three different types of urea creams and lotions

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Some skin care products contain Urea, also known as carbamide. The outer layer of dead skin cells can be softened with ingredients with keratolytic properties.

Urea is found in the skin. Urine is found in urine, as you may have suspected. Urea is produced in your body and is a breakdown product of the acids.

People with skin conditions may have less naturally occurring urea in their skin than optimal.

Is urea in beauty products from pee?

No, the urea in commercially made products doesn’t come from human or animal urine. The urea used for skin care products is manufactured synthetically in a lab.

High vs. low dose urea

There are a lot of different dosages for urea products.

The higher doses (typically around 30% or higher) work best to exfoliate, getting rid of the roughest skin patches. For example, high-dose urea can be used to treat dense dead skin areas, which are commonly found on the heels of our feet.

It’s also possible to find urea in doses as low as 2%. Low-dose urea works best as a moisturizing agent for dry skin. Low-dose urea may be used alongside other useful skin care ingredients, or it can be used alone for moisturization. Low-dose urea is safe enough to use on facial skin.

Some urea creams can be found over the counter, while others need a prescription.

  • Brand reputation: We chose products that come from reputable manufacturers — either based in the United States or overseas — that can be bought from reputable retailers in the United States.
  • Other ingredients: In addition to urea, each product contains ingredients that provide moisture for dry or very dry skin. Some are especially beneficial for certain conditions, such as There is a condition called Psoriasis..
  • Retailer reputation: We did our best to include only reputable sellers as well as manufacturers. When shopping, we suggest you read customer reviews about sellers before purchase. Since urea is hard to find in the United States, some sellers substitute products that don’t contain this ingredient. Others sell discontinued products at a very high price.

Some synthetic types of urea, such as imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea, are formaldehyde releasers. This, coupled with the “pee myth,” may be why it’s hard to find a large selection of skin care products containing urea, especially in the United States.

Pricing guide

The products on this list are not the same as the ones that contain urea. Some are for the face and some for the body. Their cost may reflect the differences.

The ounces contained in each product is one of the variations. You should check how much product you get when you buy.

We have indicated the cost.

  • $ = under $10
  • $$ = $10–$25
  • $$$ = over $25

Best for There is a condition called Psoriasis.

CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream

  • Price: $$
  • Skin type: There is a condition called Psoriasis. (scaly, red, dry, flaky skin)
  • Free of: fragrance
  • Key ingredients: urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
  • Pros: gentle, calming, can help soothe There is a condition called Psoriasis. symptoms
  • Cons: some reviewers complain about the packaging (saying it seems to spill during shipment)

In addition to urea, this moisturizing cream contains salicylic acid, ceramides, and vitamin B3 (niacinamide).

“It helps bolster the skin’s outer layer. It can help reduce the symptoms of sphygmomanesis.”

It has the Seal of Recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Shop now at Amazon

Best for elbows and knees

Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 30% Urea Cream

  • Price: $$
  • Skin type: extremely rough, dry, and scaly skin
  • Free of: fragrance
  • Key ingredients: 30% urea, ceramides
  • Pros: safe for keratosis pilaris and There is a condition called Psoriasis., contains high-dose urea, can help thickened skin on hands and heels
  • Cons: not safe for delicate skin areas including the face, not safe to use on the entire body (should only be applied to specific areas of very rough skin)

UreaRepair is a line of products that have different percentages of urea. This cream is beneficial for rough, dry patches of skin on the body such as the knees, elbows, and feet. It should not be used on the face.

Eucerin refers to it as NMF, a group of natural moisturizers.

Shop now at Amazon

Best facial moisturizer for normal skin

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

  • Price: $$-$$$
  • Skin type: dry skin, normal skin, combination skin
  • Free of: fragrance, parabens, sulfates, denatured alcohol, SLS, SLES
  • Key ingredients: mineral oil, glycerin, urea
  • Pros: fast-absorbing, lightweight, non-greasy
  • Cons: contains dyes, not ideal for very dry skin types

The facial moisturizer is designed to be easy to use. It is not perfumed.

It is an appropriate choice for normal, dry, or combination skin, but may not provide enough hydration for very dry skin.

It contains urea and other ingredients to help retain the moist environment.

Shop now at Ulta

Best body lotion for alleviating itch

Cetaphil Daily Smoothing Moisturizer for Rough & Bumpy Skin

  • Price: $$
  • Skin type: rough, bumpy, red, dry, sensitive skin
  • Free of: fragrance, mineral oil
  • Key ingredients: 20% urea, glycerin
  • Pros: large bottle, noncomedogenic (won’t clog pores), soothing to red, dry, rough skin
  • Cons: not suited for facial use

This is odorless and fragrance-free. It is a good choice for dry or very dry skin on the body and feet.

