Urea is a true multitasker. This ingredient helps rehydrate, prevent dryness, support the skin barrier, and exfoliate. It’s the perfect ally for deep, effective hydration while softening and smoothing.
We met with our Dermalab Manager and renowned dermatologist Jean Krutmann to answer your questions about this lesser-known ingredient such as — is it really possible to hydrate and exfoliate at the same time?
Together, we’re sharing everything you need to know about urea and our unique body care formulas designed to maximize its potential.
THE BASICS
UREA
WHAT IT IS: An organic compound with moisturizing properties, also found naturally in your skin.
WHAT IT DOES: At lower concentrations, urea acts as a powerful hydrator. At higher concentrations, it works as a gentle exfoliant. It also supports the skin barrier and helps boost elasticity.
WHO IT'S FOR: In general, it’s suitable for all skin types—with the right concentration for each concern.
HOW TO USE IT: You’ll find urea in hand, foot, and body lotions or gel oils designed to hydrate and exfoliate rough, dry skin.
GOES WELL WITH: Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or dexpanthenol.
DON’T MIX WITH: Urea isn't widely known for causing reactions with other cosmetic ingredients.
TRY IT IN: Uradin Lotion 10, Uradin Podos Gel Oil
Table of Contents
What is urea in skincare?
Urea is an organic chemical compound widely used in skincare thanks to two main characteristics: it’s a small, polar molecule. Meaning? It can easily penetrate and hydrate the skin.
But there’s another benefit—urea also acts as an exfoliant when used in higher concentrations. Thanks to its polarity, it helps to break down protein bonds in the outer skin layer and improve texture.
At our latest ISDIN Innovation Summit, Dr. Jean Krutmann echoed the compound’s benefits, “Urea is a widely popular ingredient in dermatology for its ability to improve the skin moisture barrier. It’s one of the most effective agents for both hydrating and exfoliating the skin.”
Did you know? Urea is naturally present in your skin as part of the Natural Moisturizer Factor. Urea skincare products simply boost what your body already knows how to do.
What does urea do to skin?
UUrea is best known for its dual action: deeply hydrating while exfoliating. But that’s not all. It also enhances the absorption of other ingredients by supporting the skin’s barrier structure, helping to retain water.
Key benefits include:
- Hydration: Acting as a humectant, urea draws moisture in from your surroundings and retains it, helping to soften and hydrate dry skin.
- Exfoliation: In higher concentrations, urea provides a keratolytic action. That is, it helps break down and eliminate dead skin cells, improving texture and appearance.
- Barrier support: Urea bolsters your skin’s natural moisture barrier, helping it fend off daily stressors and keep water loss at a minimum.
- Reinforcement: This super ingredient also supports skin’s building blocks, such as collagen and elastin, to help keep up its firm, bouncy appearance.
- Relief: Studies highlight urea’s ability to comfort itchy, flaky skin.
For Dr. Krutmann, all of these benefits depend on the skincare product. He shared, “The ideal formula should help reduce transepidermal water loss, restore the skin’s moisture barrier, and have a texture that facilitates application and absorption.”
Find the urea concentration that works best for you
Hydrating, softening, restoring—urea can do a lot for your skin. But when it comes to your daily body care routine, there’s only one place to start. What concentration best suits your skin type and its needs?
Less than 10%: Ideal for everyday hydration—you’ll find this concentration in body lotions, face creams, and some foot care products.
Between 10% and 20%: Moisturizing while adding mild exfoliation for very dry skin.
From 20% to 40%: You’ll only find these concentrations in derm-prescribed products. Science shows it’s best for rough, thickened areas such as heels and toenails.
The formula matters
Yes, urea is already a natural part of your skin. But skincare products mark the perfect opportunity to amplify its power. As Dr. Krutmann explained, the real challenge is developing a formula that’s not only stable but also comfortable to use and effective at the same time.
It’s a challenge we’ve accepted. ISDIN Dermalab Manager Alba Villanueva shares, “We’ve been perfecting our urea formulas for over 40 years—we consider ourselves experts in this moisturizing and exfoliating super ingredient.”
“We’ve been perfecting our urea formulas for over 40 years.”
Alba Villanueva, ISDIN Dermalab Manager
How to add urea to your daily body care routine
Fortunately, urea isn’t too particular — it’s an ingredient suitable for all skin types and daily use. But if you’re wondering when and where to add it in, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Start with a warm shower
Warm (not hot) water cleanses without stripping your skin’s natural oils. This sets the stage for your body care products to work effectively.
2. Apply urea body lotion
Ever heard that you should smooth on your lotion right out of the shower? It might just be true. Studies show that applying moisturizer right after showering can offer additional benefits, such as boosting skin’s water content.
Which formula to choose? Uradin Lotion 10 helps restore optimal hydration levels and provides long-lasting moisture.
3. Say goodbye to rough, dry heels
After showering and applying body lotion, it’s the perfect time to restore softness to the skin on your feet. Uradin Podos Gel Oil helps to smooth any roughness thanks to the additional exfoliating action of lactic acid and Bacillus ferment.
Your questions answered
Can you use urea every day?
Yes, especially at low concentrations. For higher-strength products, follow your product label’s guidelines or your dermatologist’s advice—they always know best.
When should you not use urea cream?
Overall, urea is a suitable ingredient for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its moisturizing and exfoliating properties are also known for being gentle. Still, it’s important to consult your dermatologist if you have any doubts or specific skin conditions.
Can you use hyaluronic acid with urea?
They work great together! Both hydrate, drawing in and retaining water. And since they’re each found naturally in your skin, they aren’t known for stirring up any unwanted reactions. You can find hyaluronic acid and urea in Uradin Podos Gel Oil to help repair and hydrate rough, dry skin on the feet.
Is urea the same as glycolic acid?
No. Both can exfoliate your skin, but they work differently. Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. Urea can exfoliate too, but it also hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier, depending on the concentration. Think of urea as a two-in-one solution, while glycolic acid is more targeted toward exfoliation.
An everyday essential
Dermatologists and skincare lovers alike have embraced urea for its proven benefits. At ISDIN, we’ve spent more than 40 years perfecting urea-based care, making it a trusted foundation of our body care collection.
By choosing a urea lotion or foot care product, you’re giving your skin daily strength and nourishment—helping it stay soft, hydrated, and resilient. Make it a ritual, and revel in skin that feels comfortable and cared for, day after day.
References:
ISDIN Data on file
Celleno, L. (2018). Topical urea in skincare: A review. Dermatologic Therapy, 31(6), e12690. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12690
Behind the blog:
Article written and reviewed by:
Amy is a content strategist who turned a part-time obsession with skincare into a full-time passion. Her experience as a creative storyteller includes a range of lifestyle and technology topics across Washington D.C. and Barcelona. What's in her travel bag? Eye contour cream and sunscreen, always.
