humectant

Urea

INCI: UREA
CAS 57-13-6 EC 200-315-5
Urea is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) found in the skin. Used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. At higher concentrations (5-10%) it has keratolytic and exfoliating properties. Also used in hair care and nail products.
Generally Safe
This ingredient has a good safety profile based on available data.
Purpose

Function

Humectant (≤2%), moisturizer/mild keratolytic (5–10%), keratolytic (10–30%), debriding agent (30–40%), filaggrin upregulator, antimicrobial peptide inducer
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Malassezia
Safe
Fungal Acne
Safe
Details

Description

Urea is a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) found in the skin. Used in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. At higher concentrations (5-10%) it has keratolytic and exfoliating properties. Also used in hair care and nail products.

Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
57-13-6
EC Number
200-315-5
INCI
UREA
Category
humectant
Updated
Apr 2, 2026