allantoin

noun

al·​lan·​to·​in ə-ˈlan-tə-wən 

: a crystalline oxidation product C₄H₆N₄O₃ of uric acid used to promote healing of local wounds and infections

Examples of allantoin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Niacinamide, glycerin, and prickly pear help with hydration, and vitamin E, allantoin and tremella mushroom help to keep skin soft and glowing. —Emilia Benton, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2024

Its conditioning blend of sensitive skin-friendly ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and allantoin help restore the skin barrier and stave off dryness all day long. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 July 2024

The formula also contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal and allantoin to further curb irritation. —Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 30 Aug. 2023

There's also some calming allantoin in there, too. —Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 18 Oct. 2020

Also including allantoin, an effective anti-irritant, and provitamin B5, which helps restore the skin’s barrier to retain moisture, Cella’s Organic Aftershave Lotion soothes the skin while promoting cell regeneration. —Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022

This Aveeno shave gel is formulated with oats, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sunflower seed oil, allantoin, and glycerin. —Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022

Other effective ingredients, like ceramides, retinol, allantoin and eyeseryl, tighten the skin, reduce puffiness and smooth out any imperfections. —Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 May 2022

Finally, Odor & Enhanced Sweat Control is a strong antiperspirant that tackles odor and sweat with aluminum and allantoin. —Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 25 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allantoin, from Allantois allantois + -in -in entry 1; so called because it was found in the allantoic fluid of cows

Note: The term was introduced by Justus von liebig in "Ueber einer neuen Apparat zur Analyse organischer Körper und über die Zusammensetzung einiger organischen Substanzen," Annalen der Physik und Chemie, 2. Folge, 21. Band (1831), p. 34.

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

allantoin

noun

al·​lan·​to·​in ə-ˈlan-tə-wən 

: a nitrogenous compound C₄H₆N₄O₃ that occurs in many organisms as a product of the oxidative degradation of purine, is often synthetically manufactured, and is used as an ingredient in various topical products (such as skin cream, shampoo, and makeup) especially to soothe irritated skin, relieve dryness, and promote healing

Note: In humans, allantoin is formed by the oxidation of uric acid and is excreted in the urine.

… a uric acid–specific enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of uric acid to allantoin, an inert water soluble purine metabolite, thereby lowering serum uric acid.

—Gerald G. Briggs, Rheumatology News