Allantoin in cosmetics: benefits and harm for facial skin, medicinal and cosmetic properties

Not long ago, modern cosmetology began to include allantoin, a unique chemical, in its products. Brands that have established themselves in this area claim that it has excellent regenerating properties, tightens and smoothes age-related wrinkles. It can be found in many cosmetic products: lifting masks, anti-aging creams, healing serums. So it will be useful for all women to know what it is and how effective this substance is.

What is allantoin

Describing the physical properties of this chemical, we can say that allantoin is colorless crystals of small size, soluble in water (disappears easily and quickly in hot water, weakly and slowly in cold water). It can be found in nature in both plant and animal forms.

Allantoin of animal origin contains:

• in the bodies of all mammals except humans and primates;
• in the mucus left behind by the mollusks Helix aspersa Muller - southern European relatives of the large grape snail;
• in embryonic tissues of birds.

Allantoin of plant origin is found:

• in the rhizomes of comfrey;
• in soybeans;
• in sprouted wheat sprouts;
• in rice husk.

To care for problem skin, it is better to choose allantoin of plant origin. According to laboratory studies, it is the most effective in this regard. Accordingly, cosmetic products containing it will not only be of higher quality, but also more expensive than those containing allantoin of animal origin.

Why is the effect of this substance on the skin so beneficial? It's all about the composition, which contains many of the most useful components:

• glucose;
• glucosides;
• glucoronic acid;
• carotenes;
• mucopolysaccharides;
• tannins;
• fructose.

Thanks to this chemical composition, which has such a positive effect on the condition of the skin, allantoin is actively used in cosmetics : many products contain it as a wound-healing component. And not only!

Through the pages of history. In 1800, allantoin was first isolated as a chemical from the epithelium of birds. Since then, research on its properties has not stopped.

How do you get it?

Plant sources include comfrey roots, wheat grass, sprouted beans and soybeans, and rice hulls. They have long been used to accelerate the healing of the wound surface and tissue restoration.

The highest content of allantoin is found in the mucus extract of the grape snail and its southern European relative, the species Helix Aspers Muller.

Obtaining the component from natural sources is considered an expensive process, so it is mainly extracted synthetically. It has been established that organic and synthetic analogues are practically no different in their characteristics.

The effect of allantoin on facial skin

Cosmetic abilities are determined by the chemical properties of allantoin , which consist primarily of an astringent and anti-inflammatory effect on tissue. It is not for nothing that this unique substance is included in the list of anesthetics by the familiar World Health Organization.

Accordingly, this is a full-fledged drug, which was recently adopted by ubiquitous cosmetologists. According to advertising of some brands, this component of face creams and serums is capable of:

• soften the upper layer of the epidermis, covered with horny scales and dead cells, due to which they exfoliate quickly and without injury - this is the scrubbing effect of allantoin;
• stimulate tissue regeneration;
• rejuvenate, smoothing wrinkles and tightening age folds;
• quickly narrow enlarged pores, so all cosmetics with allantoin are recommended for the care of oily facial skin;
• in winter, save from peeling, effectively softening skin roughened by winds and frost;
• in summer, tidy up the epidermis suffering from the sun;
• quickly heal abrasions, wounds, microcracks on the face;
• relieve irritation;
• effectively prevent the formation of comedones (blackheads);
• dissolve stretch marks, scars and scars, making them almost invisible on the skin of the face;
• inhibit bacterial growth;
• minimize the irritating, aggressive effect of various surfactants on the skin of the face, eliminating the feeling of tightness while washing.

Despite such amazing medicinal and cosmetic properties, today there is a lot of talk about the fact that allantoin for facial skin is harmful , not beneficial. We hasten to assure everyone who is bothered by these rumors that this is not so.

Firstly, there are no arguments about what kind of danger allantoin poses.

Secondly, its safety was recently tested by the FDA - the American Food and Drug Administration and the CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) expert group. They conducted a series of laboratory tests and found that allantoin is not dangerous in cosmetics for facial skin, in which its content does not exceed the norm. So let's take it and use it!

Additional Information. Allantoin is a rare substance that is not capable of causing side effects and is not toxic. The most effective concentration is 0.5-2%.

Beneficial properties of allantoin for skin care

The main action of allantoin

The effect of allantoin on the skin lies in its astringent properties.

• Cosmetics based on it are good at getting rid of dead cells, while simultaneously stimulating the production of new ones and activating regenerative processes in the skin.
• Pores are also narrowed and the epidermis is softened, making creams very effective for sunburn.
• If we talk not only about cosmetology, but also about medicine, then allantoin is included in antiseptic preparations that are intended for local action.

