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Urea, also known as carbamide, is a keratolytic (peeling) agent used in some skin care products. Ingredients with keratolytic properties are used to soften and remove the outer layer of dead skin cells.
Urea is found in the skin, where it helps maintain barrier function and provide moisture. And as you may have suspected from the name, urea is found in urine. Urea is produced in your liver and is a breakdown product of amino acids.
People with psoriasis and other skin conditions may have less natural urea in their skin than is optimal for barrier function and hydration.
In products, urea is measured in percentages. The higher the percentage, the more exfoliation it provides.
Skin creams containing less than 10 percent urea are used to hydrate dry skin. Products containing 10 percent or more have keratolytic properties and are beneficial for exfoliation as well as hydration. Some products contain 40 percent urea. These are used to remove hard or rough patches of thickened dead skin, such as those found on the heels.
- Brand reputation. We have chosen products from reputable manufacturers based in the United States or overseas that can be purchased from reputable retailers in the United States.
- Other ingredients. In addition to urea, each product contains ingredients that hydrate dry or very dry skin. Some are particularly beneficial for certain conditions, such as psoriasis.
- Reputation of the retailer. We have done our best to include only reputable sellers as well as manufacturers. While shopping, we suggest that you read customer seller reviews of sellers before purchasing. Since urea is difficult to find in the United States, some sellers are substituting products that do not contain this ingredient. Others sell discontinued products at a very high price.
Certain types of synthetic urea, such as imidazolidinylurea and diazolidinylurea, are formaldehyde liberators. This, coupled with the “pee mythâ€, may explain why it is difficult to find a large selection of urea-containing skin care products, especially in the United States.
Psoriasis CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
In addition to urea, this moisturizer contains salicylic acid, ceramides and vitamin B3 (niacinamide).
It provides moisture to help strengthen the outer layer of the skin. It can also reduce the symptoms of psoriasis such as itching, redness, and peeling.
It has the seal of recognition of the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS Cream 30% Urea
Eucerin produces a range of UreaRepair lotions, creams and foams which contain varying percentages of urea. At 30 percent, this cream is beneficial for very rough and dry areas of skin on areas of the body such as elbows, feet, and knees. It should not be used on the face or other delicate areas of the skin.
It also contains ceramides and a group of moisturizers that Eucerin calls NMF (natural moisturizing factors).
Radically Different Moisturizing Lotion from Clinique
This facial moisturizer is designed to be light, smooth, and easily absorbed. It is also fragrance free.
It is a suitable choice for normal, dry, or combination skin, but may not provide enough hydration for very dry skin.
In addition to urea, it contains ingredients like mineral oil and glycerin to help retain moisture.
Cetaphil Daily Smoothing Moisturizer for Rough, Bumpy Skin
This lotion is fragrance and odorless. With 20 percent urea, it’s a good choice for dry or very dry skin on the body and feet.
It is designed to reduce dryness and dramatically stop itching by strengthening the skin’s natural moisture barrier and deeply hydrating the skin.
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Foot Cream
If you have rough or cracked skin on your heels or toes, this product may be a good choice for you. It contains urea, aloe, and nutrients that are beneficial for dry skin, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
It thickens but absorbs quickly. It has a light scent but is not fragrance free. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to do a patch test to make sure you don’t have a reaction and that you don’t have any allergies to any of its ingredients.
Users say that this foot cream also works well on the elbows and dry areas of the skin of the body.
Ordinary Natural Hydration Factors + HA
This facial moisturizer is vegan and alcohol free. It is formulated to hydrate all skin types including dry, normal and sensitive skin. It is designed to provide a soft, non-greasy feel on the skin.
In addition to urea, it contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides and moisturizing sugars of plant origin.
Products containing urea can be difficult to find. However, urea provides powerful hydration, hydration and exfoliation for the benefit of dry and problematic skin.
When buying products that contain urea, note the percentage it contains. Lower percentages are suitable for facial skin and dry body skin. Higher percentages are more suitable for very rough, cracked, or dead skin that requires exfoliation.
