Facial Care
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Oils, hyaluronic acid, plant and algae extracts, stem cells, snail mucin, collagen, Q10 – these are the buzzwords brands love to use when promising deep hydration. Ever noticed how no one brags about silicones or mineral oils (petroleum byproducts) as active ingredients, even though most creams are packed with them?
If you want a moisturizer that actually hydrates, check the ingredient list for urea. Yes, urea! (Don’t worry – the kind used in skincare is synthetic, which is why I always say my products aren’t 100% natural.)
Here’s a fun fact: ever noticed how your skin feels plumper and more hydrated in hot weather or after a workout? That’s because of urea – a key component of sweat. Lactic acid helps, too, but urea is the real MVP!
Why Don’t All Brands Use Urea?
It comes down to price and perception.
Urea is a super affordable ingredient with a totally unsexy name. Try selling a premium moisturizer with "urea" on the front label – not exactly easy, right?
Brands prefer to highlight hyaluronic acid, botanical extracts, and snail mucin because they sound luxurious and natural. Meanwhile, they quietly pack their formulas with silicones, mineral oils, and synthetic stabilizers – but they never make those the stars of the show.
But here’s the truth: urea is one of the best humectants out there – and it outperforms many of the trendy hydrating ingredients.
Why Is Urea So Amazing?
Urea (also called carbamide) is a naturally occurring compound that forms when proteins break down. In skincare, we use synthetic urea, not the natural kind (relax, it’s not what you think!).
For dry, rough, sensitive, or aging skin, urea is a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Deep Hydration – Urea attracts and locks in moisture, preventing dehydration and smoothing out fine lines. That’s why every CREAMLY Face Cream contains it!
- Gentle Exfoliation – Softens dead skin cells, making way for smoother, healthier skin.
- Soothing & Antibacterial – Reduces inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and supports a healthy microbiome.
- Healing Power – Repairs micro-cracks and minor skin damage, making your skin stronger and healthier.
Is Urea in Skincare Safe?
Yes! Modern skincare uses synthetic urea (carbamide), which is lab-created from CO₂ and ammonia. It’s a white, odorless powder that looks like sugar crystals – nothing gross about it!
Urea is skin-friendly, mimicking natural hydration mechanisms. It’s hypoallergenic, well-tolerated, and doesn’t cause irritation. In fact, it actually makes skincare gentler, allowing for fewer harsh preservatives.
What Concentration of Urea Should You Look For?
Urea concentration in skincare varies from 1% to 50%, depending on the product’s purpose:
- 1% – everyday hydration for all skin types.
- 3-5% – anti-aging care for dry or mature skin.
- 10% – intense hydration for severely dehydrated skin.
- 10-30% – body lotions & hand creams for rough, dry skin.
- 50% – foot creams to soften calluses.
For face creams, a maximum of 10% urea is ideal – anything higher could be irritating. For hands, feet, and body, higher concentrations work wonders.
Final Thoughts
Yes, “urea” might sound unappealing. But in reality, it’s a powerful, skin-loving ingredient that locks in moisture, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps fight early signs of aging.
So next time you’re shopping for skincare, don’t just fall for the buzzwords. Check the ingredients (CREAMLY's are perfect match) – and don’t underestimate the power of urea!
