Urea | Urea
Category
Humidifiers
Urea, also known as carbamide, is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is excellent for cosmetic products. Its chemical formula is CO(NH₂)₂, and its main function is to moisturize and soften the skin. Urea acts as a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture from the environment, making the skin smoother and more elastic. In addition, it helps maintain the skin barrier and promotes cell renewal. Urea can be obtained both naturally, from the human body, and synthetically, which ensures its availability and purity. This substance is especially valuable for dry, rough skin because it helps reduce itching and flaking. Its versatility and effectiveness make urea a popular choice in many creams, lotions, and other skin care products.
Purpose and Benefits
Urea has the exceptional ability to not only moisturize but also gently exfoliate the skin. This means it helps remove dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, brighter epidermal surface. The gentle mechanism of action does not irritate the skin, making urea particularly suitable for sensitive or problematic skin that is prone to redness or flaking. This property also contributes to a more even skin texture and color, making cosmetic products with urea indispensable for those seeking revitalized and healthy-looking skin. Another unique advantage of this substance is its ability to enhance the effect of other active ingredients. Urea acts as a so-called “open pathway” for the skin, allowing deeper penetration of active substances into the epidermal layers. This makes it an excellent addition to formulas containing vitamins, peptides, or antioxidants. By using urea, skin care products become more effective and the results are more noticeable. Urea also has something to offer in hair care products. It can moisturize the scalp and reduce dryness, which often causes itching or dandruff. In addition, urea helps strengthen hair by improving its elasticity and protecting it from breakage. This substance promotes the health of hair roots, so formulas containing urea are often recommended for people seeking thicker, stronger hair. Urea also breaks stereotypes about minimalist cosmetics. Its multifunctionality and ability to act as both a moisturizer and a regeneration promoter allow for a reduction in the number of ingredients in products. Such products become not only effective but also more skin-friendly, as fewer ingredients mean a lower risk of irritation or allergy.
Security Information
Urea has a good safety profile, but like any cosmetic ingredient, it can cause some sensitivity or allergic reactions. Although adverse effects are rare, some users may experience skin irritation, itching, or rashes, especially at higher concentrations. A patch test is recommended, especially for those with sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions. Regulatory authorities, such as the European Cosmetics Regulation, recognize urea as a safe ingredient in cosmetic products, and its optimal concentration in skin care products often ranges from 2% to 10%. In addition, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and avoid urea-containing products on damaged or inflamed skin. Given its effectiveness and safety, urea remains a popular ingredient, helping to ensure skin hydration and revitalization.
Sustainability and Extraction
The production and use of urea raise certain sustainability and ethical concerns. This substance can be obtained both naturally and synthetically, but synthetic processes can often have a greater negative impact on the environment. Naturally derived urea, for example, from animal sources, raises an ethical dilemma related to animal welfare. In addition, chemical synthesis can require a lot of energy and resources, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. For these reasons, it is important to choose products that use sustainable, environmentally friendly production practices and consider the transparency of the supply chain. Responsible sourcing can help reduce the negative impact on both the environment and society, ensuring that production processes do not violate ethical standards and do not harm ecosystems. In this way, urea can become another step towards a more sustainable cosmetics industry.
Products
In creams and lotions designed to moisturize the skin, urea often plays an important role. Popular product categories where this substance is widely used include intensive moisturizing creams, body lotions, and even specialized products for dry or flaky skin. For example, “CeraVe Moisturizing Cream” and “Eucerin UreaRepair” series products feature urea, which helps retain skin moisture. In the world of Korean cosmetics, the “COSRX” brand moisturizing lotion can also boast this ingredient, giving the skin elasticity and softness. In addition, urea is found in hair care products, such as “Kérastase” elixir, which strengthens hair and moisturizes the scalp. These products not only make skin and hair healthier, but also contribute to an overall sense of well-being.