What is urea and why is it an indispensable ingredient in skin care?

What is urea?

Urea is a natural substance produced by the body during the breakdown of proteins. It is one of the so-called Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs) in the top layer of the skin, a group of substances that ensure that the skin can retain moisture and remains supple.

Although urea occurs naturally in the skin, its amount can decrease due to factors such as aging, dry skin or certain skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. The result? Skin that feels dry, tight or flaky. Fortunately, urea in skin care products can replenish these deficiencies and rehydrate and repair the skin.

What does urea do for the skin?

Urea is a powerful ingredient that fulfills multiple functions in skin care. This makes it a favorite with dermatologists and an essential ingredient in many Hypogeen products. This is what urea does:

• Urea attracts moisture from the environment and helps retain it in the skin, keeping it better hydrated.
• In higher concentrations, urea acts as a mild exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and improves skin texture.
• Urea strengthens the natural protective layer of the skin, making it more resistant to external influences such as cold, wind or dehydration.
• Thanks to its soothing properties, urea reduces redness and irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Why does Hypogeen use urea in so many products?

At Hypogeen we use urea because it is not known as a skin irritating ingredient. On the contrary, urea offers many benefits for people with dry or sensitive skin. Thanks to its moisturizing and soothing properties, urea is an essential ingredient in our products. Hypogeen is widely used by pedicures, and for that group of people - often with dry, rough feet or other skin problems - urea is an ideal ingredient to care for the skin effectively and safely. You can find urea in the following Hypogeen products:

• Foot creams (soften and moisturize dry, rough feet and help reduce calluses)
• Hand creams (repair chapped, dry hands and protect them from further dehydration)
• Body lotions (help keep the skin hydrated daily and prevent a tight feeling)
• Leg creams (not only support hydration, but also help strengthen the skin barrier)

What does urea contain and how do you recognize it?

Urea is not necessarily an ingredient that is only used in hypoallergenic skin care. It is a versatile ingredient that has been used in cosmetic creams since 1940 and has more than proven its effectiveness. Urea can be found in a wide range of skin care products, especially those aimed at hydration and skin repair.

On the ingredients list of a product (the INCI list), you can often recognize urea simply by the name “urea.” Sometimes the term “carbamide” is also used, but this is less common. At Hypogeen we clearly state that our products contain urea, so you always know exactly what you are using.

Should I choose 5%, 20% or 40% urea?

Urea is used in skin care products in different concentrations, depending on the intended effect. At a lower concentration, such as 5%, urea mainly has moisturizing properties and is ideal for daily use, for example in body lotions, foot creams and hand creams. Higher concentrations, such as 20% or even 40%, are used in products aimed at intensive skin care, such as when treating rough, flaky areas or calluses. The higher the percentage of urea, the stronger the exfoliating effect.
Before you randomly choose the first urea ointment you find, you want to be sure of the correct dosage. Too high a concentration can cause skin irritations, such as itching or a burning sensation. It is therefore not always the case that a higher percentage of urea is better. Sometimes this is even used as a marketing ploy to suggest that a cream with more urea is more effective, while this is not always necessary or suitable for your skin. Choose a concentration that suits your skin type and skin needs, and if in doubt, consult with a dermatologist or skin expert.