Urea
Humectant & Keratolytic Active
INCI: Urea · CAS 57-13-6 · Crystalline Powder · Water Soluble · Preservative-Free
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Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism and a naturally occurring compound found in all biological organisms. Manufactured synthetically for cosmetic use, it delivers two distinct functions depending on concentration — a powerful humectant and moisturizer at lower levels, and a keratolytic agent at higher concentrations.
At lower concentrations it promotes rehydration of the skin and replenishes the natural urea content lost through everyday cleansing. At higher concentrations it promotes rapid skin cell turnover, improving dry, scaly, and thickened skin. Applied topically, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent on dermatologically compromised skin.
| INCI Name | CAS | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Urea | 57-13-6 | Humectant, keratolytic agent, skin conditioner, moisturizer, penetration enhancer |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| INCI name | Urea |
| CAS number | 57-13-6 |
| Melting point | 132–135°C |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water — 1 gram dissolves in 1 ml water, 10 ml of 95% alcohol, or 2 ml of glycerol |
| pH stability | Stable at pH 4–8 |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place in a sealed container away from moisture and heat |
| California Prop 65 | This product is not known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm |
| Intended use | Cosmetic applications only — not distributed as or used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) |
| Certificate of Analysis | Download COA → |
| Spec Sheet | Download Spec Sheet → |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Facial moisturizers and serums | 2–5% |
| Body lotions and creams | 5–10% |
| Dry and eczema-prone skin formulations | 5–10% |
| Scalp treatments and shampoos | 2–5% |
| Sun and after-sun lotions | 2–5% |
| Body scrubs | 5–10% |
| Foot creams and cracked heel treatments | 10–25% |
| Nail and cuticle softeners | 10–20% |
| High-strength keratolytic treatments | 20–40% |
- Add to the water phase — freely soluble in water at room temperature
- At 2–10% functions as a humectant — draws moisture into the stratum corneum and replenishes natural skin urea lost to cleansing
- At 10–40% functions as a keratolytic — promotes rapid skin cell turnover and softens thickened, hardened, or hyperkeratotic skin
- Acts as a penetration enhancer above 5% — improves delivery of other actives in the formulation
- Stable at pH 4–8 — compatible with most cosmetic formulation systems
- Can cause formulation yellowing over time at higher concentrations — test stability early in development
- Pairs well with INCI VAULT's Hydroxyethyl Urea for enhanced moisture retention with a cleaner non-tacky skin feel
- Pairs well with INCI VAULT's Allantoin for enhanced soothing, barrier repair, and skin softening
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Need a larger quantity? Reach out — support@inci-vault.com
Urea (INCI: Urea · CAS 57-13-6) is a byproduct of protein metabolism and a naturally occurring metabolic constituent. Manufactured synthetically for cosmetic use only — not an API. White crystalline powder · readily soluble in water (1g per 1ml) · preservative-free · stable at pH 4–8. Humectant and moisturizer at 2–10% · keratolytic at 10–40% · anti-inflammatory on compromised skin · replenishes natural skin urea lost to cleansing.
| What is Urea used for?A humectant at 2–10% and keratolytic at 10–40%. Draws moisture into the stratum corneum, supports the skin's NMF, softens hardened skin, and enhances penetration of other actives. Used in moisturizers, body lotions, foot creams, scalp treatments, and therapeutic skin care. |
| What is the difference between humectant and keratolytic use?At 2–10% it draws moisture into the skin and supports NMF. At 10–40% it softens and breaks down hardened, thickened, or hyperkeratotic skin. Above 5% it also acts as a penetration enhancer, improving delivery of other actives. |
| Is it suitable for dry and eczema-prone skin?Yes — as an NMF component it restores and maintains the skin's natural moisture balance. Use at 5–10% in body lotions and creams for dry and eczema-prone skin. |
| What makes Urea effective for dry and compromised skin?Urea replenishes the natural urea content of skin lost through cleansing, promotes rehydration of the stratum corneum, and acts as an anti-inflammatory on dermatologically compromised skin. It is readily soluble — 1 gram dissolves in 1 ml water, 10 ml of 95% alcohol, or 2 ml of glycerol. |
| Can it be combined with Hydroxyethyl Urea?Yes — pairs well with INCI VAULT's Hydroxyethyl Urea for enhanced moisture retention with a cleaner non-tacky feel, and with Allantoin for enhanced soothing and barrier repair. |
Note: Urea is a dual-function ingredient whose role changes significantly based on concentration. At 2–10% it is a humectant that replenishes natural skin urea and promotes rehydration. At 10–40% it is a keratolytic that promotes rapid skin cell turnover. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory on compromised skin. Pair with INCI VAULT Hydroxyethyl Urea for a non-tacky moisture system, and INCI VAULT Allantoin for enhanced soothing and barrier repair. For cosmetic use only — not an API.
