ALLANTOIN

What is it?

“Allantoin is a chemical compound with formula C4H6N4O3. It is also called 5-ureidohydantoin or glyoxyldiureide.[1][2] It is a diureide of glyoxylic acid. Allantoin is a major metabolic intermediate in most organisms including animals, plants and bacteria.” – Wikipedia

What are the effects?

This substance belongs to the groups:

Animal derived

Read the facts

Allantoin may be derived from animals but it can also be vegan.

The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has listed this substance in their Animal-derived Ingredients List. PETA writes that allantoin can be derived from the urine of most mammals, for example cows, but it can also be extracted from plants, especially from comfrey.

No matter how this ingredient is sourced, vegan or non-vegan, it is often named the same. To know if the product is free from animal biological parts, look for “vegetarian” or “vegan” stamps on the product or in the product description. In some cases you may even have to ask the manufacturer to know how the ingredient is sourced.

How is it used?

Allantoin and its different complexes, for example allantoin biotin and allantoin polygalacturonic, are reportedly mainly used as skin-conditioning agents in cosmetic products*.

The substance is often found in oral hygiene products, baby products, makeup, shaving, and other kinds of skin care products.

We use the European Commissions definition of Cosmetics: “Cosmetics range from everyday hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste to luxury beauty items including perfumes and makeup”.

Did you find this ingredient in a product?

Comment and share with a link!