Skip to content 
Urea Ingredient Custom Cosmetics Manufacturer
Leverage urea for deep hydration, barrier repair, and keratolytic smoothing of rough, flaky skin. Learn % use levels, pH/heat handling, clear vs. emulsion strategies, compatible NMF/lipid co-actives, packaging/MOQ, and OEM/ODM options for global launches.
What Is Urea
Urea is a key Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) component that delivers powerful humectancy at low–medium levels and keratolytic softening at higher levels—ideal for dryness, roughness, calluses, and KP. It’s highly water-soluble, easy to dose in gels, lotions, and creams, and boosts skin comfort and flexibility.
INCI: Urea · CAS: 57-13-6 · White, odorless, crystalline; highly water-soluble. (EC CosIng, Wikipedia)
Sources: Industrial synthesis (ammonia + CO₂); cosmetic grades optimized for low bioburden and minimal aldehyde residues.
Water solubility: Freely soluble in water/glycols; enables clear toners/gels or emulsion water phases. Hygroscopic—manage EVAP loss and package seal.
pH flexibility & heat: Works in pH ~4.5–7.0. Add at cool-down (≤40–45 °C) to reduce decomposition (ammonia odor/pH drift). Avoid urease contamination; include chelators and robust preservation.
Urea Benefits: Mechanisms, Results & OEM Formulation
See how urea targets deep hydration, roughness/KP, hand/foot calluses, itch relief, actives penetration support, and scalp flake softening—with recommended % levels, test methods, and co-actives for private-label programs.
Deep Hydration & Barrier Comfort
Mechanism: Strong humectant that binds water in the stratum corneum and improves corneocyte plasticity; complements lipids to reduce TEWL.
Benefits: Fast softness and supple feel, better flex in dry, tight skin.
Importance: Core claim for very dry/eczema-prone lines (cosmetic scope).
Use level & testing: 2–5% in gels/lotions/creams; measure Corneometer hydration↑, TEWL↓, consumer comfort after 1–2 weeks.
Good pairings: Glycerin, sodium PCA, HA (multi-weight), panthenol, ceramide NP/cholesterol/FFAs.
Roughness Smoothing & Keratosis Pilaris (KP)
Mechanism: At higher levels, urea loosens corneodesmosomes and normalizes desquamation for even micro-surface.
Benefits: Reduced “chicken-skin” bumps, improved makeup laydown on arms/thighs.
Importance: Differentiates body care beyond simple oiling.
Use level & testing: 5–10% (gentle) or 10–20% (intensive) in lotions/creams; assess PRIMOS 3D (Ra/Rz), tactile smoothness, photo grading in 2–4+ weeks.
Good pairings: Lactic acid 2–5% (low sting), AHAs/PHA (gluconolactone), allantoin, light film formers.
Hand & Foot Care / Callus Softening
Mechanism: High-level urea hydrates and disrupts compact keratin, softening thickened plaques on heels/palms without harsh peeling.
Benefits: Faster callus flexibility, easier mechanical reduction, fewer cracks.
Importance: Hero claim for pro/podiatry-inspired balms and overnight socks.
Use level & testing: 15–30% in occlusive balms/creams (cosmetic scope); track callus thickness, crack score, pain/comfort VAS; run rub-off/wear tests.
Good pairings: Occlusives (petrolatum substitutes, triglycerides), shea esters, salicylic acid 1–2% (where allowed).
Itch Relief & Sensory Comfort (Dryness-Linked)
Mechanism: Rehydration reduces nerve-ending exposure, easing xerosis-related itch; improves barrier micro-environment.
Benefits: Less scratch urge, calmer look/feel after cleansing or cold weather.
Importance: Drives repeat use in winter and senior care lines.
Use level & testing: 5–10% creams/lotions; measure itch VAS, TEWL, redness (Δa*), user-diary comfort.
Good pairings: Bisabolol, beta-glucan, ectoine, panthenol, light silicones/esters for glide.
Scalp Flake Softening & Root Comfort
Mechanism: Humectant/keratolytic actions hydrate and loosen adherent flakes, aiding scalp clarity alongside antidandruff agents.
Benefits: Fresher root feel, less visible scaling, better comb glide.
Importance: Bridges skincare benefits into scalp tonics/shampoos.
