Quick Comparison
| Allantoin | Allantoin | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Concentration | Concentrations: 0.5-2% in most formulations. Often combined with other soothing ingredients. Apply as part of regular skincare routine. Safe for all ages and skin types, including infants. | Concentrations: 0.5-2% in most formulations. Often combined with other soothing ingredients. Apply as part of regular skincare routine. Safe for all ages and skin types, including infants. |
| Application | Topical (cream, lotion, serum, ointment). Compatible with all other skincare ingredients. | Topical (cream, lotion, serum, ointment). Compatible with all other skincare ingredients. |
| Research Papers | 8 papers | 8 papers |
| Categories |
Mechanism of Action
Allantoin
Allantoin (5-ureidohydantoin) stimulates cell proliferation and tissue regeneration by promoting fibroblast activity, keratinocyte proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis including collagen and glycosaminoglycans. It acts as a mild keratolytic by promoting the natural desquamation process—loosening corneocyte adhesion and facilitating shedding—without the irritation, pH disruption, or barrier compromise associated with alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. Allantoin has anti-inflammatory properties through modulation of prostaglandin synthesis (inhibiting COX-2 and reducing PGE2) and may downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its moisturizing effect comes from increasing the water-binding capacity of the extracellular matrix and stratum corneum; it is highly soluble and forms hydrogen bonds with water. Allantoin also promotes wound epithelialization. Its safety profile—non-irritating, non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic—makes it suitable for compromised skin, post-procedure care, and infant formulations.
Allantoin
Allantoin (5-ureidohydantoin) stimulates cell proliferation and tissue regeneration by promoting fibroblast activity, keratinocyte proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis including collagen and glycosaminoglycans. It acts as a mild keratolytic by promoting the natural desquamation process—loosening corneocyte adhesion and facilitating shedding—without the irritation, pH disruption, or barrier compromise associated with alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. Allantoin has anti-inflammatory properties through modulation of prostaglandin synthesis (inhibiting COX-2 and reducing PGE2) and may downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its moisturizing effect comes from increasing the water-binding capacity of the extracellular matrix and stratum corneum; it is highly soluble and forms hydrogen bonds with water. Allantoin also promotes wound epithelialization. Its safety profile—non-irritating, non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic—makes it suitable for compromised skin, post-procedure care, and infant formulations.
Risks & Safety
Allantoin
Common
None. Allantoin is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic.
Serious
None.
Rare
Allergic reaction is extremely rare.
Allantoin
Common
None. Allantoin is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic.
Serious
None.
Rare
Allergic reaction is extremely rare.
Full Profiles
Allantoin →
A gentle compound found naturally in comfrey root, chamomile, and wheat sprouts that promotes skin healing, moisturization, and the shedding of dead skin cells. Allantoin has been used in dermatology for over 70 years and is one of the most universally tolerated ingredients — it soothes, protects, and promotes recovery without any known irritation potential. Found in everything from diaper cream to post-procedure products.
Allantoin →
A gentle compound found naturally in comfrey root, chamomile, and wheat sprouts that promotes skin healing, moisturization, and the shedding of dead skin cells. Allantoin has been used in dermatology for over 70 years and is one of the most universally tolerated ingredients — it soothes, protects, and promotes recovery without any known irritation potential. Found in everything from diaper cream to post-procedure products.