Urea

INCI: Ureum, Urea, Carbamid, Carbonyldiamid, E 927

Like glycerin and amino acids, urea is a part of the skin´s own moisturizing system. The skin´s upper layer naturally contains urea within and between cells. When this amount decreases, skin becomes dry. Urea divides the hydrogen bonds in the protein chains of keratin. Thus, low-concentrated urea facilitates the binding of water through keratin, which can lead to smooth and soft skin. Highy-concentrated urea can act keratolytic and easens the desquamation of the epidermis. Furthermore, it can strengthen the permeability of the corneal layer. As a skin own substance, it very well tolerated by skin and due to its effectiveness is often used in the treatment of neurodermatitis, psoriasis as well as keratosis.

Highly-concentrated urea can have antibacterial and antipruritic effects.

In addition to this, urea can improve the absorption capacity of the skin and thus, support its natural barrier function. Usually, skin can regenerate easier, becomes softer and contains more moisture.
A regular use of creams containing urea can often rebalance loss of moisture effectively and sustainably!