Use level & testing: 1–3% in rinses/serums; evaluate flake scoring, itch VAS, comb-force (rinse-offs).
Good pairings: Piroctone olamine, zinc PCA, panthenol, light esters/silicones.
Best Product Formats for Urea
Urea fits leave-on and rinse-off systems for hydration, roughness/KP, hand-foot and scalp care. Use 2–5% for daily hydration; 5–10% for smoothing; 15–30% for intensive callus care.
Urea Cream
Urea Foot Cream
Hand Cream For Dry Hands
Urea Body Lotion
Scalp Serum For Dry Scalp
Urea Shampoo
Ready to Launch Your Urea Skincare Line?
Share your target markets, claims, and textures, and our team returns a formula proposal with recommended %, base selection, and co-actives in 48 hours. We define cool-down addition, pH windows, and stability/micro (ISO 11930) plans, then qualify pack seals/EVAP control for long-wear hydration. Expect validated claims, premium sensorials, custom packaging, and complete OEM/ODM documentation.
Urea Concentration Options | Custom for OEM/ODM
Choose the right urea pathway for your claims: low–medium levels (2–10%) for deep hydration and comfort, and high levels (10–30%) for keratolytic smoothing of rough areas (KP, heels, calluses). We align % levels with pH, base type, preservation, and packaging seals—and provide testing dossiers for safe, compliant launches.
1. Concentration Range
Typical cosmetic levels:
2–3%: Daily hydration boost for face/hand creams, gels, and toners;
5–10%: Smoothing for KP/rough patches on arms/legs and hardworking hands;
20–30%: Intensive foot/heel callus care in balms/ointments;
2. Typical Use Levels
| Target Use Case | Urea % | Best Formats | pH Window | Proof & QA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily deep hydration & comfort | 2–5% | gel, lotion, cream | 4.8–6.2 | Corneometer hydration↑, TEWL↓, consumer comfort |
| KP smoothing (arms/legs) | 5–10% | body lotion/cream | 4.8–6.0 | PRIMOS 3D (Ra/Rz), tactile smoothness, photo grading |
| Hand repair (dry/chapped) | 5–10% | rich cream | 4.8–6.0 | Crack score, elasticity feel, water-loss control |
| Intensive foot/heel callus | 15–30% | occlusive balm/cream | n/a (anhydrous) / 4.8–5.8 (emulsion) | Callus thickness, rub-off/wear, odor stability |
| Scalp flake softening | 1–3% | shampoo, scalp serum | 5.0–6.5 | Flake scoring, itch VAS, comb-force (rinse-offs) |
*Final percentage depends on target claim, skin type, and regional compliance.
Urea Formulation & Actives Ingredient Customization
Build formulas around urea for deep hydration, keratolytic smoothing (KP/callus), hand/foot repair, and scalp comfort. Pair with NMFs (glycerin, sodium PCA, HA), barrier lipids (ceramide NP/cholesterol/FFAs), panthenol/beta-glucan, and lactic/PHA for gentle refinement.
2. Ingredient Customization Case
Hydrating Face Gel-Cream
Benefits: Rapid softness and flexible feel for tight, dehydrated skin; layers cleanly under SPF/makeup without pilling.
Actives: Urea 3–5% + Glycerin 5% + Panthenol 1.5% + HA (multi-weight) 0.10%.
KP Smoothing Body Lotion
Benefits: Visibly refines “chicken-skin” bumps on arms/legs; improves makeup laydown and touch uniformity in 2–4+ weeks.
Actives: Urea 7–10% + Lactic Acid 3% + Beta-glucan 0.3% + Shea Ester 2% (pH 4.9–5.4).
Hand Repair Cream
Benefits: Reduces roughness and cracking from frequent washing; long-wear moisture with non-greasy finish.
Actives: Urea 5–8% + Ceramide NP 0.2% + Cholesterol 0.15% + Panthenol 2%.
Intensive Foot/Heel Balm
Benefits: Softens thick, stubborn calluses and improves flexibility for easier mechanical reduction; night-sock compatible.
Actives: Urea 20–30% + Allantoin 0.3% + Occlusives (Triglycerides/HPD)
Scalp-Comfort Shampoo
Benefits: Loosens adherent flakes and eases itch perception while maintaining lightweight feel at the roots.
