Allantoin

Allantoin is a fluffy, white powder that is made from uric acid, a derivative of nucleic acids. This ingredient is water-soluble and has humectant properties.

A humectant is a type of ingredient that draws water onto the surface of the skin, either from the environment or from deeper layers of the skin. Allantoin is useful for this purpose because of its water-loving chemistry. In addition to being a humectant, allantoin has also shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.

Some studies even suggest that it has wound healing properties, but that claim requires more information before being proven.