Allantoin
What is Allantoin?
It is a chemical compound naturally produced in most organisms like plants, animals, and some bacteria during metabolic reactions. Allantoin is also referred to as glyoxyldiureide because it is produced during the degradation process of uric acid.
What is Allantoin?
It is a chemical compound naturally produced in most organisms like plants, animals, and some bacteria during metabolic reactions. Allantoin is also referred to as glyoxyldiureide because it is produced during the degradation process of uric acid. These waste substances found in the urine of animals come out to be a miracle when used as skincare ingredients. Naturally, derived Allantoin also termed Aluminum Dihydroxy Allantoinate is used in skincare products. Artificially synthesized Allantoin is mostly made up of urea and its glyoxal compounds that contribute to making the skin smooth and shiny. The powder form of Allantoin is used in creams and moisturizers that have versatile properties of soothing and calming the skin. It also works as an exfoliator as it removes the dead layer of cells from the skin. Moreover, Allantoin keeps the skin hydrated by avoiding the binding of skin humectants.
Chemical properties of Allantoin
It is a 5-ureidohydantoin with the chemical formula of C4H6N4O3. Chemically, it is named 2,5 dioxo-4-imidazolidnyl urea which is more soluble in alcohol than water. Allantoin is considered an active reagent in cosmetic raw materials because it helps in promoting skin rejuvenation by exfoliating the dead cells. This miracle chemical agent helps pharmacodynamically in the formation of the top layer of skin cells (epidermal cells). By retention of water in the skin, it keeps the skin hydrated.
Physical Properties of Allantoin
Allantoin is a white crystalline solid used as a powdery substance in most creams and moisturizing lotions. Mostly present in its stable form but can react with strong oxidizing agents if present in anti-irritating skincare products. As it is a weak base based on its pKa, therefore it is less soluble in water than alkalis. Physically it is a colorless and odorless substance when extracted from natural sources.
Origin of Allantoin
Allantoin is a naturally occurring additive chemical compound that is used in several skincare products. It is extracted from several plants including Beets, Comfrey, Tobacco seeds, and Chamomile. Along with the presence of this herb in plants, it is also found in animals waste. Allantoin extracted from the Comfrey plants natively found in Asia and Europe has been used by Germans since ancient times to heal and soothe wounds and inflammations. Dermatologists recommend the use of lab, as well as the natural form of Allantoin as a skincare ingredient. However, in most cosmetic products it is in processed form.
Uses of Allantoin
Allantoin because of its versatile properties used as a moisturizer, emollient, exfoliator, and hydrator. It moisturizes the skin by avoiding dryness on skin. Allantoin not only soothes the skin but also helps in healing the damaged parts of the skin by forming complexes with the sensitive agents. Allantoin serves as an exfoliating agent as it slough off the dead skin layer and helps in the renewal of epidermal cells. Because of its most important keratolytic specificity, skin cells remain hydrated and prevent the evaporative loss of water from skin cells. This makes the skin looks moisturized and smooth. This chemical also improves the skin texture by removing dullness with the process of skin healing. As it removes the dead skin layer, it automatically clears and soothes the skin. Last but not least, it also works to rewind the age by rejuvenating the skin cells through facilitation in the production of collagen.
Alternatives of Allantoin
As there are no such alternatives available for the Allantoin but a variable concentration is found in the different formulations of skincare products in which Allantoin is used. Patients who are suffering from dryness or itching of skin are recommended the use of Comfrey extract of Allantoin mixed with water. As the Comfrey plant contains low amounts of Allantoin, so can be used with aloe vera extract also.
Safety and Storage
Allantoin is a hygroscopic chemical so it should be stored in double packaging to prevent moisture. Avoid contact with eyes and prevent contact with contaminated clothes. If swallowed immediately consult the doctor. Wash hands after use. Moreover medicated moisturizer should be kept in a cool dry place below room temperature.
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