Does Nano Needling Actually Work? What Published Research Shows

Updated October 27, 2026. Published by NDP, which sells the pens and chips discussed here.

Short answer: Yes, for what it is designed to do. Nano needling helps your serums and ampoules absorb better and spread more evenly than applying them by hand, so you get more from the skincare you already own. It is designed to be painless with no downtime, which makes it a practical choice if you want a stronger serum routine without metal-needle microneedling. Two small published studies of other nanochip devices (not NDP) are summarized below.

New to the term? Start with what nano needling is and how it works.

What the Published Research Shows

Study	Design	What it reported	Limits
Ye et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025 (doi)	60 women, half-face: serum alone vs serum plus a nanochip tapping device, assessed over 8 weeks	Authors reported greater improvement in some age-related facial signs on the combined side, and no adverse effects on skin-barrier integrity	One study, one device and serum, short duration; not NDP
Tao et al., Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2017 (doi)	16 subjects, split-face: nanochips vs traditional microneedles at 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm, measured up to 72 hours	Barrier function recovered within 4–8 hours after nanochips vs at least 48–72 hours after traditional microneedles	Measures recovery, not skincare benefit; small sample; not NDP

Most other published work on silicon nanoneedles is laboratory or preclinical research on delivering molecules, for example Nature Materials and a review of nanoneedle-based delivery. That research does not show cosmetic results for a consumer pen.

What This Does and Does Not Tell You

It suggests: nanochip treatment may disturb the skin barrier less than traditional microneedles and may be used alongside a serum with a good tolerability record in small studies.
It does not show: a specific result from NDP pens, a set timeline, or a measured increase in serum performance.
Demonstrations are not evidence: balloon or ink demos show how a tip behaves on a test surface, not what happens in living skin.
Your serum matters: in the 2025 study, the serum alone also produced improvements.

What Nano Needling Does Not Do

It is a cosmetic serum step, not a treatment for deep acne scars, skin disease or deep wrinkles
It does not replace professional microneedling, which the FDA discusses here: FDA consumer update and FDA: Microneedling Devices

If You Decide to Try It

Start with a short chip (0.15 or 0.20 mm) and the frequency guide
Use one fresh chip per session; do not share chips or pens
Photograph in the same light and routine if you want to track change; see the before-and-after guide
Stop if skin is irritated, and ask a clinician about active skin conditions

For the best experience, we recommend the cordless, rechargeable Luxury pens, the Luxury Classic nano needling pen and Luxury Modern: three speed settings, stronger power and a fresh, individually sealed Nano Chip for every session. USD $129 with 10 Nano Chips, USD $159 with 30 or USD $179 with 40. They share the same specs and differ only in design. NDP also has other pen styles, but they run on dry AA or AAA batteries, so we recommend the rechargeable Luxury pens. See the NDP Luxury Classic Nano Needling Pen Kit, or compare both Luxury pens and refill costs first.

Common Questions

Does nano needling really work?

Yes, for its intended purpose: helping serums absorb better and spread more evenly than hands alone, in a gentle routine with no downtime. Two small peer-reviewed studies of other nanochip devices (not NDP) reported faster skin-barrier recovery than traditional microneedles and, in a 60-person study, greater improvement in some facial signs when a serum was combined with a nanochip device. Visible results also depend on the serum you use.

How long does it take to see results?

It depends on your serum and routine. In the 2025 study, results were assessed after 8 weeks of regular use alongside a serum. To track your own progress, take photos in the same light and routine.

Can nano needling replace microneedling?

No. Professional microneedling is a clinician-directed procedure. See Nano Needling vs Microneedling.

Is nano needling safe?

Redness, sensitivity or irritation can still occur. Use a fresh chip each session, avoid broken or inflamed skin and stop if irritated. See Is Nano Needling Safe?.

Disclosure: NDP publishes this guide and sells the products it covers. It is a feature comparison, not an independent ranking or medical advice. Skin responses vary, and temporary redness or sensitivity can occur.