It is typically common to find many of the same ingredients in skin care products. For moisturizers, the most common ingredients are usually hyaluronic acid or glycerin. One ingredient that is not new in hydration, but growing in popularity among consumers and professionals, is urea. An article from Refinery 29 details what urea is and how it compares to other hydrating powerhouse ingredients.
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Urea is a humectant and part of the natural moisturizers created by the body, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Since it is a humectant, it absorbs moisture and locks it into the skin barrier, providing plumper, smoother looks with a glow. Urea is also an emollient, meaning it softens and smooths skin, according to the article.
Urea is used in a wide variety of skin care products, including facial moisturizers, cleansers, eye creams, foundations, shampoos and conditioners, typically at a low concentration. It is also common to find both urea and hyaluronic acid in the same product since hyaluronic acid is more effective at infusing the skin with intense hydration, while urea locks moisture into the skin, making the blending of the two beneficial.
It is always possible for an ingredient to cause mild skin irritation, especially in sensitive or reactive skin, so it is recommended to patch-test any new skin care product by applying a small amount inside the elbow or behind the ear, covering it with a plaster and then observing if any redness or irritation that occurs.
