Plant Extracts

Allantoin

Can soothe skin Has skin moisturizing properties

At a glance

Hydrating Reduces Irritation Reduces Redness Good for Scar Healing Helps with Barrier Repair

Best For Skin Types

All skin types

Effective Concentrations

0.5-2%

Usage Frequency

As directed on product packaging

What Is Allantoin?

Allantoin is a byproduct of uric acid that can be extracted from urea and is the result of metabolic processes that occur in most organisms - among them animals (including humans) and bacteria. It can also be extracted from comfrey (taken from the roots and leaves) and is proven safe and effective because it does not contain the potentially irritating alkaloid compounds that occur in the comfrey plant.

Despite the natural source of allantoin being safe, the type of allantoin used in skin care products is generally produced synthetically as this guarantees no impurities while sacrificing none of allantoin’s effectiveness. It serves as an effective soothing agent and has moisturizing properties, giving it value especially in products designed to treat sensitive or compromised skin. It can also help mitigate skin’s response to stronger active ingredients and is often included in formulas to help buffer any potential adverse effects.

In cosmetics, it is used in concentrations up to 2%, but in clinical settings it can be used in greater amounts, where research has shown it can have an impact on healing. In the United States, it is FDA-approved as an over the counter (OTC) skin protectant in concentrations of 0.5-2%.

How It Works

Allantoin is a byproduct of uric acid that can be extracted from urea and is the result of metabolic processes that occur in most organisms - among them animals (including humans) and bacteria. It can also be extracted from comfrey (taken from the roots and leaves) and is proven safe and effective because it does not contain the potentially irritating alkaloid compounds that occur in the comfrey plant. Despite the natural source of allantoin being safe, the type of allantoin used in skincare products is generally produced synthetically as this guarantees no impurities while sacrificing none of allantoin’s effectiveness. It serves as an effective soothing agent and has moisturizing properties, giving it value especially in products designed to treat sensitive or compromised skin. It can also help mitigate skin’s response to stronger active ingredients and is often included in formulas to help buffer any potential adverse effects. In cosmetics, it is used in concentrations up to 2%, but in clinical settings it can be used in greater amounts, where scientific evidence suggests it can have an impact on healing. In the United States, it is FDA-approved as an over the counter (OTC) skin protectant in concentrations of 0.5-2%.

How to Use

Apply as needed.

Safety & Precautions

Very rare

How widely it's used

11.6%
of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 50% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in: Cleansers Treatments Moisturisers
Typical concentration range: 0% to 1%

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
ALLANTOIN
INN Name
allantoin
EC Number
202-592-8
Function
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

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