Urea
Urea stands for 100% intensive hydration. But that is not all – it can do even more. In this article, you will find out which skin type it works best for and what other benefits it brings.
The only thing most people know about urea, is that is has something to do with urine. In fact, the word urine is derived from the Latin word urea. But before we dive deeper into this ingredient, we want to clarify one thing in advance: The urea that is used in cosmetics and medical products is produced synthetically by combining carbon dioxide and ammonia at high temperature and pressure. Consequently, this also means that urea is a substance our body is familiar with and it is therefore very well tolerated. Urea is execreted in the form of urine and sweat during normal metabolic processes. The latter is also important for our skin. Like hyaluronic acid, urea is a component of the NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor) – the skin’s natural built in moisturiser that protects the skin from drying out.
And who discovered it?
That was the Dutch professor of medicine and chemistry Hermann Boerhaave in 1729. However, it was not until 100 years later that the German chemist Friedrich Wöhler successfully synthesized and discovered the chemical structure of urea. This enabled him to disprove the then widespread thesis that organic substances (such as urea) can only be produced by living organisms and not synthetically. Today, the synthetic form of urea is an essential ingredient in many creams, ointments and lotions.
Benefits for skin
Depending on its concentration in a product, the active ingredient boasts the following properties:
- Gentle and well tolerated
- Acts as a humectant and binds moisture in the upper layers of the skin
- Improves water retention
- Provides constant moisturisation
- Has keratolytic properties (exfoliating; dissolves dead skin cells) and smooths the surface of the skin
- Soothes skin
- Can reduce itching
Benefits for skin
Depending on its concentration in a product, the active ingredient boasts the following properties:
- Gentle and well tolerated
- Acts as a humectant and binds moisture in the upper layers of the skin
- Improves water retention
- Provides constant moisturisation
- Has keratolytic properties (exfoliating; dissolves dead skin cells) and smooths the surface of the skin
- Soothes skin
- Can reduce itching
Which skin type benefits most from urea?
Obviously, skincare products with a high urea content are particularly beneficial for dry skin. Urea-containing cream are also recommended in winter, regardless of skin type. This is because dry air from indoor heating and cold temperatures can quickly lead to moisture loss, which results in overly dry skin. Skincare with urea and hyaluronic acid offers long-lasting moisture and hydration.
Because of its gentle, non-irritating nature, people with sensitive skin can include urea in their daily skincare routine without hesitation. Our Hyaluronic Acid Serum with urea is even fragrance-free. It visibly plumps fine lines caused by dryness, which makes it ideal for dry skin.
Speaking of wrinkles: Mature skin benefits greatly from using an urea cream. With the natural aging of the skin, many processes in the human body slow down. For example, it also becomes more difficult to retain water and the skin becomes increasingly dry. The HYALURONIC UREA collection counteracts this process in two ways. Hyaluronic acid infuses dry skin with intense hydration, while urea helps the skin to retain this moisture. Additionally enriched with our powerful Celumer Marine Extract, the products have a long-lasting anti-aging effect.
Products with Urea
Urea-containing products are not just beneficial for the face, but also the rest of the body. Urea shampoos can help against dry, itchy or flaky scalps. The keratolytic effect dissolves dandruff and then protects against dehydration.
The same applies for foot care. Many foot creams take advantage of its keratolytic and moisturising properties. Products with a very high content of urea are ideal to sofen foot callus.
If you want to pamper your skin after showering, you can use body lotions with urea, like our Hyaluronic Acid Body Lotion or Q10 Body Lotion. Tip: These body products have a smoothing effect as well.
Products for very dry, itchy or flaky skin prone to eczema or psoriasis can be found in our MINERAL CARE MED collection. The Dead Sea Salt Body Lotion infuses the skin with moisture and can soothe itching.
The same applies for foot care. Many foot creams take advantage of its keratolytic and moisturising properties. Products with a very high content of urea are ideal to sofen foot callus.
If you want to pamper your skin after showering, you can use body lotions with urea, like our Hyaluronic Acid Body Lotion or Q10 Body Lotion. Tip: These body products have a smoothing effect as well.
Products for very dry, itchy or flaky skin prone to eczema or psoriasis can be found in our MINERAL CARE MED collection. The Dead Sea Salt Body Lotion infuses the skin with moisture and can soothe itching.
