保湿
Urea
The Chinese name for Urea is 尿素 (pinyin: niào sù).
Quick Facts
- Chinese
- 尿素 (niào sù)
- English
- Urea
- INCI
- Urea
- Category
- 保湿
- Effective %
- 2% – 10% (hydration); 10% – 40% (exfoliation / foot care)
- Pregnancy
- Generally OK
Urea is a small-molecule humectant that's part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), pulling in water and softening keratin at the same time. It's the go-to for dry, rough, flaky skin and a staple for cracked heels and calluses — cheap, effective, and usually tolerable even for sensitive skin.
Key benefits
- Strong hydration: as a natural moisturizing factor component, it draws water directly into the stratum corneum — strong evidence
- Softens keratin: at moderate concentrations it gently dissolves keratin, improving roughness and dullness — strong evidence
- Barrier support: replenishes NMF components and helps repair a dry, compromised skin barrier — strong evidence
- Fast results: skin feels noticeably softer right away, though lasting hydration takes consistent use — strong evidence
Good for
- Dry skin
- Rough skin with keratin buildup
- Cracked heels and calluses
- Sensitive skin with a compromised barrier
- Winter dryness
Use with caution
- Broken or inflamed skin: high-strength urea irritates open wounds — wait until skin is intact
- Urea allergy: rare, but individual intolerance exists — patch-test on first use
Pairing notes
✓ Pairs well with
✕ Avoid mixing with
Frequently asked
What is Urea in Chinese?
Urea is 尿素 (niào sù) in Chinese — the same characters in Simplified and Traditional. In skincare it's a small-molecule humectant from skin's natural moisturizing factor that hydrates and softens rough, flaky skin.
Which hydrates better, urea or hyaluronic acid?
Different mechanisms. Urea is a small molecule — fast absorption and immediate effect, but shorter-lived. Hyaluronic acid is a larger molecule, slower to absorb but better at holding water. Dry skin does best combining both: urea for the quick fix, hyaluronic acid for long-term maintenance.
Is a higher urea concentration always better?
No. Low strengths (2%–5%) mainly hydrate; mid strengths (5%–10%) hydrate plus gently exfoliate. Only 20%+ delivers real keratolytic, dissolving action — and irritation climbs with it. That's foot-care territory, not daily face care.
Can sensitive skin use urea?
Yes — stick to low concentrations (2%–5%) in a gentle formula. Urea is a natural moisturizing factor and generally far milder than chemical exfoliants. But if skin has open wounds or serious inflammation, wait until it heals before using it.
My skin feels a bit tacky after urea — is that normal?
Normal. Urea pulls water into the stratum corneum, so in dry air or with a heavy hand it can feel sticky. Use less, cut back in humid seasons, and balance it with lighter-feeling products in the rest of your routine.
What happens if I use urea with lactic acid or AHAs?
Urea plus low-strength lactic acid makes a gentle, effective exfoliating combo. Never mix it with high-strength AHAs or salicylic acid — that over-irritates skin. If you want both, introduce one at a time, spacing them at least 2–3 days apart to check tolerance.
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Educational reference only — results vary by person; see a doctor for serious skin issues.