Promising

Allantoin

Soothes, hydrates and supports skin repair.

What the evidence says

Recognized as a skin protectant by the FDA (OTC).

Best forSensitive, irritated skin
INCI namesAllantoin
Evidence basisFDA OTC skin-protectant monograph (M016)

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.

Products with allantoin in the comparator

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