The experts from ISDIN are here to share their latest skin care advice.

When it comes to achieving soft, smooth skin from head to toe, one ingredient has been capturing the attention of dermatologists and skin care enthusiasts alike: urea.

Urea works to improve skin texture while restoring essential moisture. Whether you’re tackling dryness or seeking effective solutions for rough skin, urea has a place in your routine. Today, we're sharing seven reasons to get to know this powerhouse ingredient, featuring dermatologist-recommended products from the skin science experts at Barcelona-based ISDIN:

• What is urea?

• What does urea do for the skin?

• How can you add urea to your skin care routine?

• What urea body lotion can I try?

• What urea cream for feet should I use?

What is urea?

When it comes to replenishing moisture, urea stands out as one of the most effective ingredients around. Urea acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin’s deeper layers, but what sets it apart is its dual action. It not only hydrates but also gently exfoliates, leaving skin smoother and softer.

In fact, one of urea’s greatest strengths is its versatility. Unlike harsher exfoliants, many formulas are gentle enough for sensitive skin, making urea products suitable for a wide range of concerns.

What does urea do for the skin?

1. It deeply hydrates

Urea is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin. As a key component of the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF), it helps maintain hydration and supports the skin's outer barrier.

2. It settles into the skin

Thanks to its small molecular size and water-attracting properties, urea sinks into the skin for long-lasting hydration. This also boosts the effectiveness of other skin care treatments, making it perfect for intensive care routines.

3. It supports the skin

Urea supports the skin’s natural components that are essential to healthy, youthful-looking skin. It enhances the skin’s firmness and texture by reducing the look of wrinkles and improving overall smoothness.

4. It provides comfort

Dry, rough skin? Urea delivers deep hydration, even in harsh conditions, and its benefits are proven to improve skin’s moisture levels.

5. It locks in moisture

Beyond attracting moisture, urea also helps minimize water loss from the skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration. This is a must for maintaining healthy, resilient skin in dry climates or challenging conditions.

6. It befriends the skin barrier

By guarding against moisture loss, urea helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors.

7. It exfoliates and smoothes

At higher concentrations, urea acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells to reveal fresh, glowing skin. This dual action makes it a favorite for addressing rough patches and uneven texture.

Where can you add urea to your skin care routine?

Urea body lotions are highly adaptable, providing essential benefits no matter the season. In winter, when cold weather and indoor heating can cause excessive dryness, a rich lotion with urea can restore lost moisture. During the summer, a targeted foot solution is perfect for maintaining soft, smooth, sandal-ready feet.

Urea body lotion

For an exceptional urea body lotion, we recommend the ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 Hydrating Body Lotion. With 10% urea, this lotion delivers deep hydration while helping to refine rough or uneven skin texture. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it’s an excellent choice for daily use, especially if you’re seeking a non-greasy finish.

Urea cream for feet

Dry heels and rough feet are common concerns that often require targeted care. Urea cream for feet is a tried-and-true solution, thanks to its ability to soften skin while boosting hydration.

ISDIN Uradin Podos Hydrating Gel Oil is an excellent option. Designed specifically for rough, dry feet, this gel-oil formula combines 10% urea with other nourishing ingredients to promote smoother, healthier skin. Its fast-absorbing texture makes it easy and enjoyable to use.

The bottom line

From smoothing rough patches to providing lasting hydration, urea is a valuable addition to any skin care routine. Products like ISDIN Uradin Lotion 10 and ISDIN Uradin Podos Hydrating Gel Oil highlight the best of what urea has to offer.

Now that you’ve learned about urea in skin care, you can read up about another hydrating super-ingredient, hyaluronic acid, with ISDIN on the LovelySkin Blog.