Allantoin chemicals used in cosmetics, by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Allantoin cream

Allantoin is an oxidative end product of purines in mammals. The small amount of allantoin present in human plasma or serum results from free radical action on urate and may provide a stable marker of in vivo free radical activity.
 

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Allantoin cream
Allantoin is also a plant extract of the comfrey plant and is used as a cream in cosmetic products for its soothing and anti-irritating properties. Allantoin extract can be found in anti-acne products, sun care products, and clarifying lotions.

Allantoin and uric acid
The diureide of glyoxylic acid is a crystallizable oxidation product of uric acid found in allantoic and amniotic fluids, in fetal urine and in many plants. (Ureide is a compound derived from urea and contains acid radicles. Those from one molecule of urea, as alloxan, are monoureides; those derived from two, as uric acid, are diureides). Allantoin is an urinary excretion product of purine metabolism in most mammals but not in higher apes including humans. It is produced synthetically by the oxidation of uric acid. Allantoin is active in skin-softening (keratolytic effect) and rapid cell regeneration by precipitating proteins on skin. It is used as an abrasive and astringent agent in the end products include cosmetic lotions, creams, suntan products, scalp preparations, shampoos , lipsticks and and various aerosol preparations. It is used in topical pharmaceutical preparations. Allantoin has been used in various oral hygeine preparations such as toothpaste and mouthwash as well as in eye drops to treat watering eyes and in ear drops to clean the ear canal.

In plants the ureides allantoin (ALN) and allantoic acid (ALA) are formed in purine metabolism, and in some legumes both compounds play an important role as nitrogen (N) sources. In coffee plants, Allantoin and ALA are catabolites of caffeine degradation. Caffeine is found throughout the coffee plant and in some parts this alkaloid can accumulate up to 4% dry basis. Therefore, caffeine degradation via ureides may make an important contribution to N metabolism of the plant.

Allantoin and Behcet's disease
Evaluation of allantoin levels as a new marker of oxidative stress in Behcet's disease.
Scand J Rheumatol. 2006 Jan-Feb;35(1):61-4. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Etiler, Ankara, Turkey.
The increased production of reactive oxygen species from activated neutrophils in Behcet's disease (BD) and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) may result in increased oxidative stress. Uric acid can react rapidly with neutrophil-derived ROS to form allantoin. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the serum levels of allantoin as a new marker of oxidative stress in BD compared with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a well-known marker. Blood samples were obtained from 23 BD patients, 22 RAS patients as positive controls, and 21 healthy controls. When compared to the healthy controls, we found higher allantoin and MDA levels in the BD patients and higher MDA levels in the RAS patients. Serum ascorbic acid levels in the BD patients were significantly lower than in the controls. Increased allantoin and MDA levels suggest the possible involvement of free radicals in BD. As allantoin is only a product of uric acid oxidation by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, it may also be used as a marker of oxidative stress in BD.