What Is Urea? What Is Urea Cream Used For? How to Use Urea Lotion?

What is urea? What is its connection to the skin?

Urea is a nitrogenous compound formed in the liver as a result of amino acid metabolism and excreted from the body through the kidneys. However, in the world of skincare, urea stands out for its moisture-retaining capacity as part of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), which are molecules naturally found in our skin that hold moisture in our skin.

What does urea do?

Its effects on the skin are not limited to moisturizing. Urea also performs many functions such as barrier repair, keratolytic effect, and increasing active ingredient penetration.

Moisturizing Effect

Urea is a hygroscopic molecule; that is, it draws water from both the environment and under the skin, trapping it in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin). It prevents skin dehydration by reducing transepidermal water loss. It supports the skin barrier, creating a softer, more flexible, and more durable texture.

What is Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)? → The evaporation of moisture from the body and its removal from the body.

Keratolytic Effect

When used in moderate and high concentrations, it softens keratin, allowing dead skin cells to be removed from the skin. This effect is beneficial for conditions such as strawberry legs, thickened heels, and keratosis. This effect is noticeable in formulas used dermatologically in the range of 20–30%.

Skin Barrier Strengthening and Antimicrobial Effect

Urea supports the synthesis of proteins located in the skin barrier. It also provides a supportive effect in inflammation-prone skin (eczema, atopic dermatitis, etc.) by increasing the activation of antimicrobial peptides.

Increased Absorption of Active Ingredients

Applied urea creams can cause temporary relaxation of the skin barrier, facilitating more effective absorption of active ingredients used afterward. This feature can increase clinical benefit when used with therapeutic serums or dermatological creams.

Eva Maree Ultra Softening Body Scrub

Urea-containing scrub recommendation

Eva Maree Ultra Softening Body Scrub, with its content of urea, apricot oil, and hyaluronic acid, offers a gentle exfoliation for your skin. You can click on the product name to examine the product in detail.

What should be the concentration of urea?

2–5%: Suitable for mild dryness. Can be included in daily skincare.

5–10%: Ideal for conditions such as mild flaking and keratosis pilaris.

20–30%: Used for thickened areas such as heels and elbows, and in dermatological treatments. Available from pharmacies.

Urea

How to use urea for skin problems? How should urea be used for eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and spots (pigmentation)?

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

According to studies, creams containing 10% urea reduce moisture loss and support barrier function in atopic skin. It is highly tolerable and can be used even in children.

Psoriasis

It provides effects such as softening thickened skin and reducing flaking in psoriatic plaques. In clinical applications, products containing 20–30% urea are preferred.

Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff

Shampoos containing low-concentration urea soothe the scalp by reducing flaking. When used with glycyrrhizic acid, anti-inflammatory efficacy can be further increased.

Skin Pigmentation and Spot Problems

Urea can reduce melanin accumulation due to its exfoliating effect. This offers a supportive advantage in enhancing the effectiveness of active ingredients used in spot treatment. However, correct concentration is very important.

To review our blogs about eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff, and to get more detailed information, click here.

Does urea work for ingrown hairs? Is urea cream or lotion used for ingrown hairs? Is urea used for strawberry legs?

Ingrown hairs are a common problem after frequent epilation, waxing, or shaving. This usually occurs when the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin surface blocks the natural growth path of hairs. Urea-containing products soften these dead cells, remove them from the skin surface, and reduce the formation of ingrown hairs. At the same time, it keeps the skin moist, helping hairs grow out more easily and smoothly. When used regularly, especially in areas such as legs, armpits, and bikini line, it improves skin texture and provides a smoother appearance.

To review our blog about strawberry legs, click here.

From what age can urea cream, urea lotion be used? Urea-containing cream and lotion use according to age

Infants and children: Urea-containing products at 2–5% concentrations can only be used with a doctor's recommendation and supervision.

Adolescents: For skin problems such as acne and keratosis, 10–20% formulations can be effective and should only be used with a doctor's recommendation and supervision.

Adults: For problems such as photoaging, dryness, spots, and eczema, skincare products supported with 10–30% urea can be used.

Elderly: As the skin thins, urea creams in the 10–20% range support skin elasticity and moisture balance.

With which active ingredients can urea be combined? What can we use urea with?

• Glycolic Acid: Facilitates dead skin cell removal (Glycolic)

• Salicylic Acid: Supports comedone cleansing

• Ceramides: Repairs skin barrier

• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense moisture boost

• Glycyrrhizinic Acid: Provides anti-inflammatory effect, supports eczema

• Piroctone Olamine: Provides antimicrobial benefit in seborrheic dermatitis

Is urea harmful? Is it safe to use urea cream, urea lotion?

Generally, urea is considered a safe ingredient in cosmetic and dermo-cosmetic products. At low concentrations (usually between 2–10%), it is suitable for daily use, and the risk of allergic reactions is quite low. However, when used in high concentrations, especially on sensitive skin, temporary reactions such as mild burning, stinging, or redness may occur. Therefore, it is recommended to test it on a small area of skin before using it on the face. Also, it should not be applied to open wounds or active dermatological lesions. Clinical studies show that with controlled use, urea strengthens the skin barrier and increases hydration in the long term.

Things to consider when using urea preparation (topical), urea cream, urea lotion

• Daily use of urea has been scientifically shown to increase skin hydration and significantly reduce TEWL rates.

• High-concentration urea creams can cause skin sensitivity, so if used on the face, a patch test should be started.

To support skin health and create an effective care routine, especially for skin with impaired moisture balance and a weakened barrier, urea-containing formulas should be preferred with the correct concentration and supportive ingredients. If it is to be used for dermatological diseases, consult your doctor and pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does urea do?

Urea traps moisture in the skin, softens dry and flaky skin, strengthens the barrier function, and facilitates the removal of dead cells. With its keratolytic effect at moderate and high concentrations, it is also beneficial for problems such as ingrown hairs and strawberry legs.

What concentration of urea should I use?

• 2–5%: Mild dryness and daily moisturizing

• 5–10%: Problems such as flaking and keratosis pilaris

• 20–30%: Thickened skin (heels, elbows) and dermatological treatments

Urea use may vary from person to person. Before adding urea to your skincare routine, you should consult your doctor and pharmacist to find out the correct concentration for you.

Who can use urea products and what should be paid attention to?

• In infants and children, it should only be used with a doctor's recommendation.

• In adults, products between 10–30% can be safely applied.

• If used on the face, a sensitivity test (patch test) should be done, and it should not be applied to open wounds.

• When urea is used with moisturizers such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, its moisturizing effect can be increased.

This article was written by Pharmacist Nil Eker from the Primum Pharma team.