A humectant that occurs naturally in the skin.
What it is
Urea is part of the skin's natural moisturising factor. In cosmetics it acts as a humectant; at higher levels it is also used for its keratolytic (softening) effect on rough skin.
Where it is used
Foot creams, body lotions and hand creams.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The label does not show whether urea is present at a low (moisturising) or high (softening) level.
Functions
- Antistatic
- Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.
- Buffering
- Stabilising the pH of an aqueous medium in a narrow range even if an acid or base is added. Altering and/or maintaining a cosmetic product's pH at the desired level.
- Humectant
- Retaining and/or preserving the moisture in a product during use.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.
Products with this ingredient (848)
- I Heart Revolution Watermelon Dewy Blusher Tint · Revolution
- Revolution Skincare 5% Glycolic Acid Toner · Revolution
- Revolution Pro Miracle Pro-Tox Fine Line Fix & Fill Serum · Revolution
- Revolution Skin Glyco Glow 5% Glycolic Acid & Ginger Brightening AHA Toner · Revolution
- Lasting Drama® · Maybelline
- Max Factor Facefinity Setting Spray · Max Factor
- PODKŁAD MIRACLE TOUCH · Max Factor
- Facefinity Finity-Fix Setting Spray · Max Factor
- Fondotinta Miracle Second Skin · Max Factor
- FONDOTINTA MIRACLE PURE · Max Factor
- Fondotinta Miracle Touch · Max Factor
- Miracle Second Skin Foundation · Max Factor