---
title: "Urea — Glossary | School of Dermatology"
url: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/urea
description: "Discover urea in skincare, how this natural moisturizing factor hydrates and exfoliates at different concentrations, and which skin conditions it treats."
lang: en
---

Glossary

# Urea

yoo-REE-uh

## Definition

Urea is a naturally occurring compound found in the skin as part of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) — the collection of water-soluble substances in the stratum corneum that help maintain hydration. In skincare, synthetic urea is used at various concentrations for different effects. At low concentrations (2-10%), urea acts as a powerful humectant, attracting and binding water to hydrate dry, rough, or flaky skin. At moderate concentrations (10-20%), it provides both moisturizing and mild keratolytic (exfoliating) effects, helping to soften and smooth rough patches, calluses, and conditions like keratosis pilaris. At higher concentrations (20-40%), urea becomes a more potent exfoliant used to treat conditions like psoriasis, severely dry skin, and thickened nails. Urea is exceptionally well-tolerated, non-irritating for most people, and can even help other active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively.

## Related Terms

Humectant: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/humectant
Moisturizer: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/moisturizer
Barrier Function: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/barrier-function
Exfoliation: https://schoolofdermatology.com/glossary/exfoliation

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