Ingredient
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- NDGA
- Masoprocol
- Creosote Bush Extract
- Larrea Divaricata Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
- Organ toxicity concern
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid is a potent bioactive compound extracted from creosote bush, used in cosmetics as an antioxidant. While it can penetrate skin, its use during pregnancy is concerning due to demonstrated toxicity in animal studies and limited human safety data. The primary concern stems from oral toxicity data showing kidney and liver damage in laboratory animals, and human case reports of organ toxicity from dietary supplement use. According to FDA documentation from the 1960s-1990s, NDGA was restricted in foods due to these concerns. While topical absorption is lower than oral intake, pregnancy increases blood flow to skin and may enhance absorption. No studies have evaluated NDGA's effects on fetal development, but compounds with known organ toxicity are generally avoided during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. The mechanism of toxicity involves oxidative stress and cellular damage, which could theoretically affect rapidly developing fetal tissues. Most dermatologists and obstetricians recommend avoiding ingredients with documented toxicity profiles during pregnancy, especially when safer antioxidant alternatives exist. Given NDGA's history of FDA restrictions and lack of pregnancy-specific safety data, a conservative approach is warranted.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
- Organ toxicity concern
As a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound, NDGA has the potential to accumulate in fatty tissues and transfer into breast milk. The compound's documented toxicity profile, particularly liver and kidney effects, raises concerns about potential infant exposure through breastfeeding. While no studies specifically examine NDGA transfer into breast milk, its chemical structure suggests it could partition into milk lipids. Given the known organ toxicity from oral exposure in adults, even small amounts transferred to a breastfed infant could pose disproportionate risks due to immature liver and kidney function. The FDA's historical restriction of NDGA in food products supports caution with any route that could lead to infant ingestion. Dermatologists typically recommend avoiding ingredients with known toxicity concerns while breastfeeding, especially when applied to large body areas or used frequently. The American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on maternal medication suggests avoiding substances with potential organ toxicity when safer alternatives exist.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Potential toxicity
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the primary concern with NDGA remains its documented toxicity profile from oral studies. While topical use presents lower risk than ingestion, the ingredient's history of FDA restrictions and reports of organ toxicity warrant caution, particularly during the postpartum period when the body is recovering. The postpartum period involves significant physiological changes and potential stress on liver and kidney function. While occasional use in cosmetic products is unlikely to cause acute toxicity, repeated exposure to an ingredient with known organ toxicity potential may not be ideal during recovery. Women with any pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should be particularly cautious. However, if using products containing NDGA, ensure they're from reputable brands using appropriate concentrations and avoid applying to large body areas.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Builds up in tissue
- Organ toxicity concern
- Fertility effects
Women trying to conceive should exercise the same caution as pregnant women due to uncertainty about early pregnancy timing. Given NDGA's potential for bioaccumulation as a lipophilic compound and its documented organ toxicity, it's prudent to avoid use during the preconception period. While no specific studies link NDGA to fertility problems, compounds that cause oxidative stress and cellular damage could theoretically affect egg quality or early embryonic development. The conservative approach recommended for pregnancy should extend to the TTC period, especially since pregnancy may not be immediately detected. Discontinuing use when actively trying to conceive is recommended.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Potential toxicity
- Oxidative stress
For women with PCOS, NDGA presents a mixed profile. Some research suggests it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could theoretically benefit PCOS-related skin issues. However, these potential benefits must be weighed against safety concerns. PCOS often involves metabolic dysfunction, and some women have underlying insulin resistance or fatty liver disease. Using an ingredient with documented liver toxicity potential may not be advisable for this population. While topical exposure is different from oral intake, women with PCOS-related metabolic concerns should exercise caution. The limited safety data and availability of better-studied antioxidant alternatives make NDGA a questionable choice for PCOS management. Ingredients like niacinamide, green tea extract, or azelaic acid offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits with more robust safety profiles.
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid and general use
Caution Advised
- Potential toxicity
- Regulatory history
For the general population, NDGA in cosmetics presents a medium-level concern primarily due to its regulatory history and toxicity reports. The FDA's restriction of this ingredient in foods in 1968, based on animal studies showing kidney and liver damage, raises questions about its safety even in topical products. While topical application results in much lower systemic exposure than oral consumption, some absorption does occur through skin. Case reports from the 1990s documented severe liver and kidney toxicity in individuals taking NDGA supplements, though these involved much higher doses than cosmetic exposure. The ingredient also lacks comprehensive modern safety testing for long-term topical use. Some in vitro studies suggest NDGA may have pro-oxidant effects under certain conditions, which contradicts its marketed benefits. The cosmetic industry generally avoids NDGA in favor of better-studied antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin C, or green tea extract. While occasional use in properly formulated products is unlikely to cause harm for most people, those with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should avoid it. Given the availability of safer, more effective antioxidants, there's little reason to specifically seek out products containing NDGA.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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