Is urea an underrated skin care MVP or just another beauty trend to skip? We asked the experts and here’s the scoop
Urea is often overlooked in the world of skincare, having served as a reliable staple in foot creams and body lotions for years. However, the ingredient has recently gained significant traction on social media. If you struggle with stubborn dryness, rough patches, or conditions such as keratosis pilaris, it may be time to integrate urea into your regimen. Unlike many other components, it functions as both an exfoliant to smooth the skin and a hydrator to lock in moisture.
For those unfamiliar with the compound, “urea is a naturally occurring compound found in the skin that plays a key role in maintaining hydration,” says Dr. Amy Spizuoco, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “In skin care, it’s a powerful humectant and keratolytic agent, meaning it helps attract moisture and gently exfoliates the skin.” This dual-action capability allows it to effectively moisturize the face while treating cracked or dry areas.
There are numerous products on the market featuring this versatile ingredient. Below, we highlight some of the top selections favored by both skin experts and our staff.
Best face serum
Naturium Barrier Bounce Serum
Best for sensitive skin
SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator Serum
Best body lotion
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion
Best budget pick
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA Moisturizer
The best urea skin care products in 2026
This bi-phase serum combines water-based ingredients with oils to support the skin barrier using glycerin, jojoba oil, and other moisturizers. Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago, appreciates that the formula pairs a low percentage of urea with ceramides and squalane. He notes that it can be used “as a serum under a richer-textured cream for those with dry skin, or as a lone hydrator for those with more oily skin.”
Designed to protect and support the skin barrier, this cream is among our top 100 facial moisturizers. It features a 3 percent moisture complex consisting of urea, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid. According to the brand, it also includes fatty acids, peptides, and ceramides, which help repair the moisture barrier to keep skin comfortable and calm.
While suitable for all skin types, this moisturizer is specifically formulated for those with dry skin. It utilizes urea, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to provide deep hydration. Because it is noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, it is a safe choice for sensitive skin. It holds a 4.6-star average rating from over 23,000 Amazon shoppers.
Best face moisturizer for eczema
This moisturizer is designed for use on both the body and face. It contains a 10 percent concentration of urea, which is relatively high for facial application, allowing it to soothe and smooth flaky or rough patches. The brand maintains that it remains gentle enough for skin prone to psoriasis or eczema. It also incorporates glycerin and shea butter for hydration, along with niacinamide to reinforce the skin barrier.
This lightweight, oil-free serum features a urea complex alongside glow-boosting kombucha and hydrating hyaluronic acid to gently brighten and smooth skin texture. For this reason, “it’s a great exfoliator for those with more sensitive and dry skin,” says Ibrahim. It is worth noting that while the urea complex is listed at 25 percent, the inclusion of aminosulfonic acid suggests the actual urea concentration is likely lower.
Formulated specifically for textured, rough, and dry skin, this moisturizer uses 10 percent urea to exfoliate and hydrate, while colloidal oat works to calm irritation and redness. Although the texture is quite thick, it absorbs rapidly. It is also fragrance-free, making it an excellent option for those with sensitive skin.
Best body lotion for those with keratosis pilaris
Intended to smooth and soften the skin, this CeraVe lotion combines urea with lactic acid and salicylic acid. These ingredients “provide great exfoliation but also helps to hydrate the skin and calm any inflammation,” says Dr. Miriam Hanson, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas.
This makes it a strong choice for addressing uneven skin texture, rough patches, or keratosis pilaris. It is also noncomedogenic and fragrance-free, ensuring it is mild enough for sensitive skin types.
Best body lotion for sensitive skin
Dry, sensitive skin is a hallmark of inflammatory conditions like keratosis pilaris, psoriasis, and eczema. According to Ibrahim, the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion is a reliable choice, describing it as “a tried-and-true body lotion that is fantastic for those with sensitive skin.” He adds that it can be used consistently to remove bumps and soften the skin over time.
Hanson identifies this as a top pick for anyone suffering from cracked, dry heels. Its blend of 10 percent urea, shea butter, ceramides, glycerin, and lactic acid works to exfoliate the skin while repairing the natural barrier and locking in moisture. The brand notes that it is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, so there is no need to worry about slipping.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), diabetes can lead to itchy, dry skin due to poor circulation and dehydration caused by high blood sugar. This cream is formulated specifically for such needs. Ibrahim notes that it contains antioxidants and ceramides to help repair the skin barrier, and he appreciates that it is gentle and absorbs quickly.
This body lotion is formulated to relieve itching and contains 10 percent urea along with 3 percent dexpanthenol, a moisturizing agent that helps maintain skin hydration. Spizuoco notes that it is lightweight and absorbs quickly, adding that it “hydrates and smooths without feeling greasy, making it ideal for daily body care.” The formula also includes emollients to help further smooth the skin.
What are urea’s skin care benefits?
Urea offers several benefits for the skin. Spizuoco explains that “urea is a humectant, meaning it draws water into the skin to help combat dryness.”
At higher concentrations, it functions as a keratolytic agent. “It softens and breaks down dead skin cells, making it effective for rough, calloused skin,” says Spizuoco, adding that this process also improves the penetration of other active ingredients.
