Skincare Ingredient
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Allantoin
In Skincare: Is Allantoin Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Allantoin is known for its soothing properties, which can help calm irritated skin.
- 02
This ingredient provides moisturizing benefits to the skin, helping to maintain hydration.
- 03
Allantoin may help reduce potential irritation caused by other active ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
- 04
While naturally present in many living organisms, allantoin is often produced synthetically for use in cosmetics.
- 05
Cosmetic formulations typically include allantoin at concentrations of up to 2%.
Key Benefits
What Allantoin does for your skin
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Allantoin
Role of Allantoin
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
SKIN CONDITIONING
Skin EnhancerMaintains skin in good condition and improves its feel
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.
SKIN PROTECTING
Defensive ShieldShields skin from external aggressors and damage
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Skin protecting ingredients defend against environmental stressors, irritants, and damage through barrier enhancement, antioxidant activity, anti-pollution effects, or physical barriers. Include dimethicone (barrier), allantoin (soothing protectant), zinc oxide (physical protectant), and film-formers. Mechanisms vary: forming protective films, neutralizing oxidative stress, chelating pollutants, strengthening barrier function. Used in protective creams, barrier treatments, and defensive skincare against urban pollution, extreme weather.
SOOTHING
Calming AgentCalms and comforts irritated or sensitive skin
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Soothing ingredients reduce discomfort, redness, and inflammation through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Include allantoin (stimulates healing), bisabolol (anti-inflammatory), colloidal oatmeal (skin protectant), panthenol (hydrating, barrier repair), and botanical extracts (aloe, chamomile, calendula). Mechanisms involve inhibiting inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines), reducing histamine release, strengthening barrier function, and providing cooling sensation. Essential for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Products
containing Allantoin
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References
Scientific sources
Chemistry Series, March 2020, pages 7-21
Molecules, June 2019, pages 1-33
European Journal of Pharmacology, February 2018, pages 68-78
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, June 2017, Volume 76, Issue 2, Supplement 1
Pharmacognosy Review, Volume 5, July-December 2011
International Journal of Toxicology, May 2010, Supplement, pages 84S-97S
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology, October 2008, ePublication
Similar Ingredients
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Frequently Asked Questions
Allantoin — common questions
What is Allantoin in skincare?
Allantoin is a white, odorless powder. It’s available in several forms commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products, including allantoin ascorbate (a salt of vitamin C), allantoin biotin (a salt of vitamin B7), and various complexes such as allantoin galacturonic acid, allantoin polygalacturonic acid, allantoin glycyrrhetinic acid, and allantoin panthenol. Allantoin itself is the most frequently used form in these products. It’s found in a wide range of formulations, including bath prod
What does Allantoin do? / Functions of Allantoin?
Common functions: SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN PROTECTING, SOOTHING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Allantoin? / Is Allantoin comedogenic?
Allantoin has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Allantoin is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Allantoin safe for skin?
Allantoin has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Generally considered safe and non-comedogenic; low irritation/allergy risk (CIR-reviewed). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has evaluated allantoin and concluded it is safe for use in cosme
Is Allantoin good for sensitive skin?
Allantoin has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Allantoin in skincare?
Known considerations: Generally considered safe and non-comedogenic; low irritation/allergy risk (CIR-reviewed). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has evaluated allantoin and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics. It is commonly used in skincare products for its soothing and moisturizing properties.