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.
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请注明日期: Patent Pending
和审阅情况: 28 May 2025
这项工作的完成感谢以下机构的支持: LABORE