What Is Urea? A Dermatologist's Guide To Eucerin's Hero Ingredient

Today we're joined by Angela Tewari, Consultant Dermatologist at Lister Hospital and MZ Clinic, London, as we ask her the question: what is urea and what makes it Eucerin, our brand of the month's, hero ingredient? 

Great for dry and very dry skin, along with a whole host of skin conditions, urea has been hailed as a real skin saviour. Discover more today and get to know five of Eucerin's bestselling skincare products that contain this transformative ingredient.  

What Is Urea?

Written by Angela Tewari, Consultant Dermatologist

Urea is a small molecule which means it can be absorbed relatively easily into skin. It is known as a humectant and any molecule labelled as such means it is capable of absorbing water, in essence acting as a water magnet and adding moisture into the skin.  You'll hear urea as part of the NMF (natural moisturising factor).

These collectively are a group of proteins and sugars which together function to protect our skin barrier.  This means for dry skin or for skin with a dermatosis, (like atopic dermatitis or eczema) where the skin barrier is affected, a urea-based cream can reduce the loss of moisture across it and thus help to promote the healing of dry, scaly skin. It will also act to reduce what we term as water loss from the skin, known as trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). This means for areas of skin prone to dryness such as our hands and feet, nightly use of a urea-based moisturiser, particularly over cotton gloves or socks, will help to push in moisture and leave the skin suppler and smoother the following day. This wil help with skin symptoms, such as itching, as the skin barrier is improved.

A second function of urea is getting rid of thick scale on the skin - the type we see in keratoderma or hyperkeratosis. This is at medicated concentrations of 40%, and it acts to dissolve the bonds (glue) that holds those thick layer of skin cells together. I use it regularly in my dermatology clinic for thick areas of hyperkeratotic skin on feet.

Urea binds moisture in the skin and thus stops the cells joining together. This helps to loosen the plugs of skin that cause keratosis pilaris and also improves the skin texture. The 10% urea lotion is very helpful for this. 

The Benefits Of Urea For Dry Skin

My personal experience is that it is very moisturising and has really improved my dry feet, using it every night thickly under cotton socks. Urea is hugely moisturising at up to a 20% concentration and the urea 10% cream is very helpful at being nourishing at a concentration that doesn't leave a residue.

5 Urea-Infused Eucerin Bestsellers

Eucerin UreaRepair Replenishing Face Cream 5% Urea

This light and gentle face cream is the perfect everyday moisturiser for dry to very dry skin types. With urea and lactate, the formula works to restore your skin's natural moisture barrier. 

Deeply hydrating yet non-greasy and easily absorbed, the face cream helps to replenish your skin, alleviating feelings of dryness and uncomfortable tightness. 

Ideal for use under makeup and after shaving, clinical studies have shown that this face cream can significantly increase skin moisture levels and reduce dry skin within just one week of use.

What our customers say
"My age is 66 I have tried lots of creams over the years. This is a Standout. It is light, sinks in straight away and in my opinion it has enhanced my complexion, totally knocks more expensive creams into touch, I would highly recommend." - Christine

Eucerin UreaRepair Plus 10% Urea Lotion

Give immediate 48-hour relief to your dry and very dry skin with this ceramide and urea infused formula. Helping to help bind in moisture and repair your skin’s natural barrier, the lotion will leave you with soft, smooth skin.

The formula has been created especially for dry to very dry skin types and has been clinically proven to deliver immediate relief and intense, long-lasting moisturisation, delaying dryness and roughness for up to 48 hours.

The lotion is suitable for mature skin, and those with diabetes, keratosis pilaris, and psoriasis. 

What our customers say
"On my 3rd bottle, only lotion I've tried that is consistent and still feels effective the next morning." - Wendy

Eucerin UreaRepair Plus 5% Urea Hand Cream

Relieve your dry, rough hands with this ceramide and urea formulated hand cream.

There are many causes that affect the natural skin barrier on your hands - from cold weather, hand washing, and water, many factors can lead to dry, rough, and dehydrated skin. 

This replenishing hand cream contains naturally occurring moisturising factors (NMFs) alongside ceramides and urea that help to bind moisture in the skin and replace lipids - which are essential to help your skin form and strengthen its natural skin barrier to protect against moisture loss.

With a fragrance-free and non-greasy formula, this nourishing cream is suitable for mature skin and those with diabetes, psoriasis, and xerosis.

What our customers say
"This is the only hand cream I have used that makes my hands supple and moisturised, without being greasy." - Ellen

Eucerin DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Shampoo

With a gentle formula, this calming shampoo cleanses, moisturises and soothes dry, itchy scalps whilst leaving your hair looking and feeling healthy. 

This nurturing shampoo is free from colourants, parabens, and silicones, and is enriched with 5% urea and lactate. The formula is clinically proven to help treat dry skin on your scalp and can be used by those with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

What our customers say
"Very helpful as I have psoriatic plaques on my scalp."

Eucerin UreaRepair Plus 5% Urea Replenishing Body Wash

This gentle and replenishing body wash is enriched with urea and natural moisturising factors (NFFs) to cleanse and moisturise very dry, rough skin on your body.

With gentle cleansers, this body wash is free from alkali detergents and helps to bind moisture in the upper layer of your skin, locking in hydration and reducing dryness and irritation.

Soap, colourant, and fragrance-free, this body wash is suitable for mature skin and those prone to psoriasis.

What our customers say
"This is the BEST shower gel for extremely dehydrated ans sensitive skin. Now all my family members using it." - Anon 

Have you met our Future of Beauty brands? Come and discover the shining stars of tomorrow in our exciting new project designed to put the spotlight on beauty's up and coming brands in our post: The Future Of Beauty: Shining A Light On Beauty's Future Stars.