Urea (also called carbamide) is an organic compound synthesized by many organisms including humans. It may be found dissolved in blood, is excreted by the kidneys in urine and also excreted in sweat. Urea is essential in human metabolism, where it contributes to proper functioning of the kidneys. It may be used in agriculture as a fertilizer (urea contains a lot of nitrogen).
When it comes to skin care, urea is part of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). It has humectant properties, helping it to attract moisture to the skin. Additionally, urea has exfoliant properties, helping to remove dead, dry skin cells and allowing new, healthier skin to show through.
Skin care products contain synthetic urea (lab manufactured) and are recommended for treating skin conditions such as eczema, ichthyosis, xeroderma, hyperkeratosis and dandruff. Urea penetrates the top layer of the skin and increases water retention, thus providing relief to dry skin. Dry skin conditions have been found to contain less than 50% of the urea content of normal, healthy skin.
Although urea is beneficial to dry skin, it can also cause irritation so take care when introducing a new product.
You can find urea in topical preparations with concentrations ranging from 3 to 40%. I’m a big fan of La Roche Posay Iso Urea, which contains 5% urea along with shea butter to help moisturize. Try it on rough, dry winter skin.
