Urea is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin, urine, and blood. It is a type of nitrogenous waste product that is produced by the body when proteins are broken down. Urea is also a common ingredient in skin care products because it has a number of beneficial properties.
Urea is known for its ability to enhance the penetration of other substances, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products. When combined with other active ingredients, urea can help to increase their effectiveness by allowing them to penetrate more deeply into the skin.
In addition to its penetration-enhancing properties, urea also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and deodorizing actions. This can help to protect the skin’s surface and maintain its overall health. For example, urea can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the skin, making it beneficial for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Urea is also an effective moisturizer due to its ability to retain moisture in the skin. It works by binding with water molecules in the skin, which helps to increase its hydration and improve its texture and overall appearance. Urea is a humectant, like other humectants, has the ability to hold and retain water within the skin.
Some of the benefits of urea include:
- Hydrating: Urea is a humectant, which means that it attracts and retains moisture. This makes it an effective ingredient for hydrating dry skin.
- Exfoliating: Urea can help to exfoliate the skin by breaking down dead skin cells. This can help to reveal smoother, softer skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Urea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritated skin.
- Antiseptic: Urea has antiseptic properties that can help to kill bacteria and prevent infection.
- Deodorizing: Urea can help to deodorize the skin by absorbing sweat and other bodily fluids.
Urea is a safe and effective ingredient for most people. However, it is important to note that urea can be irritating to some people with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to test urea on a small area of skin, patch test, before using it on a larger area.