Allantoin is a natural chemical compound found in animals, plants, and bacteria. It is used in skincare products, oral care products, and medicines for dermatological conditions. Allantoin is safe, non-toxic, and non-allergenic, and helps to soften the skin and promote healing. It can also protect the skin from irritants and is beneficial for people with sensitive skin.
Allantoin is a chemical compound produced naturally by many organisms, including animals, plants and bacteria. It is a frequent ingredient in lotions and skin creams, as well as oral care products, cosmetics and other toiletries. It is also used in medicines for dermatological conditions including acne, impetigo, eczema and psoriasis. It is effective at very low concentrations, usually 0.1% to 2%.
The allantois, for which allantoin gets its name, is an embryonic excretory organ found in most mammals, except humans and higher apes, in which the compound accumulates. Animals produce allantois as a byproduct of purine catabolism, in which the waste product uric acid is oxidized and broken down. It is also present in plants including comfrey, sugar beets, tobacco seeds, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Comfrey herbal extract is a popular source of allantoin. It can also be synthesized from animal urea.
Allantoin is odorless, safe, non-toxic and non-allergenic in both natural and chemically synthesized forms. When sold on its own for use in homemade soaps, lotions, and bath products, allantoin is a white, crystalline powder. It is hydrating and keratolytic, which means it causes the keratin in the skin to soften. This property helps the skin heal faster and bind moisture more effectively, making products containing this substance useful for dry skin and for the healing of wounds, burns and scars. It is also effective against sunburn, chapped lips, cold sores, diaper rash and similar skin irritations.
Even those without specific skin problems can benefit from products containing allantoin, as they help keep their skin soft, smooth and healthy. This substance also helps protect the skin from irritants and can be added to cosmetic products to counteract the drying or irritating effects of other ingredients, such as soap, detergents, alcohols or acids. People with sensitive skin may therefore prefer products with allantoin. However, the compound has not been shown to reduce the effects of aging.
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