If youβre diligent about checking the ingredient label, you may notice allantoin popping up repeatedly in your skin care products. Allantoin is almost ubiquitous in skin care products today, and for a good reason. This blog will introduce you to allantoin and its many great benefits for your skin, especially its ability to smooth and moisturize.
If youβre diligent about checking the ingredient label, you may notice allantoin popping up repeatedly in your skin care products. Allantoin is almost ubiquitous in skin care products today, and for a good reason. This blog will introduce you to allantoin and its many great benefits for your skin, especially its ability to smooth and moisturize.
01
What is allantoin?
Allantoin is a naturally occurring organic compound in many plants, including comfrey, horse chestnut, bearberry, and aloe vera, as it plays an important role in nitrogen regulation. Additionally, allantoin plays a role in excreting nitrogen through the urine of many mammals. Interestingly, humans and other higher-apes donβt use allantoin for nitrogen excretion [1]. Because natural sources are limited, the most common form of allantoin in products is chemically-synthesized allantoin [2].
01
What is allantoin?
Allantoin is a naturally occurring organic compound in many plants, including comfrey, horse chestnut, bearberry, and aloe vera, as it plays an important role in nitrogen regulation. Additionally, allantoin plays a role in excreting nitrogen through the urine of many mammals. Interestingly, humans and other higher-apes donβt use allantoin for nitrogen excretion [1]. Because natural sources are limited, the most common form of allantoin in products is chemically-synthesized allantoin [2].
02
Why is allantoin used in topical skin products?
Why should you look for skin care products with allantoin as an ingredient? Allantoin is widely used because itβs generally considered non-toxic, safe, and known to be effective at hydrating, soothing, and smoothing the skin [3]. Most skin texture types could benefit from allantoin, whether sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, irritated skin, or combination skin. If youβre wondering how to improve skin texture , consider using products with allantoin.
02
Why is allantoin used in topical skin products?
Why should you look for skin care products with allantoin as an ingredient? Allantoin is widely used because itβs generally considered non-toxic, safe, and known to be effective at hydrating, soothing, and smoothing the skin [3]. Most skin texture types could benefit from allantoin, whether sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, irritated skin, or combination skin. If youβre wondering how to improve skin texture , consider using products with allantoin.
03
What are the benefits of allantoin on the skin?
Allantoin promotes skin health through the following benefits:Skin HydrationDue to the hygroscopic nature of allantoin, it serves as a humectant which can bind and hold onto water molecules, increasing the water uptake into the outer layers of skin. Allantoin has also been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping the skin retain its hydration from within. This hydration also helps to soothe dry, irritated skin [4].Smoothing and ExfoliationAllantoin is a keratolytic agent, meaning it aids in the shedding of dead skin cells by thinning and softening keratin. This causes the cells to loosen and shed, which helps coax younger skin cells to the surface. The exchange of dead skin cells for healthy, youthful skin helps prevent infections from building a foothold as it also washes away bacteria found in those outer layers of skin [5]. This younger undamaged skin also retains its water content more efficiently, thereby increasing how soft and smooth skin feels [6]. Because of its soothing properties, it's also good for hair care, especially for the scalp.Wound Healing and Scar ReductionAllantoin also aids in extracellular matrix synthesis and stimulates fibroblasts, producing collagen, a crucial compound for healthy skin. These two processes are key to the wound healing process, making allantoin helpful in reducing the time it takes for skin to heal. This is also what makes allantoin effective at reducing the visibility of scars [7].Healthy AgingOne of the primary causes of wrinkles and fine lines is the decrease in collagen production that occurs with age. Because allantoin effectively increases collagen production within the skin, it is a common ingredient for promoting skin elasticity and firmness [8].
03
What are the benefits of allantoin on the skin?
