Ingredient index / Personal care
Urea
A humectant used in dry-skin care. Its function changes with concentration and formulation.
- Label name
- Urea
- Typical function
- Humectant
- Use
- Personal care
- Other names, identifiers and related terms
- Carbamide · Karbamid
Where is it commonly found?
Body lotions, hand creams and foot creams.
What should you check on the label?
Do not compare a face cream and foot product only by the presence of urea. Check percentage and intended use.
Sources and context
Reference materials cover ingredient names, uses or the context of an ingredient group. They do not assess a specific product. FDA materials describe the US context, while CosIng covers the EU; conditions of use may differ.
A name alone does not establish concentration, finished-product safety or individual tolerance. Read the full label and manufacturer directions. This information is educational.
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