Can urea in skincare products irritate or sting my skin?

Urea is a natural component of skin's own moisturizing system. Low percentages work as a humectant, but higher concentrations, particularly 10 percent or above, can sting or irritate broken or eczema-prone skin and should be patch tested by sensitive individuals.

Is the urea in cosmetics the same as urine?

Urea is a nitrogen compound present naturally in both urine and skin, but cosmetic-grade urea is synthesized in the lab. The refined ingredient is safe at concentrations used in skincare products.

humectant · exfoliant

Urea

Watch if sensitive·Strong evidence

A natural component of skin's own moisturizing system, used at low percentages as a humectant and at higher percentages (10 percent plus) as a mild keratolytic for very dry or rough skin. It can sting broken or eczema-prone skin, especially at higher concentrations.

Worth knowing

Can irritate, especially left on

Questions

Can urea in skincare products irritate or sting my skin?: Urea is a natural component of skin's own moisturizing system. Low percentages work as a humectant, but higher concentrations, particularly 10 percent or above, can sting or irritate broken or eczema-prone skin and should be patch tested by sensitive individuals.
Is the urea in cosmetics the same as urine?: Urea is a nitrogen compound present naturally in both urine and skin, but cosmetic-grade urea is synthesized in the lab. The refined ingredient is safe at concentrations used in skincare products.

Products with Urea

References

CIR Final Report: Urea ↗

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.