The Basics On Urea
What is Urea?
Made by combining synthetic ammonia and carbon dioxide. Component of urine, although synthetic versions are used in cosmetics.
What are other names for Urea?
CARBAMIDE, UREA, and UREA PERHYDRATE
What is Urea used for?
Urea is one of the main components of the skin Natural moisturizing factor (NMF)1 where it comprises as much as 7% of NMF2. Urea, therefore, is a very important and commonly used component for skin hydration. Urea is often used in skin care formulations as a humectant and skin moisturizer.
How Urea is classified
Exfoliant, Hydration, Skin-Replenishing
Recommendations for using Urea during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Urea During Pregnancy
What we know about using Urea while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
The potential adverse effect of Hydroxyethyl Urea on developmental and reproductive functions was tested in 4 groups of 25 female Sprague-Dawley rats. 2,3 An aqueous solution containing 57.58% Hydroxyethyl Urea was dermally applied using open applications of 0, 100, 330, and 1000 mg/kg bw/day in deionized water for 6 h/day on days 6 through 19 of gestation. Elizabethan collars were placed around the neck of each animal during the exposure period to minimize ingestion. None of the animals died during the study. Mean feed consumption for females in the 1000 mg/kg bw/day group was statistically significantly lower than that of controls during the treatment period. However, there were no statistically significant differences in mean body weights or body weight gain between the control and test groups. No reproductive or developmental effects were observed. The NOAEL was established as 1000 mg/kg bw/day for both maternal and developmental toxicity.
General safety info about Urea from CIR
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed the safety of Hydroxyethyl Urea, which is reported to function as a humectant and a hair and skin conditioning agent. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of this ingredient. The Panel concluded that Hydroxyethyl Urea is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Urea
Guinot Creme Hydra Beaute, Bioelements Moisture x10, SkinCeuticals Body Retexturing Treatment; Tatcha The Water Cream, Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder, REN Clean Skincare AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Lodén M. The clinical benefit of moisturizers. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005;19(6):672-88; quiz 686-7. [PubMed] 2. Verdier-Sévrain S, Bonté F. Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007;6(2):75-82. [PubMed] 3. Marty J. [NMF and cosmetology of cutaneous hydration]. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2002;129(1 Pt 2):131-136. [PubMed]
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
