If you’re dealing with dry, rough, or scaly skin, you may have heard about urea 20% cream. This topical treatment is a popular choice for moisturizing and exfoliating, helping to smooth and soften skin.
But what exactly is in this cream, and how do those ingredients work? Understanding the urea 20 cream ingredients is essential for making informed decisions about your skincare. Some ingredients offer real benefits, while others might raise concerns depending on your individual needs and sensitivities.
This article takes a closer look at the key ingredients you’ll typically find in urea 20% cream. We’ll explore what each ingredient does, its potential benefits for your skin, and any potential drawbacks you should be aware of. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what you’re putting on your skin and whether urea 20% cream is the right choice for you.
What is urea?
Urea, also known as carbamide, is a compound your body makes naturally.
It’s in the group of substances known as Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF). Urea can make up as much as 7 percent of your skin’s NMF.
When it’s part of your NMF, urea helps your skin do two things:
- stay moist
- maintain its structure and function
But urea has other valuable properties, too. It also acts as a keratolytic agent, meaning it helps break down keratin.
That’s a good thing because breaking down keratin helps exfoliate dead skin cells.
When you use a product with urea, that exfoliation can help smooth your skin and improve its texture.
In fact, high-percentage (10 to 40 percent) urea treatments can be effective for treating skin disorders. Always consult your doctor before using high-percentage urea treatments.
What are the key ingredients in urea 20% cream?
If you’re trying to choose the right cream for your dry, cracked, or calloused skin, you’ll want to know a bit about what goes into it, perhaps something like Kerasal Ointment. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll commonly see in a urea 20% cream:
Water (Aqua)
Yep, plain old H2O! Water is usually the first ingredient in creams and lotions for a good reason. It acts as a solvent, helping all the other ingredients mix together. Plus, it provides some initial hydration to the skin.
Emollients: Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum)
Mineral oil is a common emollient. Emollients create a protective layer on the skin, trapping moisture. There’s a lot of debate around mineral oil, but here’s what the science says:
- Mineral oil is generally non-irritating and moisturizing.
- It works by creating a barrier, but it doesn’t nourish the skin itself.
There are some myths out there about mineral oil clogging pores or being toxic. However, a 2017 study review stated that “the cosmetic use of mineral oils and waxes does not present a risk to consumers due to a lack of systemic exposure.” Also, a 2005 study suggested that mineral oil is noncomedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) in humans.
Humectants: Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture from the air and draws it into the skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated and feeling soft.
Surfactants: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS is a surfactant, which means it helps to cleanse the skin by breaking down oils and dirt. There’s some concern that SLS can irritate the skin. It can be a primary irritant, but how irritating it is really depends on the specific formula and how much of it is used.
Other Ingredients
Urea 20% creams often contain other ingredients, too, such as:
- Fatty alcohols: These help to moisturize the skin.
- Esters: These can help stabilize the product.
- Amino acids: These ingredients may provide additional benefits to the skin.
Other ingredients in urea cream
Besides urea, urea cream often has other ingredients added to it.
Fragrance
Fragrance may sound like a single ingredient, but it’s usually a mix of 30 to 50 chemicals (or even as many as 200). Some people are sensitive to fragrances. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid products with added fragrance.
Parabens, BHT, and other preservatives
Preservatives like parabens and BHT help keep urea cream stable and prevent it from spoiling. The concentration of BHT in cosmetics is usually very small, typically between 0.01% and 0.1%.
There’s been some controversy about parabens because some studies have suggested they might disrupt the endocrine system. However, most cosmetic scientists and regulatory agencies consider them safe to use in the small concentrations found in cosmetics.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, can act as both exfoliants and moisturizers. At higher concentrations (around 4% to 5%), they may improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles.
It’s important to use sunscreen when you’re using products with AHAs, because they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Uses and application of urea 20% cream
Urea 20% cream is a topical treatment commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions that cause dry, rough, or scaly skin, such as:
- Ichthyosis
- Xerosis
- Psoriasis
It’s also used to relieve minor skin irritations and itching, and can sometimes be related to underlying conditions affecting nail health.
To use, simply apply the cream to the affected areas as needed. Many people find that applying it after bathing or showering helps to lock in moisture and improve results. Just be sure to pat your skin dry first!
And, as with any medication, follow the directions on the label or as prescribed by your doctor. Using more product or applying it more often than directed won’t make it work faster or better, and it could increase your risk of side effects.
Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects
Like any medication, urea 20% cream can cause side effects. You might notice burning, stinging, redness, or irritation where you apply the cream. If you see unusual skin changes or signs of an infection, call your doctor immediately.
Although rare, allergic reactions can happen. Seek immediate medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction.
Before using urea cream, tell your doctor about any allergies or other health conditions you have. If you’re prone to acne, look for products labeled “non-comedogenic,” meaning they won’t clog your pores.
It’s also important to tell your doctor about all the medications and products you’re using, especially before surgery or if you’re pregnant. It’s not known if urea passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor before using it if you’re breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 20% urea cream used for?
20% urea cream is primarily used to treat dry, rough, and scaly skin conditions. It works by helping the skin retain moisture and by gently exfoliating dead skin cells. It’s commonly used for conditions like xerosis, ichthyosis, and calluses. The urea acts as a humectant and a keratolytic, drawing moisture into the skin and softening hardened areas.
What percentage of urea is best?
The best urea percentage depends on the specific condition being treated and the sensitivity of your skin. Lower concentrations (around 10%) are often used for general moisturizing, while higher concentrations (20% or more) are typically reserved for thicker, more resistant skin conditions like calluses or severely dry skin. Always start with a lower concentration and increase as needed, paying close attention to how your skin reacts.
Is 20% urea safe for the face?
While 20% urea cream can be effective for certain skin conditions, it’s generally not recommended for use on the face. The skin on the face is typically more sensitive than other areas of the body. Using a high concentration of urea on the face could lead to irritation, redness, and peeling. Lower concentrations of urea (5-10%) found in facial moisturizers are more suitable.
What are the side effects of taking urea?
It’s important to clarify that urea cream is for topical use, meaning it’s applied to the skin, not ingested. Therefore, the side effects you’re likely concerned about are those from applying urea cream. Common side effects can include mild burning, stinging, itching, or redness at the application site. If these symptoms are severe or persist, discontinue use and consult a doctor.
In Conclusion
Urea 20% cream uses a combination of ingredients to hydrate and exfoliate dry skin. Urea, water, emollients, humectants, and other additives all play a role in how the cream works.
Understanding the ingredients in your skincare products can help you make informed choices about what you put on your skin.
If you have specific skin concerns, talk to a dermatologist or other healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.