Allantoin: Benefits and Cosmetic Applications

What Is Allantoin?

Allantoin is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of plants, including comfrey, sugar beet, wheat sprouts and tobacco. It is also known as glyoxydiureide or 5-ureidohydantoin and is widely used as a functional ingredient in cosmetic and personal care formulations.

In skincare, Allantoin is primarily valued for its soothing, skin-conditioning and protective properties. It is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a wide range of formulations intended to improve skin comfort and maintain a healthy-looking skin barrier.

Skin Benefits of Allantoin

Soothing Properties

Allantoin is widely used in skincare formulations designed for skin that feels sensitive, dry or uncomfortable. Its soothing properties make it a popular choice for products intended to provide a more comfortable and conditioned skin feel.

Skin-Conditioning Properties

Allantoin helps improve the overall feel of the skin and can contribute to a smoother and softer skin surface. It is therefore commonly included in formulations where skin conditioning and comfort are important product benefits.

Supports Skin Protection

Allantoin is frequently used in formulations designed to help protect the skin from environmental and formulation-related stress. Its conditioning properties make it particularly relevant to products formulated for dry or compromised-feeling skin.

Supports Skin Renewal

Allantoin is traditionally associated with supporting the natural renewal of the skin surface. In cosmetic formulations, this makes it a useful ingredient for products intended to improve the appearance and feel of rough, dry or uneven skin.

Cosmetic Applications

Moisturisers and Creams

Allantoin is commonly incorporated into facial and body moisturisers, creams and lotions where its soothing and skin-conditioning properties complement the hydrating function of the formulation.

Sensitive Skin Products

Due to its soothing and conditioning characteristics, Allantoin is particularly suitable for products formulated for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

After-Sun Products

Allantoin can be used in after-sun and other comfort-focused skincare formulations where soothing and conditioning properties are desired.

Cleansers

Allantoin can be incorporated into facial and body cleansers to help maintain a comfortable skin feel and support the conditioning properties of the formulation.

Body Care Products

Its versatility makes Allantoin suitable for a variety of body care products, particularly formulations targeting dry, rough or sensitive skin.

Suitable Skin Types

Dry Skin

Allantoin is well suited to formulations for dry skin, where its conditioning properties can help improve skin comfort and contribute to a smoother skin feel.

Sensitive Skin

Its soothing properties make Allantoin a commonly selected ingredient for sensitive skin formulations and products designed to provide additional skin comfort.

Irritated or Stressed Skin

Allantoin can be incorporated into formulations designed for skin that feels irritated or stressed, particularly when a gentle, soothing and conditioning ingredient is required.

Rough Skin

Because of its conditioning and skin-renewing properties, Allantoin can be useful in products formulated to improve the appearance and feel of rough or uneven skin.

Ingredient Information

CAS: 97-59-6

EINECS: 202-592-8