Ingredient glossary
Hydroxyethyl Urea
On your shelf ✓What Hydroxyethyl Urea does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Hydroxyethyl Urea
In short: Hydroxyethyl Urea delivers hydration and smoothness, suits dry skin best, and the evidence behind it is moderate.
- What it does
- Hydration, smoothness
- Best for
- Dry skin
- Evidence
- Moderate
The molecule
The Glow take
One of the ingredients I trust most.
When your goal is deep, lasting hydration, Hydroxyethyl Urea delivers, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. It tends to suit dry skin best.
— Maya
What it does
- hydration
- smoothness
moderate evidenceStudies and supplier data show hydroxyethyl urea provides rapid and lasting moisturization with good tolerability on sensitive skin.
On a label: usually effective at 2-10%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- dehydrated
- rough
Approach with care
No specific group flagged to avoid it.
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationNeutral
- OilyNeutral
- SensitiveNeutral
Often chosen for rough.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- humectants
- ceramides
Hydroxyethyl Urea, answered
Is Hydroxyethyl Urea safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Hydroxyethyl Urea is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Hydroxyethyl Urea?
No specific group is flagged to avoid Hydroxyethyl Urea. It is well tolerated by most skin. Still, introduce anything new one product at a time.
What concentration of Hydroxyethyl Urea actually works?
Hydroxyethyl Urea tends to do its job in the 2 to 10% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
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