Azadirachta indica (neem) is a plant-derived extract traditionally used in skincare for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, often included in formulations targeting acne and irritated skin. Its activity is attributed to compounds such as nimbidin, azadirachtin, and various flavonoids and fatty acids.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Uncommon | Localized redness, itching, or rash, especially in sensitive individuals or with concentrated extracts. |
Allergic sensitization | Rare | Hypersensitivity reactions reported in some patch-test and case studies. |
Dryness or mild stinging | Uncommon | Can occur with topical application of certain neem oil preparations. |
Systemic toxicity with oral or high-dose exposure | Very rare | Not a topical concern; reported mainly with ingestion of neem oil, not cosmetic use. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.