Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) Powder
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+, CAS 53-84-9) is a ubiquitous cellular coenzyme found in every living cell, serving as the primary electron carrier in energy metabolism (ATP production via the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation) and as an essential substrate for sirtuins (longevity proteins) and PARPs (DNA repair enzymes). Produced via yeast fermentation to ≥99% purity (HPLC-verified), our NAD+ powder is a white, water-soluble crystalline powder. As a cosmetic active, topical NAD+ revitalizes skin at the cellular level, stimulating collagen synthesis, reducing wrinkle depth, improving skin tone homogeneity, and strengthening the barrier — with clinical results visible in 4 weeks. As a nutraceutical, sublingual or liposomal NAD+ supports metabolic health, mitochondrial function, and healthy aging. As a leading bulk NAD+ supplier, we provide full CoA documentation, custom grades (cosmetic, nutraceutical, research), and competitive pricing for skincare brands, supplement companies, and research labs worldwide.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| INCI / Common Name | Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) |
| Other Names | NAD, β-NAD+, Diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN), Coenzyme I, Adenine-nicotinamide dinucleotide |
| CAS Number | 53-84-9 |
| EC Number | 200-184-4 |
| FDA UNII | 0U46U6E8UK |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 663.43 g/mol (anhydrous basis) |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless or characteristic |
| Purity (HPLC) | ≥ 99.0% (high-purity grade ≥ 99.5%, ultra-high ≥ 99.8%) |
| Water Content (Karl Fischer) | ≤ 1.0% |
| pH (1% solution) | 2.5 – 3.5 |
| pKa | 5.25 |
| Specific Rotation [α]D²⁰ | −30° to −34° (c = 1.2 in water) |
| UV λmax | 260 nm (A260/A280 ratio ≥ 2.2) |
| Melting Point | 140 – 142°C (decomposition) |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water (≥ 50 mg/mL); soluble in PBS; slightly soluble in ethanol; insoluble in organic solvents |
| Bulk Density | 200 – 300 kg/m³ |
| Residual Solvents | ≤ 0.5% (ethanol, methanol) |
| Heavy Metals | ≤ 10 ppm (Pb, As, Hg, Cd) |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 100 CFU/g (cosmetic/nutraceutical grade); sterile grade available |
| Yeast & Mold | ≤ 10 CFU/g |
What Is NAD+? Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a small-molecule coenzyme present in every living cell, consisting of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups: one nucleotide contains an adenine base, the other contains nicotinamide (vitamin B3 derivative). Its chemical formula is C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂ with a molecular weight of 663.43 Da (anhydrous basis).
The redox cycle — NAD+ vs. NADH: NAD+ exists in two interconvertible forms:
- NAD+ (oxidized form): The electron acceptor, predominantly present in cells at a ratio of ~10:1 (NAD+:NADH). It accepts electrons from metabolic reactions, becoming reduced to NADH.
- NADH (reduced form): The electron donor, carrying high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain in mitochondria for ATP production. NADH is oxidized back to NAD+, completing the cycle.
This redox cycling is the foundation of cellular energy metabolism — without NAD+, cells cannot produce ATP and rapidly lose function.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide NAD Source
Our NAD+ is produced via yeast fermentation (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), not chemical extraction from animal tissues. The fermentation process uses non-GMO plant-derived substrates (glucose from corn/cassava), followed by multi-stage purification (chromatography, crystallization, drying) to achieve ≥99% purity. This vegan, non-GMO production method avoids animal-derived contaminants and ensures batch-to-batch consistency.
Applications — Skincare, Nutraceutical & Research
| Product Type | Recommended Usage | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-aging serums & essences | 0.1% – 1.0% | Cellular energy replenishment, collagen stimulation, wrinkle reduction, radiance |
| Eye creams & eye serums | 0.1% – 0.5% | Fine line reduction, improved microcirculation, reduced dark circles, de-puffing |
| Brightening & radiance serums | 0.1% – 0.5% | Improved skin tone homogeneity, reduced dullness, antioxidant glow |
| Barrier repair creams | 0.05% – 0.3% | Enhanced keratinocyte energy, barrier lipid production, reduced TEWL |
| Post-procedure recovery | 0.1% – 0.5% | Accelerated DNA repair, reduced inflammation, faster healing after lasers/peels/microneedling |
| Neck & décolletage creams | 0.1% – 0.5% | Improved elasticity, reduced crepey skin, collagen support |
| Body firming lotions | 0.05% – 0.2% | Improved skin firmness, reduced crepey texture, cellular energy support |
| Liposomal NAD+ serums | 0.5% – 2.0% (encapsulated) | Enhanced stability and transdermal delivery, higher effective concentration in dermis |
| Microneedling / mesotherapy solutions | 0.5% – 2.0% | Professional in-clinic treatment, direct dermal delivery, collagen stimulation |
| Nutraceutical — sublingual powders/sprays | 10 – 50 mg/dose | Bypasses digestive degradation, systemic NAD+ repletion, metabolic support |
| Nutraceutical — liposomal capsules | 25 – 100 mg/serving | Enhanced oral bioavailability, mitochondrial support, healthy aging |
| Research — cell culture reagent | Per protocol | Enzyme substrate, metabolic studies, sirtuin/PARP research |
| Research — IV therapy formulations | Per clinical protocol | Systemic NAD+ infusion (medical use only, requires licensed practitioner) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between NAD+ and NADH? Which should I use?
A: NAD+ (oxidized form) and NADH (reduced form) are the two interconvertible states of the same coenzyme. NAD+ is the electron acceptor and the predominant form in cells (~10:1 NAD+:NADH ratio). It is the substrate for sirtuins and PARPs, and its levels decline with age. NADH is the electron donor that carries high-energy electrons to the mitochondria for ATP production. For anti-aging and skincare applications, NAD+ is the preferred form because: (1) it directly replenishes the declining NAD+ pool; (2) it activates sirtuins and supports PARP-mediated DNA repair; (3) it is more stable in formulations than NADH (which is easily oxidized). NADH is more commonly used in nutraceuticals for energy and mental clarity, but its oral bioavailability and formulation stability are challenging. For skincare, we recommend NAD+ at 0.1–1.0%.
Q: What is the difference between NAD+, NMN, and NR? Which is best for my product?
A: All three are related to the NAD+ biosynthesis pathway but serve different roles:
- NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide): The final, active coenzyme molecule. Directly replenishes cellular NAD+ pools. Best for topical skincare (where direct delivery is feasible via liposomes or microneedling) and sublingual/IV administration (where digestive degradation is bypassed). Oral bioavailability is low due to degradation in the digestive tract.
- NMN (β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide): A direct precursor to NAD+ (one enzymatic step away via NMNAT). More bioavailable orally than NAD+ because it is smaller and more stable. Best for oral nutraceuticals (capsules, tablets). Also used topically in some premium skincare products. Typically more expensive than NAD+.
- NR (Nicotinamide Riboside): Another NAD+ precursor (two enzymatic steps away via NRK and NMNAT). Orally bioavailable, well-studied in human trials. Best for oral nutraceuticals. Often combined with pterostilbene (a sirtuin activator).