Urea in skincare
A water-binding substance also found among the skin's natural moisturising factors.
What is urea?
A water-binding substance also found among the skin's natural moisturising factors. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Urea. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does urea do for skin and the product?
Binds water in the stratum corneum. At higher concentrations, it is also used for rough, thickened skin.
Humectants work with water in the skin's stratum corneum. They are often combined with lipids that make the surface supple and limit moisture loss. These are different tasks within the same moisturising care.
May sting on cracked or irritated skin. Concentration makes a difference.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about urea
What does urea do in skincare?
Binds water in the stratum corneum. At higher concentrations, it is also used for rough, thickened skin.
What should I know about urea?
May sting on cracked or irritated skin. Concentration makes a difference.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations