Should Urea Be in Your Body Lotion?

October 23, 2026

By: Lauren Sindel

If soft skin is your end goal, urea might just be the hero of your story.

Urea is part of your skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF) which is essential for a strong, healthy skin barrier. In skincare, urea is often used in body cleansers and lotions because of both its moisturizing and exfoliating properties. 

Urea products at up to 5% concentration primarily hydrate, making this the best choice for daily hydration. At 10% to 20% concentration, urea exfoliates dead skin cells and smooths rough skin texture. Urea creams above 20% are best for thick calluses. 

You can find urea in some of Truly Beauty’s skincare products including our Easy Tiger Stretch Mark Eraser.

What is Urea?

Otherwise known as carbamide, urea is a natural component of your skin’s moisturizing factor,  a group of water-binding molecules that keep your outermost skin layer soft and hydrated.

For centuries, urea was used for its therapeutic benefits across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it’s also been used in modern medicine for the treatment of wounds. 

Nowadays, urea is most popular in dermatology. It is often used for the treatment of dry skin along with conditions such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. 

What Does Urea Do for Skin?

Thanks to its hydrating and exfoliating properties, you’ll find urea in lots of different skincare products. Lotions, body washes, and creams are the most common. These products are designed to alleviate dry, flaky, scaly skin. They may also help improve the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.

Urea is effective at softening rough, bumpy skin and may even help improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris. Its keratolytic action breaks down excess keratin plugs that clog hair follicles and lead to bumps.

And that’s not the only uneven skin texture concern it’s good for. Urea may improve the look of stretch marks too. By drawing moisture into the outer layer of skin and sealing it in, urea leaves skin feeling more supple.

Who Should Use Urea Skincare?

If your skin is craving a little extra hydration or could use some help smoothing things out, urea is a great choice. Urea is especially helpful for:

• Dry skin: Helps attract and retain moisture for softer, hydrated-feeling skin.

• Rough or bumpy skin: Helps smooth rough patches on areas like elbows, knees, and upper arms.

• Flaky skin: Helps soften dry, flaky patches and improve skin texture.

• Skin barrier support: Helps promote a healthy skin barrier for softer, smoother skin.

• Stretch marks: Helps keep skin hydrated and supple, improving its overall look and feel.

Used as part of your regular routine, you’ll quickly reap the benefits of urea for your skin.

How to Use Urea Products in Your Routine

To get the most out of urea’s skin benefits, choose products with the right concentration that best fits your skin’s needs. If you want a daily moisturizer to nourish dry skin, choose a urea lotion under 5%. If you want to soften rough, bumpy skin, pick a product with 10-20% concentration. For severely rough heels and calluses, go for 20%. 

Our Easy Tiger Stretch Marks Serum is developed to maintain your skin’s protective barrier and soften the look of stretch marks. When used consistently, this urea body serum can help with stretch marks, discoloration, and uneven texture. 

Best Products With Urea 

Easy Tiger Stretch Mark Eraser

Stretch Mark Serum With Bakuchiol & Urea

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The best urea moisturizer for dry, textured skin is Easy Tiger. Clinically proven to smooth skin texture and fade the look of stretch marks. 

It contains a blend of bakuchiol, green microalgae, and urea to lightly exfoliate, smooth bumps, and firm skin’s appearance. Not greasy at all, it hydrates and melts in fast with tasty notes of vanilla creme and marshmallow. 

FAQ

Is Urea Safe for Sensitive Skin?

Generally, urea is well tolerated in appropriately formulated skincare products, particularly at lower concentrations. However, sensitive skin can react differently depending on the formula.

Start with a lower-strength product, patch-test it first, and avoid applying it to broken or inflamed skin. If irritation persists, stop using it.

Is Urea Safe During Pregnancy?

The suitability of a skincare product during pregnancy depends on its full ingredient list, not just the presence of urea.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, check the product’s specific guidance and ask your healthcare professional before introducing a new active skincare product, especially a targeted formula containing multiple active ingredients.

Can Urea Be Mixed With Other Skincare Ingredients?

Urea works well alongside many moisturizing ingredients, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and emollients.

However, combining several exfoliating or potentially irritating products may increase the risk of irritation. If you’re already using strong exfoliating acids, retinoids, or other active treatments, introduce new products gradually and follow their directions.

Can Urea Be Used on the Face and Body?

Yes, but choose the right product for the right area. Some urea skincare products are specifically designed for facial skin, while others are made for the body, hands, or feet. Higher concentrations can be too irritating for delicate areas, so don’t use a high-strength foot cream on your face unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

How Often Should You Use Urea Cream?

That depends on the product. Some moisturizers are designed for regular daily use, while stronger formulas may need more targeted application.

Follow the label instructions, start cautiously if you’re new to urea, and pay attention to how your skin responds.

Can Urea Help With Eczema or Psoriasis?

Urea moisturizers can help relieve dryness and scaling associated with some skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. However, they aren’t a replacement for appropriate medical treatment.

If your skin is persistently inflamed, painful, cracked, or severely irritated, speak with a healthcare professional.

Is Urea Right for Everyone?

Urea can work for many skin types, but the right formula makes all the difference. If you have sensitive skin, start with a lower-concentration product and patch-test before applying it more widely. Higher concentrations may be better suited to particularly rough or thickened skin and can cause irritation if used incorrectly.

Whether your skin needs a hydration boost or a little help smoothing rough patches, urea is an ingredient worth getting to know. Find the formula that fits your skin’s needs, keep your routine consistent, and let your body care do its thing.

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