Urea

Urea is a skin-identical humectant and keratolytic component of the natural moisturizing factor in the stratum corneum. It supports lasting hydration, softens rough texture at higher levels, and helps keep skin flexible and comfortable.
Like this ingredient?

Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A natural moisturizer that hydrates and softens rough, dry skin.
Category
Hydration, Exfoliating, Barrier Support, Sensitive Skin
Type
Humectant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Great

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Boosts lasting moisture and softens rough, flaky patches for smoother-looking skin, and helps improve suppleness and comfort, especially on dry areas.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Featured in facial moisturizers, body lotions, hand creams, and intensive foot treatments; higher strengths appear in rough-skin care products.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Generally well tolerated and suitable for most skin types. Higher concentrations can cause transient stinging or burning, especially on cracked or compromised skin. No common cosmetic regulatory restrictions when used as directed.

Is Urea a Good Ingredient?

It rates Great as a skin-identical humectant with strong clinical support for hydration and keratolytic smoothing, and it's generally low in irritation at typical use levels. It performs effectively across a range of concentrations for moisture and texture refinement.

Products with Urea

Related Ingredients