A plant antioxidant from the creosote bush. It quenches free radicals and supports skin defense. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
An antioxidant active. Safe at cosmetic levels.
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (INCI: Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid), or NDGA, is a plant antioxidant from the creosote bush. In cosmetics it is used at very low levels to scavenge free radicals and help support the skin's defense against oxidative stress. On efficacy a precise note helps: NDGA is a potent antioxidant in vitro, but at safe cosmetic doses its skin contribution is supportive, not therapeutic. Its use is also capped at small concentrations for safety reasons, so the reasonable view is a supporting ingredient within an antioxidant formula. Applied topically at usual cosmetic levels it has no systemic significance, so it can be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding. At cosmetic levels tolerance is good, with low irritation and allergy potential. At high doses the ingredient would be problematic, which is why it is used in very small amounts.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
A plant antioxidant from the creosote bush.
The INCI name is Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid. It may also appear as: Нордигидрогваяретовая кислота, NDGA.
Published: · updated: