Among the boatload of trendy skincare ingredients out there, it is easy to get overwhelmed with everyone swearing by a different ingredient and a buzzy routine. Everything that enters the market has some inherent benefit to it— some exfoliate, others protect, and there are a couple that provide an instant glow. What is indispensable is moisture. Long-lasting moisture.

The moisture levels in your skin are never stable, no matter what the season is. While it is fairly acceptable for your skin to get dry in winter, spring and summer do no good to your skin either.

We cannot deny there is a need arising for an ultimate moisturizer that can soothe, smoothen, and protect your skin. Hydration is key to youthful skin. If your skin is dehydrated, it will create horizontal lines that can develop deep-seated wrinkles if left untreated. Simply put, plump and moist skin will keep premature aging at bay.

Now, how do we keep our skin plump and moist? We are all familiar with hyaluronic acid or glycerin, but something else is making the rounds right now. Drumroll, please, UREA.

Although the name may imply otherwise, Urea is quite a big deal. It can change how your skin appears and feels. It has the potential to transform your skin– from flaky and rough to healthy and soft.

Beauty brands and skincare influencers are touting Urea to be the next big thing. Dermatologists all over are on board with this ingredient as well, and not without reason.

Urea (not urine) is among the best moisturizers and penetration enhancers. The ingredient has gained traction for its peculiar dual action of exfoliating and moisturizing. So give a try to a non greasy moisturizer with our body care brand.

Let’s look at what the fuss is about,

What is Urea?

Also known as hydroxyethyl urea or urea 40, Urea plays a remarkable role on your skin. It helps in maintaining a healthy moisture balance at low percentages— epidermal gene expression. Your skin naturally has Urea— a natural moisturizing factor, but it depletes with age, making your skin prone to dryness and inflammation.

Why is Urea making rounds?

Urea is a humectant (absorbs moisture from the environment and attracts it to the skin) and an emollient (softens and smooths the skin). Basically, it is an all-rounder. Urea is used in the treatment of dry, rough skin conditions; as per research, Urea helps in the treatment of conditions like ichthyosis, dermatitis, psoriasis, xerosis, and even calluses. Urea softens and dissolves the keratin on the skin to improve the condition.

Although not as renowned as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, it is widely used in many skincare products– facial moisturizers, cleansers, foundations, eye creams, and even hair products like shampoo and conditioner.

The Pros of Urea:

• Hydrates
• Strengthens Barrier Function
• Natural Exfoliant
• Fights Acne
• Enhances penetration
• Soothes Irritation
• Improves crepey or scaly skin

Urea, a keratolytic agent, breaks down the protein keratin layer of the outer skin, reducing skin buildup and considerably improving your flaking or scaling skin. Urea can prove to be useful in anti-aging products as well (1). Researchers have also found that Urea can potentially help improve photodamaged skin (2).

Summed up, synthetic Urea is used in many skincare products, especially the ones that encourage skin moisture. So, now you know the deal, and it’s worth making.

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605213/

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279771

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30378232/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8611129/