Allantoin

Key Properties:

• Chemical Formula: C₄H₆N₄O₃
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water and alcohol.
• Appearance: White crystalline powder.

Benefits:

1. Skin Soothing: Allantoin is known for its anti-irritant properties, making it ideal for calming and soothing irritated or sensitive skin.
2. Moisturizing: It helps retain moisture in the skin, improving hydration and leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
3. Wound Healing: Promotes cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, which can aid in the healing of minor wounds, cuts, and skin irritation.
4. Keratinolytic Action: Softens the keratin in the skin, helping to smooth out the skin’s texture and reduce flakiness.
5. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and swelling, making it beneficial for conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Applications:

• Skincare Products: Commonly found in lotions, creams, serums, and masks for its soothing and moisturizing effects.
• Hair Care Products: Used in shampoos and conditioners to soothe the scalp and improve hair texture.
• After-Sun Care: Included in after-sun lotions and balms to calm sunburned or irritated skin.
• Oral Care: Sometimes added to toothpaste and mouthwash for its soothing properties.

Formulation Percentage:

• Typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 2% in skincare and cosmetic formulations. Even at low concentrations, allantoin is effective.

How to Use:

1. Creams and Lotions:

• Percentage: Use allantoin at 0.1% to 2%.
• Formulation Process:
  1. Phase Inclusion: Allantoin is typically added to the water phase of formulations.
  2. Dissolution: Since allantoin is slightly soluble in water, ensure the temperature is around 40-50°C to help it dissolve completely. Stir continuously to achieve even dispersion.
  3. Mixing: After dissolving, mix the water phase containing allantoin with the oil phase during the emulsification process.
• pH Range: Ensure the final product’s pH is between 4.0 and 7.0 to maintain allantoin stability and efficacy.

2. Gels and Serums:

• Percentage: Use allantoin at 0.1% to 0.5%.
• Formulation Process:
  1. Dissolving in Water: Add allantoin to the aqueous base of the gel or serum, heating gently if necessary (up to 40°C) for complete dissolution.
  2. Add to Gelling Agent: Once dissolved, combine the aqueous solution with the gelling agent (like carbomer or xanthan gum) and mix until smooth and uniform.
• Stability Tips: Avoid heating above 50°C and minimize prolonged exposure to high temperatures to maintain the effectiveness of allantoin.

3. Face Masks:

• Percentage: Typically used at around 0.1% to 0.5%.
• Formulation Process:
  1. Incorporate in Liquid Phase: Mix allantoin in the water or hydrating phase of the mask.
  2. Blending: Ensure uniform dispersion of allantoin in the mask, especially in clay or sheet masks, to leverage its soothing properties.

4. Shampoos and Conditioners:

• Percentage: Use at 0.1% to 0.5%.
• Formulation Process:
  1. Water Phase Addition: Add allantoin to the water phase of the shampoo or conditioner formulation.
  2. Gentle Heating: Dissolve with gentle heating, making sure not to exceed temperatures above 50°C to preserve its effectiveness.
  3. Blend Thoroughly: Mix well to ensure even distribution within the product.

Caution:

• Avoid Overheating: Allantoin should not be exposed to temperatures above 50°C to prevent degradation.
• Compatibility: It is compatible with most cosmetic ingredients, including emollients, surfactants, and other active ingredients.
• Storage: Keep formulations containing allantoin in a cool, dark place to maintain stability.