Urea (also known as Carbamide) is produced naturally by the skin and is an essential Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) regulating skin’s moisture content. Urea is a humectant (provider of moisture) that also increases the water-binding capacity of the skin and helps to maintain skin’s barrier function. This improves elasticity and protects against moisture loss (known as transepidermal water loss or TEWL). For this reason, it is known as the ‘gold standard’ for dry skin treatment.
At concentrations of 10% and over, Urea has keratolytic effects. This means that it breaks down the connections between dead skin cells, scaling off hardened, callused skin patches and making them smooth and supple again.
Urea also has an anti-itch and anti-microbial properties.
As a substance produced naturally by the skin, Urea is well tolerated even by dry and sensitive skin.