Properties and features of allantoin for skin

The main cosmetic properties of allantoin:

• knits the skin - the first property of the substance that became known.
• exfoliates – at the first contact the stratum corneum softens, after which dead cells are easily separated;
• restores – cell regeneration is significantly accelerated, which is especially important for adult, burned and cracked skin; and it is also an invariable component for skin with stretch marks
• is an antioxidant - if you use a cream with allantoin and biotin, calcium pantothenate, then aging skin will quickly be replenished with vitamins and will not soon show its true age;
• conditions – this property in hair products with allantoin helps prevent dryness;
• anti-irritant feature - ensures the fight against bacteria, soothes the skin, and therefore saves not only from rashes, but also from dandruff;

A number of scientific studies have proven the ability of allantoin to greatly accelerate the processes of skin regeneration and collagen synthesis, and most importantly, reduce the likelihood of keloid scar formation, promoting the formation of healthy skin!!!!

Such a wide range of properties has ensured the popularity of this component not only in cosmetology, but also in medicine.

Allantoin as a drug

Despite the fact that we plan to use the cosmetic properties of allantoin, it should be treated exclusively as a medicinal product, since it has quite a powerful effect. Fortunately, pharmacists provide detailed instructions for its use, which it is advisable to study in advance before purchasing creams and face masks containing it.

Designations

Not all medications and cosmetics will contain allantoin under its real name on the packaging. Most often he hides there under the following names:

• 5-Ureido-2,4-Imidazolidindion (2,5-Dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl);
• Urea pura, Carbamid, Carbamidum, Ureaphil (urea, carbamide, since in laboratory conditions allantoin is a product of oxidation of uric acid);
• Allantoin (Alantoin, Allantoine, Allantonin);
• Glyoxyldiureid;
• 5-Ureidohydantoin;
• Cordianin.

Now you will know what is hidden under these foreign words in the composition of the cream you like - allantoin, which disinfects wounds and smoothes out wrinkles.

pharmachologic effect

As a medicine, allantoin has the following effects on damaged tissues and facial skin:

• Astringent;
• keratolytic (scrubbing, exfoliating);
• antiseptic, disinfectant.

The pharmacological properties of allantoin in creams and face masks become therapeutic and cosmetic.

Pharmacodynamics

Allantoin is able to penetrate deep into the dermal layers of the face, stimulating tissue renewal at the cellular level. It is not absorbed by the blood, but it is perfectly absorbed into the skin, drying without residue almost instantly after application.

Indications for use

You shouldn’t buy face cream with allantoin just because all your friends have already tried it or because you really want it. This is a medicinal product, which means that even for its external use there are indications and contraindications. It is worth using his services in the following cases:

• skin diseases;
• seborrhea;
• erosions, injuries, wounds, ulcers, scratches, microcracks and other damage to the skin of the face;
• stretch marks;
• scars, scars;
• age-related changes: wrinkles and ptosis.

If we are talking about skin diseases, it makes sense to seek permission to use allantoin for treatment from a dermatologist. Most likely, he will not even prescribe a face cream, but an ointment.

Contraindications

The only contraindication for allantoin in cosmetics is allergies, individual intolerance.

Side effects

Allantoin is usually well tolerated, and allergies to it are rarely diagnosed.

Methods of application

1. Pharmacy spray with allantoin can be added to a cream to care for oily, mature, injured facial skin.
2. Pharmacy ointments or gels with allantoin are used locally: they lubricate damaged areas of the face (only where there are wrinkles, scars, inflammation, wounds, rashes, etc.) until they are completely healed.
3. Rejuvenating and regenerating creams with allantoin , gels, serums, and face masks are used for regular facial skin care.

Special Recommendations

1. To make cosmetics with allantoin more useful for your face, apply creams and masks to steamed skin.
2. Allantoin therapy goes well with physiotherapeutic procedures.
3. When using creams and ointments with allantoin, it is not recommended to sunbathe heavily, visit a solarium, or do facial massage.
4. Be careful not to get allantoin in your eyes, mouth, or nose.
5. Allantoin can be used on the face by pregnant and lactating women.

This is how allantoin is used in cosmetology and medicine. If you have serious problems or facial skin diseases, you should pay attention to it. With it you can count on the healing of various microdamages and rejuvenation. What remains for us is to do short reviews of medicinal and cosmetic products that contain allantoin.

About the origin of the name. The term “allantoin” owes its birth to the scientists Liebig and Wehler. They isolated this substance from allantois fluid, from the name of which they derived the word.

CosRX, nourishing overnight mask

The CosRX mask has three purposes at once - it can be used as a classic wash-off mask, as a night mask or as a cream. It contains allantoin, but the key ingredient is rice extract. Together with niacinamide, it moisturizes and restores dry skin, and also helps lighten age spots and post-acne marks.

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Medicines containing allantoin

To heal scars, scars, scratches, stretch marks on the face, use ointment with allantoin , which perfectly regenerates damaged tissue. Although this is not the only dosage form of the drug with this remedy. Judge for yourself based on the list below.

