Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2010 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: Clinical trial evidence for urea moisturizer tolerance and efficacy in AD patients.
humectant
Urea
Evidencestrong · Tier 1Irritation riskLowEffective range5–40%In products366
Dual-action: at ≤10% acts as a humectant and barrier modulator; at ≥20% provides keratolytic effect by disrupting hydrogen bonds in keratin. Enhances penetration of co-formulated actives.
Concerns it helps
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dryness | Strong | 5 | Randomized controlled trial: Clinical trial evidence for urea moisturizer tolerance and efficacy in AD patients. |
| Uneven texture | Relevant | — | Auto-proposed from evidence_summary keywords — REVIEW. |
No known conflicts — Urea isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
The research
Urea is a humectant backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 9 studies for it, 6 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 5–40% in a formulation.
Read the research — 9 studiesHide the research
Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 2012 · rct · n=60
Double-blind RCT (n=60): 10% urea cream applied to xerotic skin for 4 weeks significantly improved barrier function (TEWL reduced by 30%, p<0.001), increased stratum corneum hydration (p<0.001), and upregulated AQP3, filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin gene expression vs vehicle
Urea-containing moisturizers influence barrier properties of normal skin
Q40Archives of Dermatological Research · 1996 · observational
Clinical study: Evidence for urea barrier function improvement beyond humectancy.
International Journal of Clinical Practice · 2020 · in vitro
In-vitro/mechanistic study: PRIMARY mechanistic reference establishing gene regulatory activity AMP upregulation lipid synthesis enhancement beyond passive humectancy.
Dermatology Online Journal · 2013 · review
Comprehensive review of urea's clinical literature: urea functions as a humectant and natural moisturizing factor component that enhances stratum corneum hydration, acts keratolytically at higher concentrations, improves skin barrier function and antimicrobial defense, and increases penetration of co-applied agents; effective across xerosis, ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
Dermatology and Therapy · 2021 · review
Review: PIVOTAL modern comprehensive review establishing concentration dependent mechanism framework and clinical applications across xerosis AD ichthyosis psoriasis and additional indications.
+ 3 more studies in our evidence base.
Products with Urea
In 366 products — most often moisturizers (133), serums (126), cleansers (27), from $5.01 to $514.35. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
10 of 24
Pixi
Glow Tonic To-Go 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner Pads
Toner
$18.00
★★★★★4.9(3,542)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongUneven texture
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
- RelevantBlackheads
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisPerioral Dermatitis
Pixi
Glow Tonic To-Go 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner Pads
Toner
$18.00
★★★★★4.9(3,542)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongUneven texture
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
- RelevantBlackheads
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisPerioral Dermatitis
Glow Tonic To-Go 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner Pads is a exfoliant by Pixi. Key ingredients include Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin.
Product Ingredients (13)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profilePixi
Glow Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner
Toner
$18.00100.5ml · $0.18/ml
★★★★★4.9(3,542)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongUneven texture
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
- RelevantBlackheads
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisPerioral Dermatitis
Pixi
Glow Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner
Toner
$18.00100.5ml · $0.18/ml
★★★★★4.9(3,542)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongUneven texture
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
- RelevantBlackheads
Not recommended for
MelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisPerioral Dermatitis
Glow Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner is a exfoliant by Pixi. Key ingredients include Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin.
Product Ingredients (13)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileRoC
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream Moisturizer
Moisturizer
$37.9950.3ml · $0.76/ml
★★★★★4.8(1,308)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- StrongRedness & sensitivity
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasis
RoC
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream Moisturizer
Moisturizer
$37.9950.3ml · $0.76/ml
★★★★★4.8(1,308)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- StrongRedness & sensitivity
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasis
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream Moisturizer is a retinoid treatment by RoC. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE.
Product Ingredients (25)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
WaterGlycerinGlyceryl Stearate SECetearyl AlcoholCetyl AlcoholIsopropyl PalmitateDimethiconeRetinolHyaluronic AcidCeramidesSodium PCAVitamin EHydrogenated LecithinUreaTrehaloseAllantoinCholesterolStearic AcidPolysorbate 20Xanthan Gum1,2-HexanediolCitric AcidPropanediolSodium HydroxideCaprylyl Glycol
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
★★★★★4.8(581)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Estée Lauder
Moisturizer
$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml
★★★★★4.8(581)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15 50ml is a spf moisturiser by Estée Lauder. Key ingredients include Octinoxate, Octisalate, Dimethicone.
Product Ingredients (35)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
OctinoxateOctisalateDimethiconeButylene GlycolCyclopentasiloxaneAvobenzonePentylene GlycolHydrogenated LecithinCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractCholesterolHyaluronic AcidTrehaloseLecithinSqualaneLinoleic AcidGlycerinSodium PCAUreaCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideIsopropyl MyristateTromethamineStearyl AlcoholCarbomerSodium HydroxideFragranceLinaloolBenzyl SalicylateDisodium EDTASodium BenzoatePotassium SorbateChlorphenesinPhenoxyethanolIron OxidesTitanium Dioxide
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profile
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum 2.0 1.7 oz
Serum
$250.1950.3ml · $4.98/ml
★★★★★4.7(4,631)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma
Elizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum 2.0 1.7 oz
Serum
$250.1950.3ml · $4.98/ml
★★★★★4.7(4,631)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum 2.0 1.7 oz is a peptide serum by Elizabeth Arden. Key ingredients include Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol.
