Let’s dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding urea in skincare.
What’s in Urea?
Let’s start with the basics: urea is a natural part of the body. There’s nothing in urea; rather, it’s a chemical compound known for its keratolytic (breaking down keratin) and humectant (retaining water in the skin) effects. You will find urea in most skin care products designed to soften and hydrate the skin. It’s particularly popular for treating areas of dry, rough skin, e.g., cracked heels or calloused hands.
Is Urea Vegan?
Yes. The urea found in skincare is usually vegan. While urea is a natural compound produced by the body, urea in skincare and cosmetics products is universally manufactured in a lab. That means it’s 100% suitable for vegan and cruelty-free products.
Synthetic urea is chemically identical to the natural urea found in your body. It replicates the hydrating and exfoliating effects of natural urea without involving any animal sources.
However, as always, it’s a good idea to double-check product labels or brand statements for confirmation of vegan status.
Is Urea Cream Made from Urine?
No. As mentioned, urea is made in a lab and involves no human or animal products. So, where does this confusion come from? Well, urea is made in the body as a byproduct of metabolic processes. In particular, it’s a waste product of protein metabolism which produces ammonia. The liver rapidly converts ammonia, a toxic compound, into urea, which is much less toxic. It’s then transported to the kidneys, where it is safely excreted in the urine.
You might find that off-putting. However, urine also contains water – and we don’t shy away from drinking that. Urea is part of the skin’s natural moisturising factors (NMFs), playing a crucial role in retaining water in the outer layers of the skin.
What Does Urea Cream Do For Feet?
Urea is the go-to solution. It works as a keratolytic to break down the keratin in your skin. Doing so allows your skin to shed the dead cells and soften the underlying skin.
Alongside this action, it acts as a humectant. Urea has hygroscopic properties, meaning it attracts water to itself. It can pull water from deep in the skin or from the air – think of it like a water magnet. Bringing more water into the upper layers of the skin further softens the tissue, allowing any cracks or calluses to begin to heal.
Does Urea Lighten Hyperpigmentation?
No. Urea is not suitable for hyperpigmentation. It plays no role in the production or distribution of melanin, the compound responsible for pigmentation. However, hyperpigmentation can occur due to certain skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Urea-based creams and ointments can help these conditions by softening and hydrating the skin. Therefore, urea may offer some indirect benefits in reducing hyperpigmentation.
Will Urea Thin the Skin?
No. Urea only exfoliates dead cells without affecting the healthy layers beneath. The skin usually produces keratin to protect itself from environmental damage. While it’s a normal part of healthy skin, urea won’t cause significant damage to normal skin – especially not at the concentrations in skincare products.
Is Urea Too Harsh for Sensitive Skin?
No. Urea-based skincare products are fine for all kinds of skin. That being said, we recommend performing a patch test if you have extremely sensitive skin. Simply apply a small amount of the cream to your skin and leave it for a few hours or days. If you don’t see any reaction, you should be fine with applying it elsewhere.
The only other factor is the concentration of urea. While higher concentrations of urea are fine on callused areas, a concentration of between 5-10% is best for sensitive skin. Low concentrations (2-10%) are ideal for hydration, and can remove dead skin cells depending on the location of application and skin’s thickness.
Can Urea Cause Breakouts or Acne?
No, urea does not typically cause breakouts. It hydrates and gently exfoliates without clogging pores, making it suitable even for acne-prone skin. In fact, urea’s exfoliating properties can help clear dead skin cells, potentially reducing clogged pores that can lead to acne. However, as with any product, people with sensitive or reactive skin should patch-test before full application.
