Niacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 involved in NAD metabolism. NAD+ is the coenzyme itself. In skincare, niacinamide commonly appears in topical formulas; PAG NAD CORE contains direct NAD+ in capsules. Those are different choices with different evidence.
In this guide
Why the names keep appearing together
Biological pathways connect vitamin B3-related molecules and NAD. That relationship explains the overlap in research language. It does not make a niacinamide serum equivalent to a NAD+ capsule. When you read a claim, ask both “which ingredient?” and “which route?”
| Question | Topical niacinamide | Direct oral NAD+ |
|---|---|---|
| Where is it used? | Applied in a skincare formula | Taken as a dietary supplement |
| What should you compare? | Concentration, vehicle, tolerability and topical study results | Ingredient amount, serving size, formulation and relevant oral research |
| How does it fit a routine? | A topical option chosen for specific skin goals | An optional supplement choice evaluated alongside the rest of the routine |
| Does evidence transfer automatically? | A serum study applies to the formula and conditions tested | A capsule requires its own relevant evidence |
What topical niacinamide research has measured
In Bissett and colleagues’ randomized split-face study, 50 women used a 5% niacinamide formulation and its vehicle control for 12 weeks. Researchers reported improvements in several appearance measures and elasticity. Those results belong to topical niacinamide under that protocol.
Other work examined barrier lipids and water loss with nicotinamide, including Tanno and colleagues’ research. These studies help explain why barrier care and vitamin B3 appear together in skincare discussions. They do not establish that swallowing direct NAD+ delivers the same effect.
Where NAD+ fits in the wider skin story
NAD+ participates in cellular metabolism and enzymes involved in stress responses. That makes it relevant to the biology of living skin. The most useful way to explore that interest is to read the exact study, rather than let the shared B3 connection do all the work.
Our NAD+ skin guide explains the research context, and the study table separates skin observations, oral precursor studies and topical interventions. Use those distinctions to decide which findings answer your actual question.
Do you need to choose only one approach?
A skincare routine and a supplement are separate decisions. Keep a tolerable routine and appropriate sun protection in place. If you add something new, follow its label and make changes in a way that lets you recognize what agrees with your skin. Individual tolerability and suitability matter more than the number of ingredients in the routine.
There is no need to abandon a niacinamide product you already like because you are interested in NAD biology. Equally, a capsule should be evaluated on its own label and evidence rather than used to replace a topical treatment you rely on.
The PAG NAD CORE choice
PAG NAD CORE provides direct NAD+, quercetin dihydrate extract and a standardized resveratrol source in two daily capsules. Its 90-day format makes the formula and cost easy to inspect before you buy. It does not contain a topical niacinamide treatment.
Quick questions
Are niacinamide and nicotinamide different? These names refer to the same B3 compound.
Does “NAD” on a skincare product tell me enough? Check the ingredient list and the route-specific evidence for that formula.
Will the same number of milligrams or percent mean the same thing? A topical concentration and an oral daily amount describe different exposures and cannot be directly equated.
Choose your next step
Published by PAG LABS · Our editorial approach · Updated September 26, 2026. PAG LABS sells PAG NAD CORE.