What Does Urea Do in Your Skincare? Benefits and Uses

Urea, also known as carbamide, is naturally produced by the liver. It can absorb water in your skin and is an important part of your body’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF).

Urea was initially used to treat wounds because of its antibacterial properties and ability to break down proteins. Later, it was added to skincare products.

Urea products are used for dry skin and to manage several skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and keratosis.

Skincare products often contain urea because it can address flaky, itchy, scaling, or dry skin by adding moisture and exfoliating dead skin cells. Urea can also promote new cell growth, soothe irritation, and improve the effectiveness of other ingredients. Here are some potential benefits of using urea-containing products for skin care:

• Moisturizes your skin: Urea is a humectant, meaning it can keep your skin moist by drawing water from your skin’s deeper layers and the air. Multiple studies have found that products with urea can successfully treat dry skin, particularly on the feet.
• Helps remove keratin and dead skin cells: Urea is a keratolytic agent, meaning it can break down the protein keratin in the outer layer of your skin. This may help reduce flaking and scaling skin and lessen corns or calluses.
• Supports antifungal medications: Fungal infections like onychomycosis are typically treated with topical or oral antifungal medications. Research suggests that using topical urea in addition to these medications may make the treatment more successful. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Improves the effectiveness of other medications: Urea may also improve the potency of other medications. One study found that urea may help medications like metronidazole penetrate the skin. However, research is needed in humans to confirm its effectiveness.
• Counters the effects of aging: Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause your skin to age, particularly on your hands. Research has shown urea may help improve the appearance of photodamaged skin.

Urea is often used to maintain a strong and hydrated skin barrier and can be found in various skincare products, including body washes, moisturizers, creams, and lotions. These products can help remove excess dead skin cells depending on their urea concentration.

For this reason, products with urea are often used to improve skin conditions that create dry, itchy, flaky, and scaly skin, like eczema and psoriasis. One review found that urea is useful in treating the following conditions:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Corns and calluses
• Ichthyosis (thick, scaly skin)
• Keratosis
• Keratoderma
• Psoriasis
• Xerosis (dry skin)

When selecting a product containing urea, pick one that contains a percentage designed to meet your goals. Products with lower concentrations of urea (2–10%) can help improve xerosis, while medium concentrations (10–30%) are useful in treating atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Large concentrations (30% or more) may help with ichthyosis.

After selecting the right product for your skin type and needs, follow the product instructions for application—unless your healthcare provider has recommended specific instructions.

You will typically apply the product twice a day. Creams, lotions, and gels containing urea are often humectant emollients with a large occlusive effect—or the ability to prevent water loss and keep your skin hydrated—and can last six to 24 hours. They may leave a thicker film on your skin than products with a lower occlusive effect.

If your healthcare provider has suggested a product containing urea, follow their instructions for use. Otherwise, here are general steps to follow when applying urea-containing products to your entire body:

1. Soak in a lukewarm bath for 5-10 minutes
2. Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, and resist the urge to scrub your skin
3. Rinse off with lukewarm water
4. Pat your skin lightly with a towel, leaving your skin slightly damp
5. Apply any prescription topicals as directed
6. Add the urea-containing moisturizer to the rest of your body within three minutes
7. Avoid putting the urea product over the areas with the prescription medication
8. Wait a few minutes for the products to absorb into your skin, then get dressed

Research indicates that topical products containing urea are usually well-tolerated. However, people with sensitive skin may experience mild skin irritation, which is often more prevalent with higher percentages of urea. This reaction is usually temporary, resolving on its own.

It is possible to have an allergic reaction such as contact dermatitis, though this is rare and usually only happens with products containing higher amounts of urea.

Before using a product containing urea, test it on a small patch of skin at the bend of your elbow. Apply a quarter-size amount for 7-10 days. If there is no noticeable skin reaction, you can likely continue using the product on larger areas of skin. However, you may still want to check with a dermatologist first.

Urea appears on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medications due to its safety and effectiveness. Researchers have found that even in large doses, urea is safe for topical use long-term with a low risk of side effects.

Urea is produced naturally in the body but can also be synthesized and added to skincare products.

People with eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis may find products containing urea particularly useful in managing their symptoms. Urea can also help remove keratin found in calluses and corns.

If you are considering using urea-containing products on your skin, talk to a healthcare provider to ensure it is right for you.