What is it?

Urea is a endogenously produced molecule by the human body and occurs naturally in the skin. It originates from  protein metabolism and other organic nitrogen compounds.

As one of the components of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), urea helps maintain the skin's hydration levels: in healthy skin, for example, urea makes up 7% of the NMF, a percentage that unfortunately decreases with age.

What is this for?

Urea is one of the most widely studied substances, especially for specialized products for dry skin dry skin, urea plays an important role in maintaining hydration and the integrity of the epidermis.

It acts as a humectant, increasing the water content in the skin and preventing moisture loss (TEWL: trans-epidermic water loss).

Despite the continuous discovery of new skincare ingredients and formulations, urea is still one of the most important molecules available to dermatologists for treating conditions involving skin barrier dysfunction, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.

When to Use Urea Creams

If you’ve ever wondered if urea creams are harmful, the answer is absolutely no—quite the opposite. These products are especially beneficial for dry, scaly, or rough skin. They can be used in several situations:

  • A urea foot cream can soften corns and calluses, thanks to its keratolytic properties.
  • It can be an effective aid in treating skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis, where skin can become particularly dry and inflamed. It helps reduce the buildup of the epidermis’s stratum corneum. Application is recommended especially after a bath or shower, when the skin is most receptive to absorbing moisturizing ingredients, restoring the necessary moisture level.

Urea creams can also be used as part of a daily skincare routine to keep skin soft and hydrated. However, as with all skin care products, it’s important to test the cream on a small area of skin before full use, to ensure you do not have any allergic reactions or sensitivity.

Products with Urea

Urea is found primarily in creams formulated for dry skin, as well as in emulsions, lotions, and masks.

Topical formulations containing urea are available in various concentrations and offer a wide range of options to improve skin conditions and skin barrier health. 

When present at low concentrations (≤20%) it acts primarily as a skin moisturizer, while at higher concentrations (>20%) it has a keratolytic and emollient action.

  • Product Packaging and Label Photo: Moisturizing Body Cream

    Moisturizing Body Cream

    Moisturizing and emollient body cream, with a lightweight, silky texture that deeply nourishes and restores the hydrolipidic film, improving skin elasticity.

    Function Moisturizer, Emollient, Soothing
    Ingredients Urea, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide (+)
    Use Every day
  • Product packaging and label photo: Hand Cream

    Hand Cream

    Repairing hand cream, hydrating, emollient, with a lightweight, comfortable texture and a silky, non-greasy after-feel.

    Function Moisturizer, Soothing, Emollient
    Ingredients Urea, Panthenol, Niacinamide (+)
    Use Every day