Urea

Urea (Carbamide)

Benefits: Intensely moisturizing, Softening, Mildly exfoliating, Barrier-strengthening
Categories: Dry skin conditions, Wounds and cracks.
Skin types: Dry skin, Very dry skin, Mature skin

Imagine an ingredient that can give your dry skin exactly what it lacks. An ingredient that your skin immediately recognizes and welcomes. That is urea, also known as carbamide. It is one of the most effective and proven ingredients for treating dryness, as it is a natural part of the skin's own moisture system.

Urea is a true all-rounder. In low doses, it acts as a super-moisturizer that attracts and binds water in the skin. In higher doses, it gains a second superpower: it can dissolve and soften hard, dry, and flaky skin. This makes it a hero for everything from surface-dry facial skin to cracked heels.

Benefits of urea

Urea is a "gold standard" ingredient recommended by dermatologists worldwide for its reliable and dual action. It provides both immediate relief and long-term improvement for dry skin. Here are its most important benefits:

• Provides superior hydration: Urea is one of the most effective moisture binders (humectants) available. It significantly increases the water content in the skin's outermost layer, which counteracts dryness and tightness.
• Softens and exfoliates: In higher concentrations, urea has a keratolytic effect. This is a technical word meaning it can dissolve the protein bonds that hold onto dry, dead skin cells. This makes it fantastic for softening calluses and flaky skin.
• Strengthens the skin's protective barrier: Urea not only helps to moisturize, it also strengthens the skin's barrier function. This reduces moisture loss and makes the skin more resistant to external stress.
• Relieves itching: Dry skin often itches. Urea has a proven effect in relieving and soothing the itching associated with extreme dryness and eczema.

Skin types and areas of use

Urea is the best friend of all types of dry skin. Depending on the concentration, it can be used for different purposes, from daily moisturizing to intensive treatment of problem areas.

• In lower doses (under 10%): For dry, surface-dry, or mature facial skin that needs daily, intensive moisture.
• In higher doses (over 10%): As a special treatment for cracked heels, dry elbows, calluses, and bumpy skin (keratosis pilaris).
• To soothe and moisturize skin prone to eczema or psoriasis.

How to use urea

It is easy to use urea, but it is important to choose the right product for the right purpose. Here are our best tips:

• Application: On the face, use a moisturizer with a lower concentration (2-10%). For the body, use a richer cream with a higher concentration (10-40%) and focus on the specific problem areas.
• Frequency: Can be used every day. For the best effect on very dry areas, feel free to use it both morning and evening.
• Timing: Perfect after a shower or bath when the skin is still slightly damp. This helps to lock in extra moisture.
• Combine with: Urea is an excellent team player and works well with most other ingredients. It can even help other active ingredients penetrate the skin better.

FAQ

Is urea safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, in low concentrations, urea is very safe and often recommended for sensitive, dry skin. In higher concentrations, however, it can cause a slight, temporary stinging, especially if the skin is cracked. This is normal and not dangerous.

Can I use a foot cream with a high urea content on my face?

No, we do not recommend that. Products with a high concentration of urea are formulated for the thick skin on the body. They are far too powerful and can be very irritating to the thinner skin on the face.

Does the urea in my cream come from pee?

No, absolutely not! This is an old myth. All urea used in skincare and medicine today is 100% synthetically produced in a laboratory to guarantee that it is completely pure, safe, and effective.

What is the difference between urea and hyaluronic acid?

Both are fantastic moisture binders. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to bind enormous amounts of water and provide a "plumping" effect. Urea is a smaller molecule that not only moisturizes, but also has the unique ability to strengthen the barrier and, in higher doses, dissolve dry skin. Urea is often more effective for treating extreme dryness and flakiness.