Evidence supporting the use of: Allantoin
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Allantoin is a compound commonly used in skincare products due to its soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic (skin-softening and exfoliating) properties. There is some scientific basis for its use in the management of acne, though evidence is limited and not robust. The primary rationale comes from allantoin’s ability to promote the shedding of dead skin cells (keratolysis), which can help prevent clogged pores—a contributing factor in acne formation. Additionally, allantoin is known for its anti-irritant and skin-calming effects, making it beneficial in reducing redness and irritation that often accompany acne lesions or the use of harsher anti-acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids.
However, the direct evidence supporting allantoin as an active treatment for acne is weak. Most studies focus on its general skin benefits such as wound healing, moisturizing, and reducing irritation, rather than on its independent efficacy against acne. It is often included in acne formulations more for its supportive role—alleviating irritation and enhancing skin barrier repair—rather than as a primary anti-acne agent. In summary, while allantoin has some scientifically supported skin benefits relevant to acne-prone skin, there is limited direct clinical evidence supporting its use as a standalone treatment for acne.
Other ingredients used for Acne
AjoeneAloe vera
alpha-pinene
berberine
bisabolol
black cumin
burdock
bасора
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
DIM (diindolylmethane)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
evening primrose oil
garlic bulb
green tea
hemp oil
honeysuckle
L-cystine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
monolaurin
niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
phenolic compounds
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
tomato
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
seaweed
zinc
shen-chu
neem tree
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
chrysanthemum
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
fulvic acid
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
Ash
Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Allicin
Abrus
Andrographolide
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Anemarrhena
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Banyan
Bee products
Bassia scoparia
Coconut
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Chlorophyllin
Carvacrol
Curcuminoid
Chinese Raisintree
Curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
Chinatree
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Clerodendrum indicum
Cannabichromene
Cannabigerol
Dianthus
Eclipta
Essential Oil Blend
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
Eugenol
Estrogen
Fatty acids
Gallic Acid
Glycolic acid
Glyceryl monolaurate
Glabridin
Honey
Heal-All
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Himalaya Berry
Hemp
Isatis
Immortelle
Indian Fagonia
Jojoba Oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
Lactobacillus plantarum
Litsea
Lactic Acid
Lactobacillus
Labdanum
Melia
Monoterpenes
Mangostin
Momordica
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Nigella Seed
Propolis
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Phlorotannins
Probiotics
Pansit-pansitan
Peptides
Sophora
Sesquiterpenes
Shikonin
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Stellaria dichotoma
Sulfur
Smoketree
Terpenoids
Thymoquinone
Terpinen-4-ol
Triterpenes
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Violet
Viola
White Tea
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Xanthorrhizol
Other health conditions supported by Allantoin
AbrasionsAcne
Aging (prevention)
Blisters
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Diaper Rash
Eczema
Injuries
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Lesions
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn
Ulcerations (external)
Wounds and Sores