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

Products with Urea

96
Eucerin
Advanced Repair Lotion

References

CIR Final Report: Urea ↗

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.