Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story If you're not yet using one of the best urea moisturizers, you might want to start. For the uninitiated, urea is a compound naturally found in your skin, according to Maya Thosani , MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona. “It’s part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, a group of water-binding molecules that keeps its outer layer soft and flexible,” she says. Unlike ceramides , which reinforce the moisture barrier, or hyaluronic acid , which mainly hydrates at the surface, urea can moisturize and, at higher strengths, exfoliate dead skin cells.
The concentration will tell you whether a formula will primarily hydrate , exfoliate, or do a little of both. At 2% to 5%, urea mainly draws in and holds water, making it ideal for daily hydration. Around 10% to 20%, it moisturizes while having a mild keratolytic effect, “which means it loosens built-up dead skin cells and smooths rough texture,” says Dr. Thosani. Formulas above 20% are best for thick calluses and heels . “For other areas of the body, about 10% is the right place to start,” she says.
What is urea? Is urea safe for sensitive skin? Is urea safe during pregnancy? How we test and review products Our staff and testers Ahead, our experts and editors share their favorite formulas for softer, smoother skin from head to toe.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Soft Services
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Soft Services Carea Cream
Why we love it: Soft Services’ Carea Cream has earned a devoted following since it debuted as one of the brand’s original launches. After a few reformulations, the beloved body lotion has reached its latest iteration, pairing the heft of a cream with a surprisingly milky, easy-to-spread texture. The star is 10% urea, which pulls double duty by both moisturizing and gently loosening the dead skin and keratin buildup that causes rough, bumpy skin. Three percent squalane and 1.5% colloidal oatmeal soften, soothe, and reinforce the moisture barrier, while glycerin , betaine, and sodium hyaluronate draw in further hydration. Shea butter seals it all in, and panthenol, allantoin, and Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica ) offer additional comfort for dry skin.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
“I’m the person who will always forget to put on body lotion because I’m rushing to get dressed—and then spend the rest of the day wondering why my arms feel like sandpaper (hi, KP). This body lotion is the first formula that’s actually made me want to slow down and use it: It has an almost milky, run-off-your-fingers texture, but once it absorbs, it’s unbelievably silky and leaves zero residue. I can’t stop talking about how amazing it feels. Soft Services, you have me convinced.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Percentage of urea: 10% Other key ingredients: 3% squalane, 1.5% colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, betaine, sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, panthenol, allantoin, Centella asiatica Fragrance-free: yes Best for Dull Skin: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Topicals
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Why we love it: Calling everyone with keratosis pilaris, strawberry skin, clogged pores, dry patches, or flaking—and let’s be real, most of us fall into…