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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0027 |
| Product Name | Urea, USP |
| CAS | 57-13-6 |
| Structure |  |
| Description | USP Grade (99.8% pure). Urea is a derivative from proteins, appears in urine. Synonyms: carbamide (resin), carbamimidic acid, ureaphil, carbonyl diamide. |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; only partly soluble in glycerin (500 g/L in glycerin) and alcohols (10 g/L in 95% alcohol, 167 g/L in methanol) |
| Appearance | White cristalline powder or granules, slight ammoniacal odor |
| Application | Creams, lotions, sun care products, after-sun lotions, abrasive creams, cleansing products including shampoos & body washes. |
| Storage | Store light-protected at a cool and dry place |
| Composition | Urea |
| Features And Benefits | Excellent moisturizer and humectantReplenishes natural urea content in skin after cleansing (avoids dryness)Keratolytic properties (skin-exfoliating) at higher concentrationsHas purifying and deodorizing effects |
| GMO | GMO-free (does not contain plant-derived components) |
| HS Code | 3102100000 |
| INCI | Urea |
| Manufacture | Urea is produced from synthetic ammonia and carbon dioxide. The resulting urea is then separated from unchanged ammonium carbamate. |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Purity Grade | USP grade |
| Raw Material Source | Ammonia and carbon dioxide |
| Uses | Add to the water phase of the formulas, typical use level 2 - 15% in emulsions. For external use only. |
Urea, USP, serves as a versatile component in dermatological therapies and cosmetic formulations, primarily functioning as a potent moisturizer and humectant. Recognized as a derivative of proteins, urea is a white crystalline substance with a slight ammoniacal odor that dissolves readily in water, and to a lesser extent in alcohol and glycerol. Its ability to enhance the skin's water retention significantly contributes to a smoother and more supple appearance, making it particularly beneficial for conditions like atopic dermatitis and clinically dry skin, where natural moisturizing factors are deficient. In higher concentrations, urea also exhibits mild keratolytic properties, assisting in exfoliating dead skin cells. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in enhancing the penetration efficacy of other ingredients within complex formulations. Urea is typically incorporated at concentrations ranging from 5% to 15% in various skincare products, including creams, lotions, sun care, and after-sun products, as well as cleansing products such as shampoos and body washes.
Piquero-Casals, Jaime, et al. Dermatology and therapy, 2021, 1-11.
Urea is a hygroscopic molecule, a component of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which is essential for adequate hydration and integrity of the stratum corneum. Urea affects the skin in multiple ways, including increasing the moisture retention of the stratum corneum, improving the barrier function and antimicrobial defense of the skin, regulating epidermal proliferation, keratolytic effects, and increasing drug penetration.
Research has elucidated the mechanism of action of urea on the skin. Urea transport is mediated by specific transporters (UT-A1, UT-A2, aquaporin-3, and aquaporin-9). Urea upregulates the expression of these transporters and genes involved in keratinocyte differentiation, lipid synthesis, and antimicrobial peptide production, thereby enhancing the skin barrier function and antimicrobial defense.
In addition to its use in daily skin care, urea can also be used to treat a variety of skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, xerosis, ichthyosis, psoriasis, hyperkeratosis and/or palmoplantar keratoderma, radiation dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.
Bissonnette, Robert, et al. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2010, 9(1), 16-21.
A two-centers, randomized, double-blind study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of urea-containing moisturizers in patients with atopic dermatitis. 100 patients with atopic dermatitis were randomly assigned to use a novel 5% urea moisturizer cream or 10% urea lotion twice daily for 42 days. The Severity Index of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) score was performed on day 0 and day 42. The results showed that both 5% urea moisturizer cream and 10% urea lotion can improve atopic dermatitis and are well tolerated. In addition, according to the cosmetic acceptability questionnaire, the subjects preferred the use of 5% urea moisturizer cream.
Formula composition of urea moisturizing cream
The 5% urea moisturizer was composed of the following ingredients: aqua ⁄water, butyrospermum parkII⁄shea butter, glycerin, cyclohexasiloxane, urea, paraffinum liquidum ⁄ mineral oil, sodium lactate, cetearyl alcohol, PEG-100 stearate, glyceryl stearate, propylene glycol, glycine, tocopherol, stearic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, bisabolol, triethanolamine, dimethicone, dimethiconol, disodium EDTA, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid, xanthan gum, acrylates⁄ C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, citric acid, chlorhexidine digluconate, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance.
What role does Urea play in cosmetic products?
Urea, serves as one of the essential Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) in the skin. A deficiency in urea can lead to dry skin conditions or even atopic dermatitis. In cosmetic products, urea helps to maintain the skin's water-binding ability and overall moisture levels. Its inclusion in skincare formulations, such as serums, masks, and creams, helps to compensate for moisture loss and improves skin hydration.
How does Urea help combat the drying effects of surfactants in cleansers?
Urea-enhanced cleansers can mitigate the drying effects caused by surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, commonly found in makeup removers and foaming cleansers. These surfactants can strip urea from the skin's epidermis, reducing its natural moisturizing properties. However, products supplemented with urea can replenish these lost amounts, thereby improving the skin's hydration and preventing dryness.
Can Urea be beneficial for individuals with dry or atopic skin?
Yes, Urea is particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or atopic skin. When applied topically in skincare products for a prolonged period, it helps retain moisture in the skin, counteracting dryness and enhancing skin hydration. This can be especially beneficial for those whose skin lacks sufficient water-retaining substances, leading to improved skin texture and comfort.
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