Allantoin
A gentle compound found naturally in comfrey root, chamomile, and wheat sprouts that promotes skin healing, moisturization, and the shedding of dead skin cells. Allantoin has been used in dermatology for over 70 years and is one of the most universally tolerated ingredients — it soothes, protects, and promotes recovery without any known irritation potential. Found in everything from diaper cream to post-procedure products.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 0.5-2% in most formulations. Often combined with other soothing ingredients. Apply as part of regular skincare routine. Safe for all ages and skin types, including infants.
Application
Topical (cream, lotion, serum, ointment). Compatible with all other skincare ingredients.
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Allantoin (5-ureidohydantoin) stimulates cell proliferation and tissue regeneration by promoting fibroblast activity, keratinocyte proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis including collagen and glycosaminoglycans. It acts as a mild keratolytic by promoting the natural desquamation process—loosening corneocyte adhesion and facilitating shedding—without the irritation, pH disruption, or barrier compromise associated with alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. Allantoin has anti-inflammatory properties through modulation of prostaglandin synthesis (inhibiting COX-2 and reducing PGE2) and may downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its moisturizing effect comes from increasing the water-binding capacity of the extracellular matrix and stratum corneum; it is highly soluble and forms hydrogen bonds with water. Allantoin also promotes wound epithelialization. Its safety profile—non-irritating, non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic—makes it suitable for compromised skin, post-procedure care, and infant formulations.
Regulatory Status
FDA-approved OTC skin protectant at 0.5-2%. Cosmetic ingredient worldwide. One of the few OTC actives with formal skin protectant approval.
Risks & Safety
Common
None. Allantoin is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic.
Serious
None.
Rare
Allergic reaction is extremely rare.
Compare Allantoin With
Research Papers
8Published: February 13, 2022
AI Summary
Sensitive skin is characterized by self-reported sensory perceptions in response to stimuli that should not provoke unpleasant sensations. Cosmetic products for sensitive skin are designed to minimize these symptoms.
Published: April 16, 2023
AI Summary
Contact angle measurements confirm hydrophilic behavior (11.37°), while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicates the presence of functional groups related to the healing effectiveness (carboxylic acid and amine groups).
Published: October 14, 2020
AI Summary
Allantoin enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in grape cultured cells and berry skins from field-grown grapevines at the early stage of ripening. These results suggested that physiological changes in allantoin-treated grape berries occurred in an ABA-dependent manner.
Published: August 8, 2021
AI Summary
Besides, the samples showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. In general, the MTT cell viability test indicated that the cells' density increased slightly or remained the same during the experiment.
Published: December 30, 2023
AI Summary
The in-vitro analyses revealed that adding a chitosan (CS) coating and allantoin (AL) to the NaCMC/SA hydrogel significantly improved the scaffolds' antibacterial properties and cell viability. Samples with higher NaCMC content exhibited enhanced swelling capacity, more controlled allantoin (AL) release, and improved mechanical strength.
Published: November 24, 2024
AI Summary
Recently, drug incorporation in oil structuring has been a promising strategy under consideration due to the effectiveness of this method. Plant oils have very beneficial characteristics for skin care and wound healing due to the presence of certain antioxidants.
Published: April 5, 2023
AI Summary
The calcium influx and action potential reduced significantly in DRG neurons of MrgprD KO or TRPV1 KO mice. Thus, our results concluded that allantoin plays an important role in CKD-aP, mediated by MrgprD and TrpV1, in CKD patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Allantoin used for?
A gentle compound found naturally in comfrey root, chamomile, and wheat sprouts that promotes skin healing, moisturization, and the shedding of dead skin cells. Allantoin has been used in dermatology for over 70 years and is one of the most universally tolerated ingredients — it soothes, protects, and promotes recovery without any known irritation potential. Found in everything from diaper cream to post-procedure products.
What are the side effects of Allantoin?
Common: None. Allantoin is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic. Serious: None. Rare: Allergic reaction is extremely rare.
How is Allantoin administered?
Allantoin is administered via topical (cream, lotion, serum, ointment). compatible with all other skincare ingredients..
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