Actives: Urea 1–3% + Piroctone Olamine (haircare lines) + Panthenol 1% + Zinc PCA 0.3%.
Hydrating Toner
Benefits: Feather-light hydration boost that improves flexibility and glow; ideal as a first step before actives.
Actives: Urea 2–3% + Glycerin 4% + Sodium PCA 1% + HA (LMW) 0.05–0.10% (pH 5.0–5.8).
Urea Global Trends & Regional Analysis
Urea is a cornerstone NMF humectant and gentle keratolytic used to hydrate, soften roughness, and enhance barrier comfort. Although its share in personal care remains modest, demand is rising across face, body, hand/foot and scalp treatments as brands pursue dermatologist-backed, cost-effective actives.
1. Urea Global Trends
The global Urea Market size is expected to be worth around USD 99.3 billion by 2033, from USD 72.5 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033.
Urea Application Insights
In 2023, Fertilizer held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 65.5% share of the urea market. This significant market share highlights urea’s essential role as a high-nitrogen fertilizer, crucial for enhancing crop yields and improving soil health.
Urea’s popularity in agriculture stems from its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency in providing the nitrogen necessary for plant growth. Its ease of application—whether directly to the soil or through various irrigation systems—makes it a preferred choice for farmers globally, helping to meet the increasing food demands of a growing population.
2. Urea Regional Analysis
The Asia Pacific region emerges as a dominant force in the urea market, boasting a substantial market share of 43.3%. Projections indicate that the market is poised to achieve a valuation of USD 31.4 billion by the end of the forecast period, buoyed by robust adoption across critical sectors such as agriculture, chemical manufacturing, and industrial applications.
This growth trajectory is chiefly propelled by powerhouse economies like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, where a notable uptick in urea production and utilization is observed. These countries are actively responding to the escalating demand for nitrogen fertilizers and industrial chemicals, underscoring the region’s steadfast commitment to pioneering manufacturing and export practices in the urea market.
In North America, the urea market is witnessing steady expansion. This upward trend is underpinned by growing demand from industries that leverage urea for agricultural fertilization, urea-formaldehyde resins, and automotive emissions control systems. The region’s diverse industrial landscape and advancements in chemical technologies play pivotal roles in fostering the adoption of urea products.
More Urea product customization instructions and FAQs
Q: What skin types is Urea suitable for?
A: Urea suits normal, dry, very dry, rough, and keratosis-prone skin, and can be used on oily/combo skin needing flexible hydration. It boosts water binding and skin softness without heaviness. For compromised skin (cracks/fissures), start low and build up to higher strengths only after comfort improves.
Q: Can Urea be used together with acids, retinoids, or ceramides?
A: Yes. Urea pairs well with ceramides/cholesterol/FFAs for barrier support and with panthenol, glycerin, sodium PCA, HA for layered hydration. For texture programs, combine with lactic acid/PHA (gentle) or salicylic acid (body/KP) at cosmetic pH ~4.8–6.0. With retinoids, urea can reduce dryness and improve wearability.
Q: What’s the difference between 2–3%, 5–10%, and 20–30% Urea concentrations?
A:
- 2–3%: Daily hydration boost for face/hand creams, gels, and toners; quick softness and flexibility with low sting risk.
- 5–10%: Smoothing for KP/rough patches on arms/legs and hardworking hands; visible texture refinement with continued comfort.
- 20–30%: Intensive foot/heel callus care in balms/ointments; softens thick plaques—use on targeted areas, preferably at night, and avoid open cuts until re-epithelialized.
Q: Will Urea irritate sensitive or inflamed skin?
A: At low–medium levels (2–10%) urea is generally well-tolerated and can ease dryness-linked tightness/itch. Higher levels may tingle on freshly shaved skin, cracks, or active irritation. Patch test first, keep fragrance low, and avoid stacking multiple strong exfoliants on the same night.
Q: How long does it take to see visible results with Urea?
A: Hydration/softness: often within 24–72 hours. Texture/KP smoothing: typically 1–2 weeks, with continued improvement through 4+ weeks. Callus flexibility: noticeable within 1–3 weeks of nightly use. Consistent application and pairing with barrier lipids and occlusive socks/gloves (for hands/feet) enhance outcomes.
Launch Your Custom Cosmetics Line Now!
