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Allantoin, 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 a
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 includes cosmetic lotions, creams, suntan products, scalp
preparations, shampoos, lipsticks and various aerosol preparations. It is
used in topical pharmaceutical preparations. Allantoin has been used in
various oral hygiene preparations such as toothpaste and mouthwash as
well as in eye drops to treat watering eyes and in eardrops to clean
the ear canal.
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