Urea

Urea — a component of the skin's own natural moisturizing factor that works as both a humectant and, at higher concentrations, a mild exfoliant. It helps skin hold water at low levels and can soften and smooth rough, thickened, or dry skin at higher levels.

Key points

• At lower concentrations it acts mainly as a humectant, drawing and binding water to hydrate skin.
• At higher concentrations it becomes keratolytic, helping to loosen and shed rough or built-up skin cells.
• It occurs naturally in skin as part of the natural moisturizing factor that keeps the barrier hydrated.
• It is often used for dry, flaky, or rough areas such as elbows, knees, feet, and body skin.

Frequently asked

Why does urea appear in both moisturizers and exfoliating products?

Its effect depends on concentration; lower levels hydrate as a humectant, while higher levels help soften and remove rough, thickened skin.

Is urea suitable for sensitive skin?

Lower-concentration urea is generally well tolerated, but higher exfoliating strengths may cause tingling on very sensitive or compromised skin, so patch testing is wise.

Related topics

• Vitamin C in Skincare
• Retinol: The Complete Guide

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.