Allantoin

Allantoin is a small nitrogen-containing compound found naturally in comfrey and in many plants and animals. The cosmetic material is usually made synthetically, from urea and glyoxylic acid, and sold as a fine white powder.

• Formula: C4H6N4O3
• CAS number: 97-59-6
• Molar mass: about 158.12 g/mol
• Appearance: colourless or white crystalline powder, odourless
• Solubility: about 0.57 g per 100 mL water at 25 °C, rising to about 4 g at 75 °C
• Melting point: about 230 °C, with decomposition

Azlok lists Allantoin under cosmetic raw ingredients, so it is cosmetic grade material for skin care, hair care and lip products. The product name doesn't give a pack size; check the listing for available weights. See today's price per kg.

• Skin care: skin-conditioning agent in creams, lotions, body butters and gels, including formulas aimed at dry or rough skin.
• Lips and shaving: lip balms, after-shave balms and shaving creams.
• Hair care: shampoos and conditioners.
• Oral care: some toothpastes and mouthwashes made by licensed manufacturers.

It has no smell or colour of its own, so it doesn't change how a product looks or smells, which makes it easy to add to an existing formula.

Typical use levels in published supplier ranges are 0.1 to 0.5% of the total formula. That is 0.1 to 0.5 g in 100 g of cream, so weigh it on a scale that reads 0.01 g.

1. Add it to the water phase.
2. Warm the water phase gently and stir until the powder disappears. At room temperature it dissolves only to about half a percent, so heat helps.
3. Keep heating moderate; prolonged heating above about 80 °C is generally avoided in supplier guidance.
4. Keep the finished product between roughly pH 4 and 8, where allantoin is stable.

If you use too much, it can recrystallise as you cool, leaving a gritty feel. Stay within the usual range.

• It is a low-hazard powder, but avoid breathing dust and getting it in your eyes. Rinse with water if it does.
• Store in a closed container in a cool, dry place, away from strong oxidisers and strong alkalis.
• Patch test every finished product on a small area of skin for 24 to 48 hours before wider use.
• Finished cosmetics sold in India must meet BIS and CDSCO requirements; don't make medical claims on your labels.
• Keep away from children.

Cosmetic grade is right for creams, balms and shampoos. Because you use so little, a small pack lasts a home formulator a long time; 100 g is enough for at least 20 kg of finished cream at 0.5%.

Ask for a certificate of analysis if you sell finished products, so you have the batch details on file. Small brands making regular batches can buy more, as allantoin keeps well when stored dry. For 25 kg and above, use the bulk inquiry form.