Product Ingredients (33)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxaneButylene GlycolC12-15 Alkyl BenzoateGlycerinDimethicone CrosspolymerPropanediolHydrogenated LecithinAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerCaprylyl GlycolCarbomerCitric AcidDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerHydroxyethylcelluloseLauryl GlucosideMicaPEG-100 StearatePEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilMatrixyl 3000FragrancePolysorbate 20SilicaHyaluronic AcidSodium Laureth SulfateSodium PCAVitamin ETrehaloseUreaXanthan GumHydroxycitronellalChlorphenesinPhenoxyethanolTitanium Dioxide
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileMurad
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Moisturizer – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$89.0050ml · $2.26/ml
★★★★★4.7(635)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
Not recommended for
MelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasisRosaceaPerioral Dermatitis
Murad
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
Moisturizer – for Acne & breakouts, Dryness
$89.0050ml · $2.26/ml
★★★★★4.7(635)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation
- RelevantRedness & sensitivity
Not recommended for
MelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPsoriasisRosaceaPerioral Dermatitis
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream is a retinoid treatment by Murad. Key ingredients include Water, Niacinamide, Propanediol.
Product Ingredients (27)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
WaterNiacinamidePropanediolCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideDimethiconeCetyl AlcoholGlyceryl StearateIsopropyl PalmitateRetinolHyaluronic AcidSerineVitamin EUreaTrehaloseBetaineGlycerinPentylene GlycolCaprylyl GlycolLecithinCeteareth-20HydroxyethylcellulosePhenoxyethanolEthylhexylglycerinDisodium EDTASodium HydroxideAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerFragrance
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileKORRES
Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask
Mask
$60.00100ml · $0.60/ml
★★★★★4.7(722)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongUneven texture
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation
Not recommended for
Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasis
KORRES
Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask
Mask
$60.00100ml · $0.60/ml
★★★★★4.7(722)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- StrongUneven texture
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation
Not recommended for
Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasis
Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask is a mask by KORRES. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane.
Product Ingredients (20)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileDermalogica
Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer SPF 50 - 1.7 oz
Sunscreen
$87.0050.3ml · $1.73/ml
★★★★★4.7(4,778)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
Seborrheic DermatitisRosacea
Dermalogica
Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer SPF 50 - 1.7 oz
Sunscreen
$87.0050.3ml · $1.73/ml
★★★★★4.7(4,778)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
Seborrheic DermatitisRosacea
Dynamic Skin Recovery Moisturizer SPF 50 - 1.7 oz is a sunscreen by Dermalogica. Key ingredients include Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate.
Product Ingredients (36)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Avobenzone3%Homosalate5%Octisalate3%Octocrylene7%Butylene GlycolDimethiconeC12-15 Alkyl BenzoatePropanediolPolysorbate 80Matrixyl 3000Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateCamellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCitrus OilsEucalyptus OilVitamin ESqualaneCaprylyl GlycolLecithinUreaCaprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerinPentylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin1,2-HexanediolPolysorbate 60Trisodium Ethylenediamine DisuccinateDecyl GlucosideSodium BenzoateLinaloolEugenolLimoneneCitronellolGeraniolBenzyl BenzoateCitralTitanium Dioxide
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profilegood light
Moon Glow Milky Moisturizing Toning Lotion - 3.3 oz
Moisturizer
$28.0097.6ml · $0.29/ml
★★★★★4.7(516)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- ExcellentRedness & sensitivity
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation
Not recommended for
Seborrheic DermatitisRosacea
good light
Moon Glow Milky Moisturizing Toning Lotion - 3.3 oz
Moisturizer
$28.0097.6ml · $0.29/ml
★★★★★4.7(516)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- ExcellentRedness & sensitivity
- StrongFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation
Not recommended for
Seborrheic DermatitisRosacea
Moon Glow Milky Moisturizing Toning Lotion - 3.3 oz is a hydrating serum by good light. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Ceramides, Niacinamide.
Product Ingredients (21)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileMurad
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum
Serum – for Dryness, Enlarged pores
$72.00
★★★★★4.7(506)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
RosaceaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma
Murad
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum
Serum – for Dryness, Enlarged pores
$72.00
★★★★★4.7(506)
Ideal for
- ExcellentDryness
- RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
- RelevantUneven texture
Not recommended for
RosaceaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum is a antioxidant serum by Murad. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol.
Product Ingredients (16)
Irritation risk: unlikely possible likely
Complete your skin profile to see how well this product matches your skin
Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.