Tired of your skin feeling rough, dry, or looking a little uneven? You deserve skin that feels smooth, supple and radiates health! That’s where urea, a true skincare hero, steps in. This powerhouse ingredient is known for its incredible ability to deeply hydrate, gently refine skin texture and soothe discomfort across a wide range of skin types, all while being remarkably gentle. Ready to unlock the secret to healthier-looking skin? Let’s dive into why urea is a game-changer for your body care routine and bust some common myths along the way!
What is Urea?
Urea, also known as carbamide, is a natural substance found in the body. It is a key component of the skin’s natural moisture-binding mechanism. In the human body, urea is formed as an end product of protein metabolism and is excreted via the kidneys.
What are the Benefits of Urea in Skincare?
Urea is frequently used in skincare products for eczema-prone skin, keratosis pilaris or psoriasis due to its moisturising and smoothing properties. However, urea can do much more than just keep your skin supple:
Intense Hydration
As an NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor), urea has the ability to attract water and effectively lock it into the stratum corneum of the skin. This increases moisture content and counteracts dryness. Urea helps provide dry skin with much-needed moisture, keeping it soft, supple and hydrated.
Gentle Exfoliation
Urea has a mild exfoliating effect, helping to shed dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. This improves skin texture and visibly reduces rough, flaky patches. Urea works gently but effectively to make your skin smoother and softer.
Strengthening the Skin Barrier
Dry skin is often irritable and sensitive because its natural skin barrier is weakened. Urea supports the restoration of barrier function by supplying the skin with moisture and valuable lipids. It strengthens the skin’s protective function, prevents moisture loss and effectively protects the skin from external influences such as cold, wind and pollution.
Reduction of Itching and Irritation
Urea helps to soothe and relieve skin discomfort by restoring the skin’s balance. It works by forming a protective barrier that retains hydration and prevents external irritants from penetrating the skin. Additionally, urea has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm skin inflammation, reduce redness and alleviate irritation. It also promotes skin healing, which is crucial for dry skin prone to fissures and micro-injuries.
Prevention of Signs of Ageing
Urea helps slow down the ageing process by strengthening the skin’s protective film and maintaining hydration. It keeps the skin supple, smooth and elastic. As a natural antioxidant, urea protects against free radical damage, which can lead to premature ageing. By neutralising these free radicals, urea contributes to preventing signs of ageing such as wrinkles and fine lines. Finally, urea promotes cell regeneration, stimulating the production of new skin cells and improving skin texture and radiance.
Urea: 5 Myths and Truths
Urea is urine
You can breathe a sigh of relief: the myth that urea in skincare products is derived from urine is widespread but false.
Fact: While urea was indeed extracted from horse urine until the mid-18th century, today it is produced synthetically and is colourless and odourless.
Urea is carcinogenic
False. Urea is a safe and effective skincare ingredient that has been used in moisturisers for decades and is classified as safe by the FDA.
Fact: Urea has no proven carcinogenic properties and can be used safely in skincare products. However, make sure your cosmetics are as free as possible from other harmful substances such as parabens and mineral oils. In the clinically tested formulations of Mixa products, parabens are avoided and only a limited number of ingredients are used to reduce the risk of allergies.
Urea increases your skin’s sun sensitivity
No—unlike retinol or vitamin C, urea does not increase sun sensitivity.
Fact: Nevertheless, apply sunscreen daily in the morning to protect your skin from sun damage and photoageing.
Urea is an aggressive ingredient
This myth is also false. In fact, urea is a mild and effective skincare ingredient.
Fact: It has moisturising properties and helps treat dry skin without irritating or damaging it.
The body’s own urea does not come into contact with the skin
One might think so, as urea is excreted via the kidneys.
Fact: Not entirely. In small amounts, urea is released onto the skin surface via sweat. There, as part of the Natural Moisturising Factors, it plays an important protective role.
Urea FAQ
Is urea vegan?
Yes, urea is a vegan active ingredient, as no animal or human components are contained in the final product. However, urea is not plant-based; it is synthetically produced from ammonia and carbon dioxide.
Is urea effective against wrinkles?
Yes, urea can enhance your anti-ageing routine. By retaining moisture and plumping the skin from within, it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin resilience and makes the complexion appear fresher and smoother. Combine urea with hyaluronic acid, peptides or ceramides for best results.
Is urea suitable for babies and toddlers?
As baby and children’s skin is particularly delicate, urea can be a beneficial addition to skincare. However, only low concentrations of urea specifically formulated for babies should be used. These products should be free from irritating additives. If unsure, consult a paediatrician or dermatologist before use.
Mixa Products with Urea
At Mixa, we draw on almost 100 years of expertise in caring for dry and sensitive skin and understand how important it is to find the right solution and feel comfortable in your own skin. Here are our favourites featuring this powerful active ingredient:
Urea Cica Repair+ Skin Renewing Cream
Ideal for dry to very dry skin, this cream makes skin supple and smooth. Thanks to its formula with 10 per cent urea and niacinamides, it is a true multi-talent for dry, itchy and rough skin.
Urea Cica Repair+ Body Milk
This rich body lotion, formulated with 5 per cent urea and soothing panthenol, immediately regenerates the skin and protects it for up to 48 hours. From the very first application, it leaves skin noticeably smoother and intensely nourished—without greasy residue.
10-in-1 Cica Repair+ Repairing Balm
Designed for extremely dry and cracked skin, this balm delivers intensive moisture to elbows, knees, feet and hands while sustainably rebuilding the skin barrier. Glycerin, urea and allantoin leave even brittle skin feeling supple and help strengthen a compromised skin barrier.
We hope this detailed information about urea is helpful for you!