Oregon Esthetician State Board

What type of skin benefit does allantoin provide?

1. It acts as an emollient

2. It serves as a pH adjuster

3. It promotes healing

4. It is an astringent

The correct answer is: It promotes healing

Allantoin is a naturally occurring compound that is renowned for its skin healing properties. It promotes healing by stimulating cell proliferation, which aids in the regeneration of tissue. Additionally, allantoin has soothing characteristics that can help alleviate irritation and redness, making it highly effective for a variety of skin conditions. Its ability to promote the healing of damaged skin and enhance moisture retention further underscores its role in skin care formulations focused on recovery and rejuvenation. In contrast, emollients primarily provide moisturizing benefits by creating a barrier on the skin's surface, a function that allantoin does not specifically fulfill. A pH adjuster is useful for balancing the acidity or alkalinity of a product but does not directly relate to skin healing. Lastly, while astringents serve to tighten and reduce oiliness in the skin, they do not engage in the healing or regenerative processes attributed to allantoin. Thus, the correct answer highlights the unique capability of allantoin to promote healing in the skin.