Allantoin promotes skin health through the following benefits:Skin HydrationDue to the hygroscopic nature of allantoin, it serves as a humectant which can bind and hold onto water molecules, increasing the water uptake into the outer layers of skin. Allantoin has also been shown to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping the skin retain its hydration from within. This hydration also helps to soothe dry, irritated skin [4].Smoothing and ExfoliationAllantoin is a keratolytic agent, meaning it aids in the shedding of dead skin cells by thinning and softening keratin. This causes the cells to loosen and shed, which helps coax younger skin cells to the surface. The exchange of dead skin cells for healthy, youthful skin helps prevent infections from building a foothold as it also washes away bacteria found in those outer layers of skin [5]. This younger undamaged skin also retains its water content more efficiently, thereby increasing how soft and smooth skin feels [6]. Because of its soothing properties, it's also good for hair care, especially for the scalp.Wound Healing and Scar ReductionAllantoin also aids in extracellular matrix synthesis and stimulates fibroblasts, producing collagen, a crucial compound for healthy skin. These two processes are key to the wound healing process, making allantoin helpful in reducing the time it takes for skin to heal. This is also what makes allantoin effective at reducing the visibility of scars [7].Healthy AgingOne of the primary causes of wrinkles and fine lines is the decrease in collagen production that occurs with age. Because allantoin effectively increases collagen production within the skin, it is a common ingredient for promoting skin elasticity and firmness [8].
04
What are the side effects of using allantoin?
Most users, especially those with sensitive or dry skin, find little issue with using allantoin as it reduces irritation and often provides a general soothing effect. While negative reactions to allantoin are rare, if youβre new to using allantoin, it is always good practice to test on a small patch of skin to determine whether you have a sensitivity or allergy. Allantoin is a mild exfoliator; therefore, combining it with other exfoliating ingredients, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, may lead to over-exfoliation, resulting in redness or irritation [9].
04
What are the side effects of using allantoin?
Most users, especially those with sensitive or dry skin, find little issue with using allantoin as it reduces irritation and often provides a general soothing effect. While negative reactions to allantoin are rare, if youβre new to using allantoin, it is always good practice to test on a small patch of skin to determine whether you have a sensitivity or allergy. Allantoin is a mild exfoliator; therefore, combining it with other exfoliating ingredients, such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids, may lead to over-exfoliation, resulting in redness or irritation [9].
05
Is allantoin meant to be used by all skin types?
Because allantoin is non-comedogenic and generally soothing and hydrating, most skin types can benefit from its usage, though those with drier skin may find it more useful. Additionally, allantoin has been reported to help those with mild to moderate eczema or acne-prone skin due to its non-pore clogging hydration factor.
05
Is allantoin meant to be used by all skin types?
Because allantoin is non-comedogenic and generally soothing and hydrating, most skin types can benefit from its usage, though those with drier skin may find it more useful. Additionally, allantoin has been reported to help those with mild to moderate eczema or acne-prone skin due to its non-pore clogging hydration factor.
06
Does allantoin support acne-prone skin in particular?
Allantoin has strong soothing and hydrating capabilities, making it an effective compound for those with acne-prone skin, especially in combination with harsher ingredients commonly found in acne products. Allantoin can also help reduce the appearance of acne scarring due to its ability to stimulate fibroblast production. Finally, recent research has also shown that when compared to other acne treatments, allantoin is more effective at maintaining healthy aging for your skin by minimizing the dehydration associated with popular acne treatments [10].
06
Does allantoin support acne-prone skin in particular?
Allantoin has strong soothing and hydrating capabilities, making it an effective compound for those with acne-prone skin, especially in combination with harsher ingredients commonly found in acne products. Allantoin can also help reduce the appearance of acne scarring due to its ability to stimulate fibroblast production. Finally, recent research has also shown that when compared to other acne treatments, allantoin is more effective at maintaining healthy aging for your skin by minimizing the dehydration associated with popular acne treatments [10].
07
Can allantoin be paired with other beneficial ingredients?
Allantoin can be paired with many ingredients, as itβs largely unreactive, and due to its soothing properties, it can be used with harsher ingredients to lessen their irritation. For example, allantoin is often paired with retinol and ascorbic acid, two common ingredients known for causing irritation. You can also combine allantoin with other moisturizers to amplify the moisturizing effect on your skin [3]. So, by using allantoin in conjunction with other ingredients, you can counteract its negative effects or boost its positives.
07
Can allantoin be paired with other beneficial ingredients?
