What is Allantoin?
Allantoin was discovered by a group of British scientists in the early 1900s. It is found in comfrey herbs (Symphytum officinale, a plant with anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which also proves effective against digestive disorders, osteoarthritis and cramps), sugar beets, aloe vera and chamomile. But it is also naturally produced in some animals: for example, snail slime is rich in this precious ingredient.
Comfrey is a shrub that lives in Europe and parts of Asia and has been used since Roman times for its medicinal properties. The comfrey plant has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years. The first recorded use of this plant as a traditional herbal remedy can be traced back to the ancient Greeks in 400 BC
Comfrey extract is obtained from the roots and leaves of the plant and then used as an ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams, serums, lotions, body washes and shampoos, with a typical content of 5 to 20%.
Allantoin is non-irritating, but calming and soothing igredient that makes it ideal for rashes, redness, irritation or scars. However, for cosmetic use it is must be created in the laboratory.
Other possible sources of allantoin
- Snail slime: in addition to proteins, mucopolysaccharides and glycolic acid, snail slime is very rich in allantoin, to which it owes its soothing, moisturizing and regenerating action on the skin. Not surprisingly, our snail slime face cream is an extremely sought- after product.
- Red sugar beet: It is rich in folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron and vitamin C, some of the best vitamins and minerals for skin care. Beets also contain fibers that help detoxify the body.
- Aloe vera: is a plant rich in powerful antioxidants, with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chamomile: Used to boost immune health, moisturize and reduce skin inflammation. It also stimulates sleep and is useful for eczema and minor skin inflammations.
Benefits of allantoin for the skin
Allantoin is used as an ingredient in cosmetics because, thanks to its numerous properties, it is a beneficial substance for daily skin care.
- It provides anti-aging benefits. Topical application of allantoin, along with other ingredients, improves skin texture and dramatically reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It also facilitates the synthesis of collagen, which gives the skin a youthful appearance.
- Keeps your skin hydrated. By preventing transepidermal moisture loss, allantoin maintains skin hydration. If you have dry, flaky skin, this ingredient can help it retain more fluids and keep it hydrated, making it softer and smoother.
- It performs a soothing action. Allantoin is renowned for its ability to soothe and calm the skin, helping it gently regenerate. In the past it was used to treat abrasions, small wounds, but also eczema and psoriasis. Helps soothe irritation and promotes skin regeneration. It is also very delicate and can be used even on the most sensitive skins.
- It can aid in skin exfoliation. Since it is a keratolytic agent, it helps exfoliate skin cells and is useful when the epidermis produces excess skin (such as lesions and warts).
- It has a protective action. It softens the skin and protects chapped, sun-damaged skin.
- It stimulates wound healing. Allantoin stimulates fibroblasts (the cells responsible for the production of collagen) and increases the synthesis of the extracellular matrix. It therefore proves useful in case of wounds, skin lesions and scars.
- It fights the activity of free radicals. Its opical application helps reduce the activity of free radicals on the skin.
Read also: How to moisturize the skin?
Its anti-ageing role
We have said that allantoin fights free radicals, which cause diseases and premature ageing of the skin. In addition to this, dry, scaly skin is a clear sign of ageing. Even if skin dryness is not the triggering cause of wrinkes formation, dry skin accentuates them.
Allantoin is also a gentle exfoliant , so it sloughs off dead skin cells, resulting in the formation of healthy tissue and an overall clearing complexion. It also helps in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a fibrous protein that holds skin cells together. Collagen levels decrease with age.
How to use allantoin in skin care
Allantoin in cosmetic products is created in the laboratory and is found in many creams and lotions. You can use allantoin cream or serum twice a day in your skincare routine, both in the morning and in the evening.
Cream or moisturizer containing allantoin
- First cleanse your face and neck with a mild cleanser.
- Apply the cream to the skin while it is still damp and massage.
Anti-ageing serum
- Before application, cleanse your face and neck with a mild cleanser.
- Apply the serum with a dropper, or by putting a small amount of it on a finge. Then spread it all over the face.
- Follow with a good moisturizer.
The use of allantoin in cosmetics
Allantoin is used both as an ingredient in cosmetics and drug preparations, due to its capacity to improve wound healing. In fact, it has healing, anti-irritant, moisturizing, keratolytic, analgesic, cellular proliferative and epithelial stimulatory effects.
It also has anti-inflammatory effects and improves the peeling of the upper dead layers of the skin, thus promoting exfoliation and improving skin smoothness.
Allantoin appears as a white, odorless, safe and non-allergenic powder. Its properties make it suitable for skin ageing, acne, scars, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and dry, cracked skin. As it is anti-irritant, it is also suitable for very sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions about Allantoin
Is allantoin useful for counteracting wrinkles and ageing skin?
There is no scientific evidence to support the positive effect of allantoin for wrinkle reduction and skin ageing. However, in addition to protecting cells from UV sun rays and soothing sun-damaged skin, its properties contribute to the formation of collagen.
Is Allantoin good for sensitive skin?
Allantoin is a good ingredient for sensitive skin due to its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and healing properties. Unlike many exfoliating ingredients, it does not cause dryness, but rather it increases levels of extracellular water, which is the part of connective tissue that provides structural support to the cells.
It also contributes to cell regeneration and improves the fragile protective barrier of sensitive skin.
What about acne scars?
Thanks to its soothing properties, allantoin is indicated for acne scars. It reduces redness caused by acne and helps in cell rejuvenation. The rejuvenation process can lighten scars and result in an even skin tone.
So, when incorporating this multifaceted and safe ingredient into your skincare, please let us know your experience with it.
Is allantoin safe and natural?
Today this ingredient is chemically synthesized in the laboratory to prepare cosmetics and medicines, but it is only safe when used according to the doses and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Is Allantoin helpful in sunscreen?
Allantoin protects your skin from harmful UV rays and moisturizes it.
