What is allantoin? The soothing skincare ingredient you’ll wish you knew about sooner

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

Suitable for sensitive skin types, allantoin helps to calm and moisturise the skin.

Remember when niacinamide was the buzzy skincare word on everyone’s lips? Or when you finally learnt how to spell it without googling just for everyone to have moved on? Well, there’s a new skincare ingredient in town by the name of allantoin. But, before you go hunting for products featuring allantoin, you may be surprised to know that the soothing and moisturising ingredient most likely already features in some of your most used skincare products like moisturisers and exfoliators. 

What is allantoin?

Allantoin, also known as aluminium dihydroxy allantoinate, is a skincare ingredient found in various plants in Asia and Europe including chamomile and sugar beet. Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics, notes allantoin as being non-toxic and safe: “It has many health and healing properties and is used to treat a number of conditions such as dermatitis, acne, impetigo and wounds in skincare.

“There are very few studies to suggest that allantoin found in skincare products is anything other than entirely safe to use. It doesn’t build up in the body even with frequent use, but again never use it in its raw form and only ever use it on the skin. It can be irritating if it gets into the eyes so be gentle around this area,” says Dr Perry.

Cosmetic and skincare products and the ingredients found in them are required to adhere to strict and thorough regulations before they can be sold. Allantoin is deemed safe for use. 

What are the benefits of allantoin?

“Allantoin helps to increase the water content of skin cells while also acting as a skin protectant. You might find allantoin listed as an ingredient in your exfoliator and this is added to balance out the drying effects of other ingredients,” Dr Perry explains.

Allantoin is one of those ingredients you’ll wish you knew about sooner due to its properties and benefits that span smoothing the skin, healing qualities and help with reducing inflammation, among other things.

“It’s also a good alternative to retinol, in particular for those with sensitive skin, as it acts in much the same way to accelerate natural cell turnover,” says Dr Perry.

Which skin type is allantoin best for?

So, now you’re hooked and wondering whether allantoin is suitable for your skin type. Well, you’re in luck – it’s good for sensitive skin and “gentle enough to use on every skin type, across age and climates”, explains the founder of 001 skincare Ada Ooi. However, if you’re unsure whether using products containing allantoin is beneficial for your skin type and concerns, it’s always best to reach out to your GP or a dermatologist. 

Are there any ingredients to avoid using allantoin with?

While allantoin is known to work well with most product ingredients, Dr Perry suggests “not combining it with exfoliants such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) as this combination could trigger allergic reactions”.     

9 skincare products that contain allantoin

• Medik8 Ultimate Recovery

  Whether your skin has become inflamed or is suffering from a lack of moisture, this soothing ultimate recovery cream will work wonders to repair and protect the skin, as well as lock in lost moisture.

  Remember sunscreen should always be the last step in your skincare routine, so use this before applying the rest of your skincare.

  Shop Medik8 Ultimate Recovery at Cult Beauty, £39

  buy now

• Glossier Super Pure Serum

  Glossier really knows how to treat the skin and this serum is proof. The lightweight formula nourishes the skin with its blend of skin-loving ingredients such as niacinamide and allantoin for smoother skin and is free from any potential irritations. 

  Shop Glossier Super Pure Serum at Glossier, £25

  buy now

• Allies Of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm

  Effortlessness, speed and efficacy are the three main principles at the forefront of all Allies Of Skin products. The molecular barrier recovery cream balm is an excellent pick for skin that needs instant moisture, relief and long-term strength to the skin’s outermost layer.

  Shop Allies Of Skin Molecular Barrier Recovery Cream Balm at Cult Beauty, £80

  buy now

• U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment

  Get ready for smoother and firmer skin with this little tub of joy that gets to work overnight to trigger skin renewal and strengthen the skin’s barrier. The treatment is formulated with bioactive marine ingredients that act on stem cells for more rejuvenated skin.

  Shop U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Treatment at Cult Beauty, £186 

  buy now

• La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lait Urea 5+ Smoothing Lotion

  La Roche-Posay’s products are a staple for all skin types and concerns. If your skin is feeling rough, dry and in need of a boost then this soothing lotion with skin-loving ingredients like allantoin and rapeseed oil is here to smooth things over with its blend of nourishing ingredients.

  Shop Lipikar Lait Urea 5+ Smoothing Lotion at Cult Beauty, £22

  buy now

• Byoma Balancing Face Mist

  Not only is Byoma’s balancing face mist the perfect spritz for healthier and more hydrated skin, but it’s also a great pick-me-up when you’re on-the-go and in need of freshening up.

  Shop Byoma Balancing Face Mist at Cult Beauty, £11.99

  buy now

• Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

  Say goodbye to tired eyes with Summer Fridays’ multi-tasking eye treatment that’ll leave the eye area looking and feeling brighter and smoother. The formula includes a blend of allantoin, vitamin C and vitamin E for more hydrated and soothed skin.

  Shop Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream at Space NK, £40

  buy now

• Dr Barbara Sturm Hydrating Face Mist

  Dr Barbara Sturm’s antioxidant-rich mist is a great way to get a continued burst of hydration to the skin while on the go. Pop it in your bag or on your desk and your skin will thank you later.

  Shop Dr Barbara Sturm Hydrating Face Mist at Cult Beauty, £75

  buy now

• Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster

  Retinol is a great way to improve skin texture, along with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While the thought of adding a retinol product into your routine might seem scary, this booster features a blend of soothing ingredients including allantoin, making it the perfect pick for beginners and those who are retinol-curious.

  Shop Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster at Cult Beauty, £51

  buy now

Main image: Stylist

Source: Read Full Article