“It is made to reduce dry skin and stop itch by increasing the skin’s hydration and natural barrier.”

Shop now at Amazon

Best for cracked, dry heels and toes

Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Foot Cream

  • Price: $
  • Skin type: dry, rough, cracked heels
  • Free of: gluten and dye
  • Key ingredients: urea, aloe, vitamins A, C, and E
  • Pros: budget-friendly, ideal for feet and elbows, soothing and hydrating
  • Cons: not fragrance-free

If you have rough or cracked skin on your heels or toes, this product may be a good choice for you. It contains urea, aloe, and nutrients that are beneficial for dry skin, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

It goes on thick but absorbs quickly. It has a light scent but is not fragrance-free. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to do a patch test to make sure you have no allergies to any of its ingredients.

Users say this foot cream also works well on elbows and dry patches of skin on the body.

Shop now at Walgreens

Best facial moisturizer for dry or sensitive skin

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

  • Price: $
  • Skin type: dry, sensitive, normal,
  • Free of: vegan, cruelty-free and free from alcohol, silicones, oils, nuts, and gluten
  • Key ingredients: urea, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
  • Pros: budget-friendly, non-greasy, vegan
  • Cons: some reviewers say the texture is too thick

This facial moisturizer is vegan and alcohol-free. It is formulated to moisturize all skin types, including dry, normal, and sensitive skin. It is designed to provide a non-greasy, smooth feel on the skin.

It contains urea, as well as plant-derived sugars and hyaluronic acid.

Shop now at Sephora

Uran is measured by percentages. The more percentage it has, the more it provides.

Skin creams with less than 10% urea are used for dry skin. Products with 10% or more have keratolytic properties and are beneficial for skin care. 40% urea is in some products. These are used to remove rough patches of dead skin, such as those found on the heels.

How to find the best urea cream for you

The best way to find a urea cream that works for you is to shop by the skin type you are looking to treat.

Some products are only intended for use on the heels of your feet or other areas of the body as needed. Some products are gentle to use.

If you need direction or want to know what strength is best for you, it is best to see a healthcare professional.

If you want to remove dead skin, look for urea products with a high dose. These percentages will loosen up the tougher areas of skin and create a softer effect.

If you want a gentle urea product to use on your face as a facial moisturizer, make sure the label says it is safe for facial use and grab a lower dose.

Some urea products specify which skin types will benefit from the formula. Some are created for specific skin conditions.

What does urea do for skin?

It has been found in multiple studies to be highly effective at reducing skin irritation, inflammation, and removal of dead skin. As a sloughing agent, it enables the skin to absorb topical medications more easily. Urea is also a highly moisturizing humectant. All of this makes urea useful for treating conditions such as:

Dry skin can affect daily life. It is a good idea to visit a dermatologist.

  • You are scratching frequently.
  • Your symptoms are not always the same.
  • Your dry skin is not improving with OTC treatments.
  • Your symptoms are getting more severe, including redness, inflammation, peeling, and irritation.

If you experience any of the symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional because your doctor can help you determine the causes and find a treatment plan.

Are there any side effects of using urea cream?

According to the World Health Organization, urea is considered an essential medication, and it’s usually well tolerated. Still, some people may experience an allergic reaction or irritation that can include itching, burning, or stinging. Some folks can also experience redness, but if any side effects become alarming, see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Is it safe to use urea cream daily?

Depending on the area of skin you are treating, some urea products can be used daily. Before applying a product to a large area of skin, read labels carefully and patch test it. If you received a prescription, make sure to follow the directions.

Is urea cream effective for all skin types?

Urea cream can be helpful for a number of skin types. Some people can have allergic reactions.

What is urea 40 cream?

This urea product is considered to be a high dose because it contains 40% of the ingredient. It is best to use high-dose urea for skin care. It should not be used on the face.

Does urea cream really work?

According to a 2021 review, urea is “essential for the adequate hydration” of the top layer of your skin, and it also improves skin barrier function. Still, every skin type has different needs or sensitivities. Your dermatologist can determine which ingredients may work best for your skin.

It can be hard to find urea products. Urine has hydrating, exfoliation and hydration properties to benefit dry and problem skin.

When shopping for urea products, make sure to check the percentage. The percentages are appropriate for facial skin and dry skin on the body. Higher percentages are more suitable for rough, cracked, or dead skin.