Allantoin is a nitrogenous chemical compound of plant, animal, or synthetic origin. It possesses soothing, regenerating, and softening virtues. Incorporated into cosmetic products, allantoin provides genuine care for the skin. Let's explore in this article how to use it.
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How to use Allantoin?
Summary
- What is Allantoin?
- Which allantoin should one choose to benefit from its skin advantages?
- In what form should allantoin be used?
Published June 7, 2023,
updated on March 11, 2024,
by
Manon, Scientific Editor
—
5 min read
What is Allantoin?
In its pure form, allantoin appears as a white and odourless powder. It can be of plant, animal, or synthetic origin. It is a valued active ingredient for its healing, keratolytic, and soothing properties.
Being naturally hydrating, it helps to strengthen the skin's hydrolipidic film, limiting transepidermal water loss, and endowing the skin with suppleness and softness. Its soothing properties also allow it to combat inflammation and skin irritations. Furthermore, it is capable of regenerating the skin by promoting the removal of dead cells from the epidermis, leaving the skin soft.
Theallantoin is suitable for all skin types, particularly if they are sensitive, irritated, damaged and sunburned. It is generally used in treatments in the form of cream, balm, lotion and sunscreen at 0.5 - 1% of the total weight.
Which allantoin should one choose to benefit from its skin advantages?
Allantoin is an active ingredient that has several origins. Before choosing the galenic form of allantoin, it is important to ensure that:
Its origin.
Allantoin can be derived from numerous plants such as comfrey, horse chestnut, and bearberry. It can also have animal origins, being present in the urine and amniotic fluid of mammals, as well as in snail slime. Additionally, it can be synthesised through the oxidation of uric acid.
Currently, no study has been conducted to test and compare the effectiveness of plant-based, animal-based, and synthetic allantoin. At Typology, we do not use ingredients of animal origin. We have committed ourselves to ban all materials directly or indirectly derived from animals from our formulations and theanimal-based allantoin is included in this.
Its manufacturing process.
Allantoin can be obtained either through solvent extraction or via a supercritical CO2 extraction process. We generally advise favouring ingredients extracted through the supercritical CO2 extraction process. This method allows for the acquisition of an active ingredient without the use of nonpolar solvents, in order to keep it as natural as possible.
Its dosage.
The United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified allantoin as asafe and effective agent for skin protection at concentrations of 0.1 to 2%. In Europe, this active ingredient is not regulated. Non-toxic, non-allergenic and non-irritating, the effectiveness of allantoin is generally observed at a minimum concentration of 0.5%.
In what form should allantoin be used?
Theallantoin is valued for its healing, keratolytic and soothing properties. But in what form should it be used to reap its benefits?
How to use allantoin for oral intake?
Allantoin powder should not be taken orally, as it is harmful and toxic if ingested. However, it is possible to take dietary supplements of snail slime, the main source of allantoin. On the other hand, allantoin is only present in small quantities, about 50 mg/L, which does not constitute the most effective method to benefit from its properties compared to a topical application.
How to use allantoin in topical application?
The topical use of allantoin varies depending on the type of care, usage instructions and the expected effect. Allantoin can be incorporated into a gentle cleanser with a balanced pH. It can also be found in toners and serums to soothe and enhance skin radiance.
Thanks to its soothing and keratolytic properties, allantoin can also be included in the composition of hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners and masks. It helps to soothe the scalp and reduce dandruff. As it is not irritating, it is also used in the composition of baby care products such as sun cream, shampoo, washing gel and lotion.
It is important to adhere to all the instructions provided by the manufacturer for appropriate and safe use. Allantoin, not being photosensitising, can be applied every day and even in the morning. When used correctly, allantoin should not pose any particular danger to the skin or health.
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