Urea

Urea occurs naturally in the skin and is an important part of its natural moisturising factor. In creams it is produced synthetically.

How does urea work?

• up to approx. 5%: binds moisture – ideal for daily care of dry skin
• approx. 10%: provides plenty of moisture and makes rough, scaly skin supple
• from approx. 10–40%: has an increasingly keratolytic effect, i.e. it softens thickened callus

Our tips

For dry feet and cracked heels we recommend a foot cream with 10% urea – apply in the evening and pull cotton socks over it overnight. Urea can sting on open cracks or inflamed skin; please do not use it there. More in our guide Cracked heels and calluses.