Everyone, meet Allantoin, the key to healthy, beautiful skin that every sensitive skin babe needs. Maybe you have heard of her or maybe you haven’t; Allantoin has always been a vital ingredient in skincare products catered for sensitive skin. But unless you’re like us who are dedicated to going through every ingredient list, then you may have missed it.

However, Allantoin is all the rave, pedestalled high similar to Cica and even Madecassoside. So how come not a lot of people hype it up? Well, it’s the beauty industry’s best-kept secret and when you read on you’ll understand why. With that, come along with Beauty Insider as we break down the wonders of what Allantoin can do to your skin!

What Is Allantoin?

Comfrey: Uses, Risks, and Takeaways

Allantoin, also known as aluminium dihydroxy allantoinate, is an extract from the comfrey plant, which is native to Asia and Europe’s temperate regions. It is required by the body to repair damaged collagen in the skin. To add, Allantoin aids in the healing of injured tissue, promoting the development of healthy tissue.

Comfrey, which contains allantoin, has been used as a topical therapy to accelerate wound healing and scar prevention for generations. Allantoin, when used as a cosmetic component, aids in the creation of new cells and the maintenance of skin’s moisture levels. As a result, this assists to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Allantoin comes in the form of powder. Many creams and liquids, including moisturisers, exfoliators, and masks, include it in their formulation. It helps hydrate the skin by exfoliating and eliminating dead skin cells that inhibit natural humectants from binding and holding water in the skin, according to anecdotal evidence. Furthermore, it’s also present in a number of plants, including beets, chamomile, wheat sprouts, and even tobacco seeds.

Benefits Of Allantoin

Moisturises

Allantoin prevents dryness and irritation by moisturising the skin. Because of its non-irritating nature, it is also excellent for delicate skin. The ingredient works as an emollient, preventing dryness and irritation by keeping your skin hydrated.

Moreover, its keratolytic function can enhance cell water content. This prevents the damage caused by transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in the dermis and keeping the skin appearing plump and young. Consider how a sponge expands when wet, allowing it to hold the largest quantity of liquid- that is how your skin works.

Soothes

Allantoin also has the added benefit of being a soothing agent in skincare products. By creating complexes with irritating and sensitising components, it soothes and provides protection to the skin. This then strengthens the dermis that may also lead to decreasing sensitivity.

Exfoliates

Allantoin aids in the removal of dead skin cells. It’s a keratolytic agent, which means it softens and separates the skin’s cornified (tough) layer. It aids desquamation or the internal shedding of the outermost membrane or layer of tissue. It maintains the skin smooth by removing the dead skin layer.

Provides radiance

Allantoin encourages cell proliferation while also aiding in general cell resurfacing. When the skin is pressured by the normal and customary list of offenders, it will strive to heal itself rather than have additional cells flip over. Therefore, we want the epidermis to keep exfoliating and producing more cells so that epidermal cells can travel quicker.

As we become older, the transit time from the base layer of the epidermis to the top layer slows down and the skin becomes more stressed; all of which contribute to dull, dry skin.

Improves rejuvenation

Despite its mild nature, it has the potential to be a powerful anti-ageing agent. Allantoin is a powerful rejuvenator because it stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production. It also promotes extracellular matrix formation.

Is It Safe To Use?

Allantoin is generally non-toxic and suitable for cosmetic usage. It’s non-irritating, a gentle anti-ager in skincare and it’s suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Therefore, this is a great variety of skin problems thanks to its soothing and repairing properties. Additionally, some people may be allergic to the substance, particularly since it is taken directly from crushed comfrey leaves, thus it should be avoided.

Products Containing Allantoin To Try In Malaysia

1. Dr. Barbara Sturm Brightening Serum

Dr. Barbara Sturm | Brightening Serum | Cult Beauty

You can combat the earliest signs of ageing with Dr. Barbara Sturm Brightening Serum for the face and neck. To rejuvenate a weary face, this hyaluronic acid serum is designed with natural brightening components such as Cress Sprouts Extract, Ginseng Extract, and Hyaluronic Acid. Allantoin also has a soothing and relaxing effect, which contributes to healthy-looking skin.

Why we love it:

  • Improves skin radiance
  • Rebalances skin tone

Price: RM1330.00

Where to buy: Dr Sturm

2. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

Amazon.com : First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration  Moisturizer for Face and Body - 6 oz. : Body Skin Care Products : Beauty &  Personal Care

The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, which contains six antioxidants and ceramides, provides immediate comfort and long-term hydration for dry, troubled skin. The cream is a non-greasy, lightweight composition that exfoliates and enhances skin without sacrificing long-term comfort.

Fine wrinkles are smoothed out for an unquestionably radiant appearance. Moreover, those with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can benefit immensely from this.

Why we love it:

  • Those with eczema and psoriasis will benefit from this
  • Improves skin elasticity

Price: RM160.00

Where to buy: Sephora

3. Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber with Soothing Allantoin

Cryo Rubber™ with Soothing Allantoin – Dr.Jart+

A rubber mask and a soothing allantoin ampoule are included in the Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber with Soothing Allantoin package. After each usage, the rubber mask wraps around the skin firmly to gently soothe sensitive skin, leaving it healthy and lovely. The soothing allantoin ampoule penetrates deeply into the skin’s hypersensitive regions, hydrates the tip of the sensitive, drying skin tissue, and cools the entire body.

Why we love it:

  • Provides instant cooling relief
  • Gives a boost of hydration

Price: RM60.00

Where to buy: Sephora

4. Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion

Skin Perfecting Lotion | Murad

Skin Perfecting Lotion by Murad is a mild moisturiser that helps to decrease shine and improve the appearance of pores for a smoother skin texture without creating blemishes. While hyaluronic acid and honey extract moisturise, retinol stimulates natural cell turnover to help keep pores clean. Whereas, Arnica and Allantoin help to soothe, smooth and condition the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Highly moisturising
  • Improves texture and prevents breakouts

Price: RM174.00

Where to buy: Murad