Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
A plant antioxidant from the creosote bush. It quenches free radicals and supports skin defense. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
Evidence by route
Topical application
An antioxidant active. Safe at cosmetic levels.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid safe during pregnancy?
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid for?
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid and what does it do in cosmetics?
A plant antioxidant from the creosote bush.
What's the INCI name for Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid?
The INCI name is Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid. It may also appear as: NDGA.
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