Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a lignan-derived polyphenolic antioxidant originally isolated from the creosote bush (Larrea tridentata), used in topical formulations for its free-radical scavenging and lipoxygenase-inhibiting properties. It has been studied for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Sensitization with redness, itching, or rash reported in some individuals. |
Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or erythema at application site, more likely at higher concentrations. |
Contact urticaria | Rare | Isolated reports of hive-like reactions. |
Pigmentary changes | Rare | Occasional reports of localized hyper- or hypopigmentation with prolonged use. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.