Allantoin also occurs naturally. Comfrey, a shrub that grows in some parts of Asia, North America, and Europe, is a reservoir of allantoin. The roots of comfrey contain allantoin and are often used to prepare ointments, creams, and lotions (3). However, the comfrey plant contains toxins, which may cause serious side effects if used in its natural form. Luckily, its extracts are refined and processed in the labs to remove all toxins to make them suitable for cosmetic and skin care products (4). Allantoin is also found in sugar beets, chamomile, wheat sprouts, and in certain types of bacteria and animals but not as abundantly as in comfrey. The allantoin developed in laboratories is just as potent as its naturally occurring counterpart, and it can help your skin in many ways. Scroll down to know more about its benefits.
Benefits Of Allantoin For Skin
1. Heals Wounds
Allantoin helps heal wounds, skin injuries, and scars faster. It stimulates the fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen) and boosts extracellular matrix synthesis. This helps re-establish normal skin on the wound site, making it less visible (5), (6). Comfrey extract may also help manage skin irritation. However, researchers concluded that it is because of the interaction of allantoin with other ingredients present in the extract (7).
2. Anti-Aging Benefits
A study showed that topical application of allantoin and other ingredients could improve skin texture and drastically reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (8). It also facilitates collagen synthesis, which gives your skin a youthful appearance.
3. Keeps Your Skin Moisturized
Allantoin keeps your skin hydrated, plump, and soft by preventing transepidermal water loss. Meaning, if you have dry and flaky skin, allantoin can help it retain more water and stay moisturized (8), (9), (10).
4. Promotes Skin Exfoliation
Allantoin is a keratolytic agent (10). This means it helps exfoliate dead skin cells and manage conditions where your epidermis produces excess skin cells (such as lesions and warts).
5. Help Manage Eczema
Allantoin, along with other ingredients, can help manage mild to moderate eczema by improving skin hydration, reducing itchiness (11). It exfoliates the dry and damaged skin cells to improve skin texture and radiance (12). Allantoin is available as serums, moisturizers (creams and lotions), and gels. You can easily incorporate it into your daily skin care routine. Let’s understand how.
How To Use Allantoin
Cream Or Moisturizer
Serums And Gels
Allantoin is a safe ingredient for your skin. However, avoid combining it with certain ingredients.
Ingredients To Combine And Avoid With Allantoin
Allantoin works well with almost all ingredients (including retinol), especially silicone-based moisturizers and other emollients. However, avoid using it with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acids. It is because allantoin and AHAs and BHAs exfoliate the skin. Combining them may cause over-exfoliation, redness, and skin irritation. The FDA-approved topical application of allantoin at 0.5% to 2.0% concentration is considered safe (13). However, it may cause some side effects. Scroll down to know more.
Side Effects Of Allantoin
Allantoin works as a conditioning agent for your skin. Like most other emollients, it is considered safe. However, if you are allergic to it, you may experience minor side effects, such as:
Itching Skin irritation Redness Burning Stinging
If you use any skin product with allantoin and experience any of these side effects, stop using it immediately and consult a doctor. Is allantoin good for acne scars? Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that allantoin may reduce the redness caused by acne and help in cell rejuvenation. Can I use allantoin and niacinamide together? Yes, you can use allantoin and niacinamide together to keep your skin moisturized and nourished. Is allantoin cancerous? No, allantoin is considered safe for usage. However, you may develop an allergic reaction to it. Conduct a patch test to check for adverse reactions. Is allantoin good for rosacea? Yes, you can use gentle moisturizers with allantoin to keep your skin hydrated as part of your daily skincare routine (14).
