Allantoin in skin care: Benefits, safety & side effects Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What does allantoin do in skin care Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Lauren Martin on April 19, 2022Allantoin is a compound that is present in many living things, including plants and animals. In skin care, companies use allantoin to reduce irritation and sensitivity. Allantoin can be in many skin care products, including cleansers, lotions, serums, and face masks. Due to its anti-irritant properties, companies tend to add it to products that hydrate and soothe the skin. This ingredient is suitable for sensitive skin and is safe for humans. Keep reading to learn more about allantoin in skin care, including its benefits, uses, safety, and risks. What is allantoin Share on Pinterestrecep-bg/Getty ImagesAllantoin is a naturally-occurring chemical compound. In its pure form, it is a white, odorless powder. Many plants contain allantoin, such as comfrey, horse chestnut, and bearberry. Additionally, some mammals excrete allantoin in urine. While manufacturers can extract allantoin from plants, they prefer making it from urea and glyoxylic acid. Companies add allantoin to many personal care products due to its ability to protect the skin from irritation. It temporarily stops irritants from inflaming wounds or sensitive skin. There are different forms of allantoin, in addition to its pure form. These include:allantoin ascorbateallantoin biotinallantoin panthenol Combining allantoin with other substances produces different effects. For example, aluminum salt of allantoin is an effective antiperspirant and acne treatment. Allantoin benefits and uses Allantoin has many skin care benefits, including: Reducing irritation One 2015 study compared the anti-irritant effects of pure allantoin and comfrey extract, which also contains naturally-occurring allantoin. The researchers found that both substances reduced irritation. However, the comfrey extract was more effective than pure allantoin. This suggests that a combination of compounds in comfrey root has a beneficial effect on irritation. Child eczema Atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema, causes inflamed, itchy, and dry skin. It is especially important to soothe these symptoms in young children to prevent them from scratching and breaking the skin. Allantoin, aloe vera, and oatmeal all have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make them useful additions to a treatment regimen for child eczema alongside medications. Acne Benzoyl peroxide is a first-line acne treatment. However, its drying effect on the skin may accelerate aging and discourage people from using it. This may lead to worsened symptoms and more acne scarring. In a small 2020 study of 31 women, participants responded well to a new acne regimen containing allantoin and a blend of ceramides. Overall, they noticed a reduction in acne symptoms and improved skin barrier function. Scars A combination of allantoin and onion extract has been available as a scar-treatment gel for several decades. Proponents claim onion extract has anti-inflammatory properties, whereas allantoin is hydrating and epithelizing. This means it helps to grow new skin cells. A 2018 study including 125 participants found that their scars were less noticeable after wearing an allantoin and onion extract patch after skin surgery. This supports the theory that allantoin has scar healing properties. Wound healing Pectin and allantoin already have many uses in the pharmaceutical and beauty industry. However, both show promise for aiding wound healing. A 2020 study found that pectin-allantoin films sped up healing time by 25% in rats with skin wounds. Studies that investigate the wound healing properties of allantoin tend to use animals, so the results may not apply to humans. That said, the results of this study are promising and suggest that pectin and allantoin could have uses in wound care. Allantoin products There are a variety of products that contain allantoin, including: Haircare products shampoo conditioner hair serums hair masks Makeup products mascara eye shadow concealer lipstick eyeliner foundation Skincare products facial moisturizers serums hand creams foot creams body washes makeup removers Infant products baby sunscreen baby shampoo baby soap baby lotion Is allantoin safe There is no data to suggest allantoin is unsafe. According to the Environmental Working Group, there is currently no evidence it:is toxic to humanscauses canceraccumulates in the bodynegatively affects the environment Side effects and risks of allantoin Allantoin does not often cause adverse effects when someone uses it according to the product instructions. However, it is always possible for topical products to cause irritation or an allergic reaction, especially if they contain many other ingredients. If any of the following occur, wash the product off immediately and stop using it:inflammationredness or discolorationdrynessitchinghives Do not use allantoin for:deep puncture wounds animal bites serious burns If someone is handling pure allantoin powder, it is important to take steps not to inhale it or get it in the eyes. Wear a protective mask and goggles to prevent this. If someone swallows allantoin powder, call Poison Control immediately. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:hivesswelling of the face or mouthwheezingfast, shallow breathinga fast heart rateclammy skinanxiety or confusiondizzinessvomitingblue or white lipsfainting or loss of consciousness If someone has these symptoms:Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.Stay with them until the emergency services arrive. Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one. How to use allantoin Before using a product that contains allantoin, it is best to perform a patch test. This can tell someone if the product is safe for them to use. To do this, apply a small amount of the product to a patch of skin. For example, a person might apply a moisturizer to a patch on the inside of the arm. If no irritation occurs in the next 24 hours, it is likely safe to use. How a person uses allantoin-containing products depends on the type of product, instructions for use, and what they are trying to achieve. For example:Cleansers. People may wish to use allantoin within a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser suitable for sensitive skin. Gently massage or lather the cleanser on the face before washing away and drying with a clean towel. Avoid the eyes and any areas of broken skin. Toners or serums. Apply these products after cleansing and before applying thicker moisturizers. Again, avoid damaged skin. Allow to dry or sink in before moving on to other steps.Creams and lotions. Apply these last in the routine, concentrating on areas of dryness or irritation. Learn more about the right order for a skin care routine. Summary Allantoin is a protective and conditioning ingredient present in many personal care products. It also has applications for managing medical conditions, such as acne, eczema, and wounds. Generally, allantoin does not cause side effects and is safe for humans and the environment. However, if someone wants to try an allantoin skin care product, they should do a patch test first to ensure they are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2022DermatologyCosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Allantoin. (n.d.). https://www.recallguide.org/drug/allantoin/Allantoin. (n.d.). https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700244-ALLANTOIN/Allantoin ascorbate. (n.d.). https://drugs.ncats.io/drug/76WX3J5GERCosmetics info. (n.d.). https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredients/allantoin/Falla, T., et al. (2020). Safety and efficacy of a novel three-step anti-acne regimen formulated specifically for women. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235264752030126XHow to a fade dark spots in darker skin tones. (2022). https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/fade-dark-spotsLachen, A.E., et al. (2021). The most useful pharmaceutical formulations (individualized medications) in pediatric dermatology: A review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1578219021000639Prayer, W., et al. (2018). Effectiveness and safety of an overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin for post-dermatologic surgery scars. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6097777/Savic, V. L. J., et al. (2015). Comparative study of the biological activity of allantoin and aqueous extract of the comfrey root. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.5356Valle, K. Z. M., et al. (2020). Natural film based on pectin and allantoin for wound healing: Obtaining, characterization, and rat model.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/6897497/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Lauren Martin on April 19, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageSensitive skin: Home remedies and preventionMedically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Sensitive skin may react to environmental changes or skin care products. It is sometimes a symptom of a condition. 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