allantoin

noun

al·​lan·​to·​in ə-ˈlan-tə-wən How to pronounce allantoin (audio)
: a crystalline oxidation product C4H6N4O3 of uric acid used to promote healing of local wounds and infections

Examples of allantoin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Niacinamide, glycerin, and prickly pear help with hydration, and vitamin E, allantoin and tremella mushroom help to keep skin soft and glowing. Emilia Benton, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2024 Its conditioning blend of sensitive skin-friendly ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, and allantoin help restore the skin barrier and stave off dryness all day long. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 July 2024 The formula also contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal and allantoin to further curb irritation. Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 30 Aug. 2023 There's also some calming allantoin in there, too. Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 18 Oct. 2020 Also including allantoin, an effective anti-irritant, and provitamin B5, which helps restore the skin’s barrier to retain moisture, Cella’s Organic Aftershave Lotion soothes the skin while promoting cell regeneration. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022 This Aveeno shave gel is formulated with oats, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sunflower seed oil, allantoin, and glycerin. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022 Other effective ingredients, like ceramides, retinol, allantoin and eyeseryl, tighten the skin, reduce puffiness and smooth out any imperfections. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 May 2022 Finally, Odor & Enhanced Sweat Control is a strong antiperspirant that tackles odor and sweat with aluminum and allantoin. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 25 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allantoin, from Allantois allantois + -in -in entry 1; so called because it was found in the allantoic fluid of cows

Note: The term was introduced by Justus von liebig in "Ueber einer neuen Apparat zur Analyse organischer Körper und über die Zusammensetzung einiger organischen Substanzen," Annalen der Physik und Chemie, 2. Folge, 21. Band (1831), p. 34.

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allantoin was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near allantoin

Cite this Entry

“Allantoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allantoin. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

allantoin

noun
al·​lan·​to·​in ə-ˈlan-tə-wən How to pronounce allantoin (audio)
: a nitrogenous compound C4H6N4O3 that occurs in many organisms as a product of the oxidative degradation of purine, is often synthetically manufactured, and is used as an ingredient in various topical products (such as skin cream, shampoo, and makeup) especially to soothe irritated skin, relieve dryness, and promote healing

Note: In humans, allantoin is formed by the oxidation of uric acid and is excreted in the urine.

… a uric acid–specific enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of uric acid to allantoin, an inert water soluble purine metabolite, thereby lowering serum uric acid.Gerald G. Briggs, Rheumatology News
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