Ingredient Guide

Urea

Also known as: Carbamide, Urea (humectant/keratolytic)

DryNormalCombinationRough or thick-textured areas

What It Is

A naturally occurring compound in skin (part of the NMF) that acts as both a humectant and, at higher concentrations, a mild exfoliant (keratolytic).

What It Does

At lower concentrations (2–5%): hydrates and softens skin. At higher concentrations (10–20%+): exfoliates and softens thickened, rough, or callused skin.

Best For

Dry and rough skinFlaky patchesThick skin textureHydration support

Benefits

  • Dual-function: hydrates at low % and exfoliates at high %
  • Skin-identical — mimics what skin produces naturally
  • Excellent for rough, dry, and thickened skin patches
  • Often included in moisturizers for enhanced water retention

When to Be Careful

  • At higher concentrations, can be too strong for very sensitive or barrier-compromised skin
  • The name puts people off despite its cosmetic safety and effectiveness
ItGirlies Ingredient Intelligence
Why This Gets Hype

Urea became a trending ingredient as skincare communities dove into the science of the Natural Moisturizing Factor. Its combination of humectant and keratolytic properties in one molecule is genuinely useful.

What People Often Misunderstand

The name causes an automatic negative reaction. Cosmetic-grade urea is synthetic, odorless, and has nothing in common with what the name suggests. It's one of the most well-researched moisturizing ingredients in dermatology.

Best Routine Slot

Depends on the product. In a moisturizer: final hydration step. In a targeted treatment: applied as directed (often evening for higher concentrations).

Good Match For

Dry and dehydrated skin, rough patches, dry heels and elbows, anyone with a compromised NMF. Great in barrier-supportive moisturizers.

Proceed Carefully If…

At concentrations above 10%, urea can be too strong for reactive or sensitive skin. Higher concentrations are better for localized treatment on tough areas.

Signs You May Be Overdoing It

Stinging or increased sensitivity — typically only at higher concentrations applied to already-irritated skin.

Commonly Found In

MoisturizersFoot creamsExfoliating serumsBody treatments

Products Containing Urea

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
The Ordinary
Rice Lipids + Ectoin Microemulsion
The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides
The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan
The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Scalp Serum
The Ordinary
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
The Ordinary

FAQs About Urea

Is urea in skincare the same as what the name implies?
No — cosmetic urea is synthetic and odorless. It has nothing in common with what the name suggests. It's one of the safest and most well-researched moisturizing ingredients used in dermatology.
What percentage of urea is best for face use?
For the face, 2–5% urea is most common — it hydrates without the keratolytic intensity of higher concentrations. 10–20%+ is better suited to body use and specific rough-skin treatments.
Can urea help with dry skin on the body?
Yes — higher-concentration urea creams are one of the most effective options for chronically dry, rough, or thickened skin on the body, elbows, heels, and scalp.
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