Urea ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a humectant that binds water in the outer skin layers. At higher levels, it also helps soften rough, scaly skin by loosening excess surface buildup.
What does Urea do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a humectant that binds water in the outer skin layers. At higher levels, it also helps soften rough, scaly skin by loosening excess surface buildup.
Is Urea clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well-tolerated and not a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, despite confusion with similarly named preservative chemistries. It can sting on compromised skin or at higher concentrations, so its comfort profile depends on level and formula context.
Is Urea sustainable?
This material is commonly made industrially from ammonia and captured carbon dioxide, with the ammonia often tied to natural-gas feedstocks. It is water soluble and readily biodegradable, with low persistence concerns in typical cosmetic use.
Is Urea COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS natural and organic standards when it meets the standard’s ingredient and processing requirements. Its Green Chemistry profile is mixed but acceptable, with simple chemistry and good biodegradability, balanced against a commonly fossil-linked feedstock route.
How does Urea work chemically?
The molecule is a small, highly water-soluble carbonyl diamide that forms hydrogen bonds, which explains its strong water-binding behavior in skin. Typical cosmetic use ranges from about 2 to 10 percent for moisturization, while higher levels around 10 to 40 percent are used in intensive foot, hand, and scale-softening products; it is most comfortable in mildly acidic to neutral formulas.
Last updated 2026-05-13