Urea

[yu-rē-a]

Categories: Humectants


Urea Skin Benefits:
Moisturizing
Soothing

Although known as an organic waste compound, urea is present in every healthy skin cell. It forms after the body metabolizes proteins. In skin care, urea is synthetically made and added to a wide variety of cosmetic products- moisturizers, cleansers, eye creams, foundations, lip balms, etc.  Due to its high quality humectant or hydrating properties, it is common for skincare companies to use urea for skin hydration enhancement purposes. Additionally, urea can also provide soothing properties that can help alleviate dry skin.1 2

  1. Andersson, A. C. et al. The effect of two urea-containing creams on dry, eczematous skin in atopic patients. I. Expert, patient and instrumental evaluation. Journal of dermatological treatment 10.3, 165-169 (1999)
  2. Grether-Beck, S. et al. Urea uptake enhances barrier function and antimicrobial defense in humans by regulating epidermal gene expression. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 132.6, 1561-1572 (2012)