Allantoin can be paired with many ingredients, as itβs largely unreactive, and due to its soothing properties, it can be used with harsher ingredients to lessen their irritation. For example, allantoin is often paired with retinol and ascorbic acid, two common ingredients known for causing irritation. You can also combine allantoin with other moisturizers to amplify the moisturizing effect on your skin [3]. So, by using allantoin in conjunction with other ingredients, you can counteract its negative effects or boost its positives.
08
How OneSkin uses allantoin
Few other ingredients cover the range of benefits that allantoin does (i.e., hydration, smoothing, healing, and wrinkle prevention) all while having little to no side effects and being ethically sourced. Thatβs why OneSkin chose to use allantoin as a key ingredient in their OS-01 Topical Supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY, all of which are clinically validated to improve skin's barrier function, hydration, and texture. [11, 12] Allantoin is also included in OS-01 FACE SPF, a 100% mineral SPF 30+ sunscreen available in untinted and sheer tinted shades.
08
How OneSkin uses allantoin
Few other ingredients cover the range of benefits that allantoin does (i.e., hydration, smoothing, healing, and wrinkle prevention) all while having little to no side effects and being ethically sourced. Thatβs why OneSkin chose to use allantoin as a key ingredient in their OS-01 Topical Supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY, all of which are clinically validated to improve skin's barrier function, hydration, and texture. [11, 12] Allantoin is also included in OS-01 FACE SPF, a 100% mineral SPF 30+ sunscreen available in untinted and sheer tinted shades.
Key Takeaways:
- Allantoin can help with hydration, exfoliation, and skin healing.
- Allantoin has been shown to increase collagen production in the skin, promoting skin elasticity and wound healing for younger-looking skin.
- Allantoin is a non-toxic and safe ingredient that can be used with minimal side effects.
- Allantoin benefits all skin types but is especially useful for acne-prone, dry, and itchy skin due to its soothing properties.
- When combined with other moisturizers, allantoin can amplify their effects, ensuring well-hydrated skin.
- Allantoin is a key ingredients in OneSkin's OS-01 Topical Supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY
Key Takeaways:
- Allantoin can help with hydration, exfoliation, and skin healing.
- Allantoin has been shown to increase collagen production in the skin, promoting skin elasticity and wound healing for younger-looking skin.
- Allantoin is a non-toxic and safe ingredient that can be used with minimal side effects.
- Allantoin benefits all skin types but is especially useful for acne-prone, dry, and itchy skin due to its soothing properties.
- When combined with other moisturizers, allantoin can amplify their effects, ensuring well-hydrated skin.
- Allantoin is a key ingredients in OneSkin's OS-01 Topical Supplements, OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY
References
- https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/81/1/1
- https://lotioncrafter.com/products/allantoin-usp-20lb-bulk
- https://www.byrdie.com/allantoin-for-skin-4769521
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774901/
- https://www.ombrelab.com/blogs/immunity/the-skin-microbiome-and-exfoliation
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/keratolytics-for-skin-scales-and-flakes-2788384
- https://www.scielo.br/j/acb/a/TgQXQQnLPHmtJ5dzq6vTsdD/?lang=en
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774901/
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-allantoin-for-skin/#ingredients-to-combine-and-avoid-with-allantoin
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235264752030126X
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.16242
References
- https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/81/1/1
- https://lotioncrafter.com/products/allantoin-usp-20lb-bulk
- https://www.byrdie.com/allantoin-for-skin-4769521
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774901/
- https://www.ombrelab.com/blogs/immunity/the-skin-microbiome-and-exfoliation
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/keratolytics-for-skin-scales-and-flakes-2788384
- https://www.scielo.br/j/acb/a/TgQXQQnLPHmtJ5dzq6vTsdD/?lang=en
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5774901/
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-allantoin-for-skin/#ingredients-to-combine-and-avoid-with-allantoin
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235264752030126X
- Based on data from clinical studies and/or lab studies conducted on human skin samples, 3D skin models, and skin cells in the OneSkin lab. Explore more at oneskin.co/claims
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocd.16242
