Ingredient

Allantoin

Allantoin is clear in all six profiles Truva checks: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. It is one of the ingredients this catalogue most often suggests in place of something flagged.

By Team TruvaLast checked

Verdict by profile

Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.

Profiles clear
6 of 6
Published because the flagged pages recommend it
Irritancy
0 of 5
Higher means more likely to sting or redden
PregnancySAFE

Allantoin and pregnancy

Safe to Use

Allantoin is a naturally derived compound with skin-soothing, healing, and moisturizing properties. It helps promote cell regeneration and provides relief from irritated or inflamed skin. According to ACOG and dermatological guidelines, allantoin is completely safe during pregnancy. The ingredient has minimal to no systemic absorption when applied topically and has been used safely in pregnancy for decades, including in medical ointments and hemorrhoid treatments commonly recommended to pregnant women. There is no evidence of teratogenic effects or developmental concerns. Dermatologists and obstetricians often recommend allantoin-containing products to pregnant women for treating common pregnancy-related skin issues such as itching, dryness, and inflammation. It is considered one of the safest soothing ingredients available.

BreastfeedingSAFE

Allantoin and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

Allantoin is a gentle, healing ingredient that soothes irritated skin and promotes tissue repair, making it particularly useful for breastfeeding mothers dealing with nipple sensitivity. The AAD and lactation consultants consider allantoin completely safe during breastfeeding. It has minimal systemic absorption and is often found in nipple creams and products specifically designed for breastfeeding mothers. The ingredient does not transfer to breast milk and poses no risks to infants. Allantoin is frequently recommended by healthcare providers for treating cracked or sore nipples during breastfeeding due to its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied to the nipple area without need for removal before breastfeeding.

PostpartumSAFE

Allantoin and postpartum

Safe to Use

Allantoin's healing and soothing properties make it particularly beneficial during postpartum recovery for addressing stretched, irritated, or damaged skin. There are no restrictions or concerns for postpartum use. The ingredient helps accelerate skin healing, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin texture during the recovery period.

Trying to ConceiveSAFE

Allantoin and trying to conceive

Safe to Use

Allantoin is a gentle, healing ingredient with no reproductive health concerns or hormonal effects. There is no evidence that allantoin affects fertility or reproductive function. Women trying to conceive can use allantoin-containing products without any concerns, and there is no need to discontinue use before or during conception attempts.

PCOSSAFE

Allantoin and PCOS

Safe to Use

Allantoin is a calming and anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help address skin irritation and sensitivity often experienced by women with PCOS. The ingredient has no hormonal activity and does not affect androgen levels or other hormonal markers. Its anti-inflammatory properties may be particularly beneficial for women with PCOS who experience inflammatory acne or sensitive skin. Dermatologists often recommend allantoin for women with PCOS as it soothes irritated skin without comedogenic effects or hormonal interference. It can be used safely alongside other PCOS-targeted treatments.

General UseSAFE

Allantoin and general use

Safe to Use

Allantoin is a naturally occurring compound found in botanical extracts like comfrey, though most cosmetic allantoin is synthetically produced. It functions as a skin-soothing, moisturizing, and keratolytic agent that promotes wound healing and cell regeneration. Allantoin helps remove dead skin cells, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation. According to the CIR Expert Panel, allantoin is safe for use in cosmetics with an excellent safety profile. Multiple studies show it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing even at high concentrations. The FDA includes allantoin as an approved active ingredient in over-the-counter skin protectant drugs, reflecting its well-established safety and efficacy. Both the FDA and EU Cosmetics Regulation permit unrestricted use of allantoin in cosmetics. It has been used safely in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical products for over 50 years, with consistent recognition as one of the gentlest and most effective soothing ingredients available.

Keep reading

Related ingredients

Allantoin is itself suggested as the safer option on these pages.

Provenance

Where this came from

Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.

Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .

One ingredient is the easy case.

A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.

Download on theApp Store