Allantoin
Soothes, hydrates and supports skin repair.
What the evidence says
Recognized as a skin protectant by the FDA (OTC).
How to use it
No restrictions at all: morning and night, in any format. It usually appears at low concentrations (0.5–2%) as a supporting soother in toners, essences and creams — no need to seek it out as a standalone product.
What it pairs with
With everything. It often rides along with centella, panthenol and beta-glucan in Korean soothing formulas.
Frequently asked questions
What does allantoin do for skin?
It calms irritation, softens surface keratin and supports repair. The FDA recognizes it as an over-the-counter skin protectant — an unusual regulatory endorsement for such a quiet cosmetic ingredient.
Can it irritate or cause allergies?
Extraordinarily rarely: it's one of the best-tolerated ingredients in all of cosmetics, suitable even for atopic skin and babies. If a product with allantoin irritates you, the culprit is almost certainly another ingredient in the formula.
