Allantoin is the unsung hero of many skincare products. Even at low levels (less than 1%), allantoin can improve skin healing and moisture content. It’s also a mild exfoliant, helping the skin gently shed dead cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin. It’s incredibly gentle and can be used by all skin types.
A compound found naturally in most living organisms, allantoin has been most studied for its wound-healing properties. It has significantly anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that can help speed up the healing process, as well as promoting healthy new cell growth. It can also help prevent scar formation.
Allantoin also has skin-softening, or keratolytic, effects, making it an excellent addition to any moisturizing product.
Sources:
- https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(17)30663-1/fulltext
- https://www.scielo.br/j/acb/a/TgQXQQnLPHmtJ5dzq6vTsdD/?lang=en
This article is reviewed by Alli Reed, PhD on 4/24/2023.