° (Individual Typology Angle, CM26-dG), Melanin index (Mexameter® MX18), Visual grading by board-certified dermatologists
Results: All treatments showed statistically significant improvement over placebo (p < 0.05). ITA° gains were highest with NAD+ (+16.1%), followed by niacinamide (+13.5%), cysteamine (+13.3%), alpha-arbutin (+12.8%), Thiamidol (+11.7%), and 2-MNG (+9.3%) versus placebo (+11%). In melanin index reduction, niacinamide (-12.5) was strongest, followed by cysteamine (-11.9), isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol (-11.8), NAD+ (-11.6), alpha-arbutin (-11.0), and placebo (-10.6). For visual grading, alpha-arbutin (-20.4) and niacinamide (-18.5) showed the greatest clinical brightening, followed closely by NAD+ (
Conclusion: Topical 0.1% NAD+ demonstrated superior improvement in ITA° and comparable reductions in melanin index and clinical pigmentation versus benchmark actives. With its multi-pathway mechanism, excellent tolerability, and statistically validated efficacy, NAD+ emerges as a promising innovation in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and skin tone correction.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Labore
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
Yes
Please specify date...: Patent Pending
and status : 28 May 2025
This work is presented thanks to the support of: LABORE