Urea — Ingredients

Category: Ingredients

A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that softens keratin and attracts moisture

What is Urea?

A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that softens keratin and attracts moisture

At 5% or less it provides hydration; at 10% or more it has keratolytic effects. Effective for xerosis and keratosis.

Main causes & characteristics of Urea

Urea is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and is known to work through a mechanism that draws in moisture and loosens the bonds of the stratum corneum. Its action is described as varying depending on concentration — lower concentrations tend toward moisturization, while higher concentrations tend toward softening and exfoliating thickened skin. It is frequently associated with dry, thickened skin conditions.

Managing Urea

Low-concentration products around 5% can be used comfortably as a general body moisturizer, while concentrations of 10% or higher are generally recommended for targeted application on rough or thickened areas. Areas with open wounds or active irritation should be avoided, and if stinging or redness persists, reducing use and consulting a dermatologist is recommended.

Related information

It is frequently mentioned alongside moisturizing and skin-smoothing ingredients such as glycerin, lactic acid, and salicylic acid in foot care and body products. It is referenced in the management of skin with pronounced dry keratinization.

Everyday care tips

For thick, rough areas such as heels, applying the product when the skin still has residual moisture after bathing and then occluding the area can enhance the moisturizing effect.

Manage Urea with SKINROUTE

  • Skin100 Analysis — Skin100 precision analysis — 100+ questionnaire items analyzed by AI into 8 core skin factors
  • AI Skin Consultation — AI skin consultation chat — ask questions about your skin in your language
  • AI Challenge — AI-personalized 4–20 week skincare challenge based on your analysis results

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Urea?
A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that softens keratin and attracts moisture Urea is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and is known to work through a mechanism that draws in moisture and loosens the bonds of the stratum corneum. Its action is described as varying depending on concentration — lower concentrations tend toward moisturization, while higher concentrations tend toward softening and exfoliating thickened skin. It is frequently associated with dry, thickened skin conditions.
Managing Urea
Low-concentration products around 5% can be used comfortably as a general body moisturizer, while concentrations of 10% or higher are generally recommended for targeted application on rough or thickened areas. Areas with open wounds or active irritation should be avoided, and if stinging or redness persists, reducing use and consulting a dermatologist is recommended.

Related Entries

Explore Other Categories

Medical Disclaimer

SKINROUTE is not a medical device. All content is provided for general skincare information purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect a skin disease, please consult a board-certified dermatologist.