Allantoin

Evidence by route

About this ingredient

Allantoin is a uric acid derivative with a hydantoin structure. Naturally present in the urine of many mammals, comfrey leaves, sugar beet sprouts, and wheat sprouts. Synthesized for cosmetics. Mechanism. Mild keratolytic: cleaves disulfide bonds in the stratum corneum, accelerates exfoliation and epidermal renewal. Stimulates fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, accelerates wound and erosion healing. Anti-inflammatory action via suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Where applied. Repair creams and serums (0.1–2%), post-procedure products, post-retinoid soothers, diaper-rash creams, lip balms, after-sun products. Brands: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast, Bioderma Cicabio, Avène Cicalfate, Sesderma C-Vit Repair, Mesoestetic Post-Procedure. Evidence base. CIR confirmed wound-healing and anti-inflammatory action in 2010. Margulies 2008 (n=200) showed 25–30% faster healing of surgical wounds and erosions. A standard component of post-procedure protocols (after CO2 laser, fractional laser, chemical peels). Safety. CIR confirmed safety at up to 2% in leave-on products. Hypoallergenic, non-irritating, non-comedogenic. No systemic absorption through intact skin. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. One of the first-line ingredients in pregnancy: lip balms, dry-hand products, after-sun, stretch-mark formulas (as part of blends with centella, panthenol, hyaluronic acid). Particularly suitable for. Sensitive and irritated skin, post-procedure recovery, retinization, atopic and perioral dermatitis, compromised barrier, post-sun burn, nipple cracks during breastfeeding.

Tolerability and safety

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