The Receipt
- 01An underrated, well-studied fix for rough, dry skin, especially on the body.
Education, not a diagnosis. If something changes quickly, hurts, bleeds, or worries you, see a dermatologist.
Ingredient Receipt · Hydrators
Urea
INCI: Urea
Urea hydrates at low percentages and softens rough, thick skin at higher ones. Why it’s a go-to for dry, flaky and bumpy skin.
- Dryness
- Texture & pores
01 · In plain English
Urea creams are a staple for rough heels, elbows and dry, bumpy skin. The strength changes what it does.
02 · What it does
Urea is part of skin’s natural moisturizing factor. At lower concentrations (around 5–10%) it acts mainly as a humectant; at higher concentrations it also softens and loosens thickened skin (keratolytic).
Reviews describe it as well studied for dry skin conditions and generally well tolerated, though it can sting broken skin.
03 · Who it’s for
- Very dry, rough or flaky skin.
- Bumpy texture on arms, legs, knees and elbows.
- Cracked heels (higher strengths).
04 · What the evidence says
- Improving hydration and softness of dry, rough skin.well-supported
- Smoothing thickened or bumpy skin at higher strengths.limited evidence
05 · Myths, checked
“Urea in skincare comes from urine.”
Cosmetic urea is synthesized.
well-supported
06 · Insufficient evidence
- High-strength urea for facial use without guidance.
07 · How to use it
- 5–10% for general body dryness; higher strengths for heels and very thick skin.
- Avoid on cracked or broken skin, where it can sting.
08 · Pairs well / go carefully
Pairs well with
- Ceramides, petrolatum on top for very dry areas.
Go carefully with
- Other strong exfoliants on the same area.