Urea is a naturally occurring component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates the skin at low concentrations and exfoliates by softening keratin at higher concentrations. It is widely used to treat dry, scaly, and hyperkeratotic skin conditions.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Stinging or burning sensation | Common | More likely on broken or inflamed skin and at higher concentrations. |
Transient redness or irritation | Common | Usually mild and resolves with continued use. |
Skin dryness or peeling | Uncommon | Associated with higher keratolytic concentrations. |
Contact dermatitis | Rare | Allergic or irritant reactions occasionally reported. |
Systemic effects | Very rare | Only of theoretical concern with extensive application on broken skin. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.