CAS No. 57-13-6
Urea, a byproduct of protein metabolism and a natural component in biological organisms, is inherent in urine and present in the urine of all mammals. However, it is also produced synthetically on a global scale due to its widespread use in various industrial processes.
Known for its capacity to disrupt noncovalent bonds in proteins, urea serves as a potent protein denaturant. This keratolytic property is harnessed in topical formulations containing substantial urea concentrations, facilitating the rapid turnover of skin cells and addressing issues of dry, scaly skin. Urea functions as both a humectant and moisturizer, promoting skin rehydration and restoring the skin's natural urea content, which may be depleted during cleansing. Despite an unclear mechanism of action, topically applied urea exhibits anti-inflammatory properties on compromised dermatological skin.
Urea demonstrates high solubility, dissolving readily in various mediums: 1 gram in 1 ml of water, 10 ml of 95% alcohol, or 2 ml of glycerol.
Benefits
- Moisturization
- Replenish natural skin urea lost to cleansing
- Exfoliation
Use In
- Creams and lotions for dry skin
- Sun and after-sun lotions
- Shampoos and body washes
- Body scrubs
- Cracked heal and elbow moisturizers
INCI: Urea
- Add to the water phase of formulations
- Not heat sensitive
This is a cosmetic raw material and is meant for external use only in cosmetic formulations. As with all of our materials, it should not be taken internally.
Recommended Usage Percentage: 2 - 15%, up to 40%
Appearance: White to off-white crystal
Odor: Slight ammoniacal odor
pH 5% sol.: 7.2
Solubility: Water soluble, also partially soluble in ethanol and glycerol