1. Mederma (Mederma) from Merz Pharma (Germany) is a therapeutic and cosmetic gel for stretch marks, scars, scars, post-acne, and any damage to the skin. $10.
2. Contractubex from Merz Pharma (Germany) is a gel for resorption of keloid scars. $10.
3. Jox (Yoks), Czech Republic - a spray with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It is used in the treatment of ENT organs (for the treatment of sore throat, for example), but it can be included in face masks for rashes of any kind. $3.7.
4. Hepatrombin from Hemofarm A.D. (Serbia) - a gel with antithrombotic and tissue regeneration-improving effects. $2.8.

Any pharmaceutical preparations containing allantoin should be used with extreme caution when treating the face. First, get permission from a specialist (this could be a dermatologist, surgeon, cosmetologist). Secondly, follow the instructions for use exactly. If the problem is more of a cosmetic nature, it is better to use creams.

Good news! Medicines containing allantoin are available in pharmacies without a prescription.

Facial cosmetics with allantoin

If you are struggling with age-related changes (wrinkles, double chin, bags and circles under the eyes, deterioration of complexion), purchase a cosmetic product with this unique substance. face creams with allantoin have proven themselves to be excellent :

1. Rouge defense - protective face cream against rosacea with allantoin, white lupine and algae proteins, menthol from Reneve (Monaco). $84.5.
2. Kelofibrase is a scar cream with allantoin from Sandoz (Germany). $27.
3. High Performance Glycolic Acid Blend is an anti-scar cream with allantoin from Devita (Belarus). $25.
4. Linea Termale is an active cream for problem skin with allantoin from Lacrima (France / Italy / Switzerland). $17.
5. Collagen 3D face cream for irritated and dry skin with allantoin from Collagene 3D (Russia). $11.
6. Camelox is an allantoin cream for stretch marks from Vertex (Russia). $6.
7. “Protection and Moisturizing” - allantoin cream for sensitive facial skin from Natura Siberica (Russia). $3.
8. “Winter Amulet” is an allantoin protective face cream from MeiTan (China). $2.7.
9. "Antoshka" is an allantoin antiallergic cream for children. Russia. $0.8.
10. “Rosy cheeks” is a children’s protective cream with chamomile extract, allantoin and vitamin A from Avanta (Russia). $0.8.

Such ratings will guide you through a wide range of medicinal and cosmetic products that contain allantoin. Be sure to try them if you suffer from complexes due to age-related changes or wounds on your face. If you use them wisely, you won’t have to wait too long for an amazing effect.

What cosmetics are added to and why?

From all of the above, it becomes clear that the use of allantoin is possible in many areas.

This component can be found in a number of the following products:

• Cream.

Not only women's products include such an ingredient. Manufacturers of high-quality men's shaving creams also do not refuse it. Such cosmetics contribute to:

• speedy skin regeneration after plastic surgery;
• restoration of the skin after exposure to direct sunlight;
• in baby creams it helps fight diaper rash;
• relieves irritation and inflammation;
• moisturizes and improves skin tone;
• restores elasticity to the epidermis.

Together with panthenol and bisabolol, it is used to treat atopic dermatitis

• Ointments. Preparations with allantoin are intended to combat dermatological diseases, thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids, thrombosis, diseases of the oral cavity, varicose veins, trophic ulcers of the lower leg, and sports injuries. And also for those who suffer from excessive dry skin.
• Shampoos with allantoin easily solve the problem of dandruff, nourishing the hair root system, moisturizing the scalp, and protecting the hair from negative environmental factors.
• Allantoin is often found in deodorants and aftershave products.

Allantoin has found its application in every area.

Even if you wash your hands daily with soap containing allantoin, you can protect yourself from many problems, starting from simply softening the skin of your hands and ending with the prevention of worms.

Allantoin in cosmetics is usually used in a concentration of 0.1 to 2%

Cosmetics with allantoin

I have put together a small selection of products with allantoin in good concentration on my favorite iHerb.

So, here you can buy:

1. O'Keeffe's Hand Cream for Weary Hands is an effective moisturizer that helps eliminate excessive dryness of the skin, which often causes cracks. The concentrated, odorless formula provides natural hydration, restores alkaline balance and retains moisture in the skin. Within a few days you will be able to feel the difference.
2. Derma E, Gel for Scars - Gel for resolving scars, stretch marks and other imperfections on the skin, clinically proven: disguises scars and reduces the visibility of lumpy, uneven, discolored scars, eliminates stretch marks and evens out the skin after acne.
3. Jason Natural Pure Aloe Vera Gel 98% with Allantoin—This concentrated, non-greasy, hydrating daytime gel instantly hydrates dry, irritated, sunburned or post-shave skin while allantoin and vitamin B5 intensely nourish to repair and improve skin condition. .

Of course, this list is far from complete, so if you search more carefully, you may find something more suitable for you.