Urea gel is a topical medication you put on your skin to soften it and remove dead skin cells and even fingernails or toenails. It’s called a keratolytic emollient, which means it helps to break down the protein in skin (keratin) and also softens and moisturizes.
In this article, we’ll discuss what urea gel is made from, how it’s used, and what you should keep in mind if your doctor prescribes it for you.
Urea gels come in different strengths and concentrations, and your doctor will consider your specific situation when deciding which strength is right for you.
What is urea?
Urea is a substance that’s naturally found in your body. It’s a waste product that comes from the breakdown of protein. But don’t worry, the urea used in creams and lotions isn’t extracted from urine!
The urea in skincare products is synthetically produced. It works as a humectant, which means it pulls moisture into your skin. It also helps break down the outer layer of skin, which encourages your skin to make new cells.
Ingredients in urea gel
Urea gels can help with the removal of dead tissue and can aid in softening skin. The ingredients in these gels are carefully chosen for their specific properties.
Active ingredient: urea
Urea works by dissolving the material that holds skin cells together. This process helps to loosen and shed dead skin and nail tissue. Urea is an effective agent for removing thickened, dead tissue.
Inactive ingredients
Urea gels also include inactive ingredients like camphor, edetate disodium, eucalyptus oil, hydroxyethyl cellulose, menthol, propylene glycol, and purified water.
Propylene glycol is a humectant, which means it helps the skin retain moisture. It also acts as a solvent to help other ingredients dissolve and penetrate the skin. Eucalyptus oil and menthol can provide a cooling or soothing sensation, which can be particularly helpful for irritated skin.
Urea concentrations and their uses
Urea is a versatile substance that can help the skin in different ways, depending on the concentration.
Low concentrations (3-10%)
When urea is used in low concentrations, it primarily hydrates the skin. That’s why you can find it in daily moisturizers intended to treat dry skin.
Medium concentrations (10-30%)
Medium concentrations of urea can reduce itching, break down keratin (a protein that makes up skin), and improve skin conditions that involve scales.
You can find urea in products designed to treat eczema, psoriasis, and general dry skin, and urea cream can be especially effective on feet to combat dry, cracked heels.
High concentrations (40% or higher)
High concentrations of urea are proteolytic. That means they’re able to break down proteins. For this reason, they’re used to dissolve or peel away nails that have become damaged or deformed.
High concentrations of urea are also used to treat severe hyperkeratosis, a condition that involves thickening of the outer layer of the skin.
What is urea gel used for?
Urea gel is usually prescribed for skin conditions where the skin is thick or flaky. This includes conditions like dry skin, dermatitis, and psoriasis. It can also be used to treat damaged or diseased nails.
Urea works by gently dissolving the material that holds skin cells together. This helps to loosen and shed the affected tissue.
Another benefit of urea is that it can make other treatments work even better. For example, if you’re using an antifungal like miconazole nitrate gel, adding urea can help the medication penetrate the skin more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of urea?
While generally safe in topical applications, urea can cause mild irritation, itching, or stinging, especially at higher concentrations. Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction. Ingestion of urea is harmful and can lead to serious health complications.
Is urea good or bad for you?
That depends on the context! Topically, urea is beneficial for hydrating and exfoliating skin. However, urea is a waste product that the body eliminates. High levels of urea in the blood can indicate kidney problems, so internally, high levels are definitely “bad.”
What are the harmful effects of urea in the human body?
Elevated urea levels in the blood (uremia) can result from kidney dysfunction. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, confusion and seizures. These symptoms signal that the kidneys are not effectively filtering waste.
What are the ingredients in urea gel?
The primary active ingredient in urea gel is urea, typically at concentrations ranging from 10% to 40%. Other ingredients often include water, humectants (like glycerin or propylene glycol), emollients (like mineral oil or petrolatum), thickeners, stabilizers, and preservatives to maintain the gel’s consistency and prevent bacterial growth.
What are the cons of urea cream?
Potential cons of urea cream include skin irritation, a slightly unpleasant odor (though often masked by fragrance), and potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. High concentrations can sometimes cause a temporary burning sensation. It’s also important to note that urea cream is for external use only and should not be ingested.
Wrapping Up
Urea gel uses urea to hydrate and exfoliate skin and treat a variety of skin and nail problems. It’s important to use urea gel the way your doctor tells you to, so you don’t experience unwanted side effects.
Urea gels come in different strengths that are appropriate for different situations. Some are better for simply moisturizing dry skin, while others are better for softening thick nails.