The Index · Imidazolidinyl urea derivative
Allantoin
Allantoin
Mild soothing and keratolytic agent with a long safety record; efficacy data are old and thin.
LimitedSmall or uncontrolled studies
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Allantoin is a small molecule originally isolated from comfrey, now made synthetically. It appears in a great many "soothing" products at 0.5–2 %.
The evidence
An animal wound model showed faster healing and increased fibroblast proliferation[2]; the human data supporting its soothing reputation are mostly decades old and small[1]. It is safe — the CIR and the US skin-protectant monograph both agree — but "safe and traditional" is not the same as "shown to work".
Evidence by claim
Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim
Promotes wound healing and cell proliferation[2]
LimitedSoothes irritation[1]
LimitedSafety & limits
Source and region, always
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Final report of the safety assessment of allantoin and its related complexes. International Journal of Toxicology (2010)doi:10.1177/1091581810362805regulation
- [2]Araújo LU, Grabe-Guimarães A, Mosqueira VC, et al.. Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoin. Acta Cirúrgica Brasileira (2010)doi:10.1590/S0102-86502010000500014
Revision history
16 Sept 2026Entry createdTheSkindex Desk