For quite some time, allantoin has been a staple in many of Erno Laszlo's most popular products including Timeless Skin and pHormula 3-9. So, we thought we'd share a bit about what it is, where it comes from, and how it benefits your skin.
Allantoin is a chemical compound naturally present in most mammals (excluding higher apes and humans), plants, and fish. It boasts moisturizing and karetolytic properties, meaning that it causes the water content in the extracellular matrix to increase while also increasing the skin's ability to exfoliate. The net effect is that the skin feels smooth, is able to hear more quickly, and moisture is bound to the skin much more effectively. Thus, Allantoin can be used for a host of skin conditions, including wounds, burns, and various scars. It is also included in various sunscreens, lip balms, and products designed to prevent skin irritation in general.
Since Allantoin is anti-irritant and smooths skin's surface, however, it has also been known to be used in products that are designed to maintain skin's overall health. Interestingly, it may be added to the formula of a product to offset harsher ingredients including soaps, detergents, alcohols, or acids which may dry out or irritate the skin. Additionally, it is also known to be found in lipsticks, toothpastes, and shampoos.
