PoreWise Ingredient
Urea
Public databaseUREA
Urea is a humectant naturally present in skin; at higher strengths it also softens thickened outer skin. The strongest evidence comes from a 2002 human trial: In a randomized, double-blind, bilateral paired trial of 25 people with moderate-to-severe xerosis, 40% urea cream was superior to 12% ammonium lactate lotion at day 14 on skin roughness, fissure reduction, thickness and dryness, with skin desquamation measured instrumentally. 2002 · 25 people · people with moderate-to-severe xerosis (18 completed) · PMID 11978141 · A very high 40% urea concentration is a keratolytic treatment. 2 products contain Urea; the highest it appears is number 26 of 46.
- INCI name:
- UREA
- Source:
- PubChem
Functions
Products with this ingredient
Urea appears on 2 product ingredient lists, most often around number 30; its highest position is number 26 of 46.
| Product | Brand | Where it sits on the list |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA | The Ordinary | 26 of 46 |
| Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner | The Ordinary | 30 of 42 |
Studies and results
- 1 Skin effectClinical evaluation of 40% urea and 12% ammonium lactate in the treatment of xerosis
In a randomized, double-blind, bilateral paired trial of 25 people with moderate-to-severe xerosis, 40% urea cream was superior to 12% ammonium lactate lotion at day 14 on skin roughness, fissure reduction, thickness and dryness, with skin desquamation measured instrumentally.
Human trial · 2002 · 25 people · people with moderate-to-severe xerosis (18 completed) · People with moderate-to-severe xerosis applying 40% urea cream or 12% ammonium lactate for 14 days. · A very high 40% urea concentration is a keratolytic treatment.
Common questions
- What does Urea do in skincare?
- Urea is a humectant naturally present in skin; at higher strengths it also softens thickened outer skin.
- Where does Urea sit in these formulas?
- Urea appears in 2 products; highest on the list is number 26 of 46, in Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.
- Which products contain Urea?
- Products that contain Urea: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner.
- How strong is the evidence behind Urea?
- Urea has one study behind it: a 2002 human trial of 25 people with moderate-to-severe xerosis (18 completed).
- What did the study on Urea measure?
- 2002 · 25 people · people with moderate-to-severe xerosis (18 completed) · PMID 11978141 · A very high 40% urea concentration is a keratolytic treatment.