Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism and a normal metabolic constituent in biological organisms. Urea minimizes the change in the acid/base balance of a product when other ingredients are added to that product. It also slows the loss of moisture from a product during use. When used in the formulation of skincare products, Urea increases the water content of the top layers of the skin Urea is used to help with the rapid turnover of skin cells leading to the improvement of dry, scaly skin. Urea is both a humectant and moisturizer that promotes rehydration of the skin and helps to replenish the natural urea content of the skin lost with cleansing. It’s a fantastic non-irritating moisturizer that allows our skin cells to turn over faster.
Urea also provides gentle exfoliation, can softens the dry skin on feet, knees, and elbows. It reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and helps the skin become more resilient.
INCI
Urea
BENEFITS
– Excellent moisturizer and humectant
– Replenishes natural urea content in skin after cleansing (avoids dryness)
– Keratolytic properties (skin-exfoliating) at higher concentrations
– Has purifying and deodorizing effects
HIGH PERFORMANCE INGREDIENT
– Moisturizing Agent
– Skin Replenishing
FORMULA LAYER
Functional – Humectant, Functional – Exfoliator
USAGE RATE
Add to water phase
Usually 2 – 15%, but used up to 40%
SOLUBILITY
Water
TYPE/CHARGE
None
SCENT
None
APPEARANCE
White to off-white crystal
SKIN TYPES
All Skin Types
PRODUCTS
Moisturiser , Cream/Lotion, Body Care, Face Care, Sun Care, Hair Care, Scrub, Shower Products
SUBSTITUTION
Panthenol, Allantoin share some similarities with urea, though none are a perfect substitute
Categories: Functional – Humectant, Functional – Exfoliant