Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid

Best

Antioxidant

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid at a glance

  • Powerful antioxidant that can be naturally or synthetically derived
  • Stands out for its ability to help mitigate visible effects of UV exposure
  • Helps prevent the oxidation of oil, which formulators theorise may reduce the appearance of blackheads
  • The natural form of this ingredient comes from the twigs and leaves of the shrub Larrea tridentata

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid description

Nordihydroguaiaretic acid is a well-studied ingredient spanning food, medicine and cosmetics industries. In skin care, it stands out for being a powerful antioxidant that can help defend skin against daily environmental stressors, including reducing the visible toll UV exposure has on skin. Suppliers of this ingredient also tout its ability to prevent the oxidation of oil, thereby making the assumption that it can be helpful to those prone to blackheads. (Blackheads are triggered by the reaction of oil + air). More independent research is needed in this regard, but in theory, it looks promising. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid is derived from the twigs and leaves of the desert shrub _Larrea tridentata_ (Creosote bush), native to Mexico and the United States. It can also be created synthetically, which case it has an off-white powder appearance and is recommend in usage levels ranging from 0.001-0.01%.

Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid references

  • UL Prospector, Accessed January 2022, ePublication
  • Pharmaceutics, November 2021, pages 1-17
  • Frontiers in Plant Science, January 2021, pages 1-3
  • Frontiers in Pharmacology, February 2020, pages 1-21
  • Arch Pharm Chemistry in Life Services, August 2014, pages 685-697

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.