“Urea can enhance the skin barrier by supporting the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum,” says Hanson. “By strengthening the barrier of the skin, this helps to protect against irritants and harmful environmental triggers.”
How I picked the best urea skin care products
To compile this list, I consulted three dermatologists who shared their preferred urea-based products. Based on their guidance, I looked for items that met specific criteria, including:
Complementary ingredients: Because urea is a multitasker, it performs well alongside other hydrating ingredients or can be paired with exfoliating agents.
Concentration: Urea concentrations typically range from 2 to 40 percent. Higher levels increase the exfoliating effect, which dictates how and where the product should be used. For example, facial products usually contain no more than 10 percent urea because facial skin is more delicate.
Fragrance-free: Since high concentrations of urea can be irritating, our experts suggest avoiding products that also contain fragrance, which is a common irritant.
Area of usage: It is important to consider whether a product is intended for the body or the face, as a foot cream may be far too potent for facial skin.
How to shop for skin care products with urea
When adding urea to your routine, begin by checking the concentration. Levels can range from 2 percent to 40 percent, or even higher with a prescription. Spizuoco outlines the general differences:
Low concentrations (2-10 percent): This range is perfect for general hydration and addressing mild dryness on the body or face. It is suitable for most skin types, including those with sensitivity.
Medium Concentrations (10-20 percent): At these levels, urea is effective at smoothing scaly, rough patches on the body, particularly those associated with keratosis pilaris.
High Concentrations (30-40 percent): This level provides a potent keratolytic effect, making it ideal for treating severe dry patches, calluses, and thickened skin on the body, such as the feet.
Next, seek out formulas that pair urea with ingredients that address your specific concerns. If dryness is your primary issue, Spizuoco suggests looking for barrier-repairing and hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. This is particularly effective when using lower concentrations of urea.
“While urea draws moisture to the skin, hyaluronic acid and glycerin help to retain that moisture,” says Hanson. Ceramides are also beneficial, as they “work alongside urea to lock in moisture,” she says, which is especially helpful for compromised or dry skin.
If you are looking for exfoliation, consider pairing a medium concentration of urea with exfoliating acids. “These ingredients may work synergistically with urea to treat thicker, dry patches or bumpy skin,” says Hanson, who recommends salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid.
Finally, try to avoid fragrance whenever possible, especially when using medium or high concentrations. “Urea can be slightly irritating, so fragrance-free products are best for sensitive skin,” says Spizuoco.
Urea serves two primary functions: “It’s an emollient that moisturizes the skin and it’s also a keratolytic agent, meaning it helps to break down keratin, leading to softer skin,” says Ibrahim. “As an emollient, it’s a component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, or NMF, and also acts as a humectant to bind water to the skin.”
As a keratolytic agent, “it’s especially helpful for skin disorders that cause thick skin buildup, bumps or scales,” he says. This includes conditions like ichthyosis, calluses, keratosis pilaris, and psoriasis. “It’s also beneficial for those with dry skin due to diabetes,” explains Ibrahim.
If you are treating a medical condition, a dermatologist might prescribe a urea product with a concentration of 40 percent or higher. “While over-the-counter urea products are effective for mild to moderate dryness and skin roughness, prescription-strength urea products are recommended for more persistent, or severe skin issues,” says Hanson. These are generally used to target small, specific areas that need intense hydration and exfoliation, such as scaly patches from eczema or psoriasis, or thickened heels.
Usage frequency depends on the concentration and the area of application. If you are using a low concentration (up to 10 percent) in a facial product, such as a moisturizer or serum, daily or twice-daily application is generally acceptable.
For the body, a 10 percent concentration is a good starting point for most people with moderate to mild dryness, and daily use is usually fine. If you experience slight stinging, do not be alarmed: “Urea can sting a little bit when applied, but that’s typically temporary and goes away,” says Ibrahim.
However, “at higher concentrations of 20% to 40%, there is more intense exfoliation,” says Hanson, noting that stinging, redness, and irritation can occur. For this reason, she suggests using concentrations above 20% “less frequently, such as every other day depending on your skin’s tolerance.”
The experts I consulted recommend avoiding urea if your skin barrier is already compromised. “If your skin is extremely sensitive, has open wounds, or is experiencing a flare-up of eczema or psoriasis, high concentrations of urea may sting or cause irritation,” says Spizuoco.
Additionally, be mindful of the rest of your skincare routine. If you are using a potent retinoid, “combining it with urea may increase sensitivity,” she says. You may still be able to use both, but start slowly—perhaps every other day—to ensure the combination is not too harsh.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Amy Spizuoco, FAOCD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist in New York, NY. She’s the president of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and a professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, also in New York.
Dr. Omer Ibrahim, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, IL.
Dr. Miriam Hanson is a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, TX. She specializes in pairing aesthetic skin care with cosmetic and general dermatology.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a contributing writer and editor who’s been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like retinol body lotions and prebiotic skin care. For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists to narrow down the urea skin care products to shop this year, and highlighted their recommendations for the best options to consider.
Bethany Heitman is a commerce editor at NBC Select. She also contributed to this story.
