Allantoin

Other names: 5-ureidohydantion, glyxyldiureide, gluxyldiureide, glyoxylic diureide

Allantoin is a natural chemical substance referred to by various names such as 5-ureidohydantion, glyxyldiureide, gluxyldiureide or glyoxylic diureide. Its long list of names is not surprising when we consider the wide range of its uses. Although allantoin occurs naturally in some plants such as comfrey or wheat, it is often produced synthetically for commercial use. This substance is known for its moisturizing and healing properties and is often used in the cosmetic industry.

Allantoin is particularly popular in the cosmetic industry, where it is used for its ability to promote the growth of new and healthy tissue, resulting in accelerated healing and helping to relieve skin irritation caused by, for example, shaving or epilation. Therefore, this substance is often found in cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, after-shave balms, deodorants, shampoos or lipsticks. Outside the cosmetics industry, allantoin is also used in toothpastes as a mild abrasive. Due to its mild exfoliating properties, allantoin can help remove stains and dirt from the surface of teeth. Lastly, allantoin is used in medicated creams and ointments for burns, eczema and other types of skin irritation or damage.