Urea
尿素
Also known as: Carbamide
What it does
- Powerful humectant
- Keratolytic at higher concentrations
- Enhances penetration
Effective concentration
Minimum 2% Optimal 5-10% Maximum Beneficial 40% (foot creams)
2-10% moisturizing. 10-30% keratolytic. 40%+ nail conditions.
Evidence
Strong evidenceExtensively studied. Naturally present in skin as part of NMF.
Skin types
Well suited for: Dry Very Dry Keratosis Pilaris
Use with caution: Sensitive Broken Skin
Excellent for very dry skin. May sting on broken skin.
Helps with
Dryness Rough Texture Keratosis Pilaris Cracked Skin
Irritation potential
Low
Comedogenic rating
0 / 5
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy
Safe.
Good to know
Dermatologist favorite for very dry skin. Part of skin's natural moisturizing system.
References
Compound data from PubChem (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Further reading
- Supportive Treatments for Patients with Cancer — Dtsch Arztebl Int (2017)
- The dark side of beauty: an in-depth analysis of the health hazards and toxicological impact of synthetic cosmetics and personal care products — Front Public Health (2024)
Selected peer-reviewed reviews on this ingredient, indexed by Europe PMC. Provided as background, not proof of any specific claim.
Related ingredients
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Analyze a productEducational information only — not medical advice. Always patch test and consult a dermatologist for skin concerns.