Urea in skincare is super popular, and if you look around, you’ll find tons of hand and foot creams out there with different Urea percentages. This led to a request for me to teach a group how to make their own Urea foot cream. One of the students was joking around, saying that the Urea in our foot cream must come from urine. It was a funny comment, but it got me thinking I should share the cool story and science behind Urea.
Table of Contents
Chemistry & Origins of Urea in Skincare
Urea is a fascinating compound. It is produced naturally in our bodies and is a byproduct formed when our bodies break down proteins during digestion. When we consume protein-rich foods, our bodies metabolise them, and Urea is produced as a waste product. This waste is then excreted through urine. So, is urea urine? Not quite. Urea is a component of urine, but it is not urine itself.
For cosmetic use, it’s a colourless or white crystalline powder, that is also called Carbamide, although the INCI is still Urea. Modern methods involve converting ammonia through a process known as Wöhler synthesis. This method creates synthetic Urea, which is much more acceptable in our daily lives. It’s a relief that we no longer use urine in skincare products!
Historical Usage of Urine
Now, let’s take a step back in time. Did you know that urine has been used in various industries for centuries? In early Victorian England, urine was actually a commodity! People would sell their urine to dealers who used it in the leather tanning industry.
Only the very poor experienced this, resulting in phrases like “piss-poor”, and if they were desperately poor, they “couldn’t afford a pot to piss in”. These became common phrases, and the sayings still linger today, though many don’t know their origin.
It does make me think, though. Horse urine was also a key ingredient in cosmetics. Don’t ask me how someone discovered that, and did they try the neighbour’s cow first and find it wasn’t so good? Who knows? Some of these historical facts baffle me.
What Makes Urea Special?
First off, Urea is a powerful humectant. It draws moisture into the skin, boosting hydration in the top layer. It also helps to retain that moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and flexible. Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: it does this job extremely well. You might be wondering, “Is it the best moisturiser for face creams?” The answer is a resounding no. Why? Because it can be much too harsh for some skin types.
In my experience, Urea works wonders in foot creams. It helps soften hard skin and cracked heels, making them feel smooth and rejuvenated. I once created a batch of foot cream that was so effective, I actually went down a shoe size! That’s a testament to how well it works.
Men’s Skin vs. Women’s Skin
Let’s take a closer look at men’s skin. It’s typically coarser and thicker than women’s skin. So, you might ask, “Is this the best face moisturiser for men?” or “What about oily skin?” Again, the answer is no. Urea can be too harsh for these purposes. It can lead to irritation or dryness instead of the desired hydration.
By now, you might have figured out that Urea is also not the best moisturiser for sensitive skin. Why? It’s the same reason as before. The intense hydration can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you need to be cautious with products containing Urea.
Where Is Urea Beneficial?
So, where is Urea actually good to use? It really shines when it comes to foot creams. I formulated a foot cream for my book, *Off Your Face Creams* that combines Urea with cannabis very effectively. Typically, I recommend using it between 5% and 10% in a formulation. This is a superb Cannabis Foot Cream recipe that uses Urea at 10% – and you can make it yourself!
It’s incredible for transforming rough skin on your feet into something soft and smooth. Are you struggling with rough patches and cracked heels? Urea effectively softens the skin, facilitating the gradual shedding of dead skin cells.
Managing Urea in Skincare Formulations
It’s important to manage urea in skincare formulations correctly. It can change the acid balance of the cream, making it unstable and prone to splitting or separation. Generally speaking, it needs a very strong emulsifier to hold it all together. You can read this blog post about Cosmetic Emulsifiers That Work With Cannabis. However, I’ve figured out how to add cannabis-infused oil to it, as well as keeping it stable.
Cannabis is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. If the strain contains a high level of CBD, it can effectively interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system. It also interacts with TRPV1 receptors that deal with pain, plus Glycine receptors that help with pain signalling.
A cannabis-infused foot cream can really help soothe sore feet and joints, all while keeping your tootsies in tip-top condition! If cannabis isn’t legal where you live, don’t worry! The foot cream is just as effective without it; it’s just not as much fun! Make this Cannabis Foot Cream recipe yourself!
Beyond Feet and Into Body Care
Urea has benefits beyond just foot care! It has some fantastic alternative uses in body care. For example, it can be beneficial for areas of the body that tend to get dry, like elbows and knees. It can help soften rough patches and keep the skin hydrated.
Some people have found success using urea in skincare products for conditions like psoriasis or eczema. It’s important to note, however, that while urea is effective, it should be used with caution in sensitive areas. Always do a patch test first!
Conclusion
Urea is a powerful ingredient, but it’s not for everyone. It’s essential to consider your skin type before diving into products containing Urea. While it can work wonders for certain areas, like the feet, it may not be suitable for your face or sensitive skin. Always choose wisely!
FAQ
What is urea and how does it help the skin?
Urea is a natural moisturising factor found in the skin. It helps to draw in moisture, soften rough patches, and break down hard, calloused skin, making it ideal for treating dry feet and cracked heels.
Is urea safe to use on feet and heels?
Yes, urea creams are considered safe for most people when used as directed. They are particularly effective for treating dry, rough feet and eliminating stubborn calluses. Avoid using on broken or irritated skin unless your healthcare professional says otherwise.
How often should I use a urea foot cream?
For best results, apply urea foot cream once or twice a day to clean, dry feet. Consistency is key for softening and maintaining healthy skin.
Can urea cream help with cracked heels?
Absolutely. Urea helps exfoliate thick, hard skin and locks in moisture, which can speed up the healing of cracked heels and prevent them coming back.
Does urea have any side effects?
Side effects are rare but may include mild irritation or stinging, especially on sensitive or broken skin. If you experience redness or an allergic reaction, stop use and speak to your doctor.
Can I use urea cream if I have diabetes?
Many people with diabetes use urea creams for foot care, but it’s wise to check with your GP or podiatrist first, just to be on the safe side.
Will urea cream make my feet peel?
Urea helps to gently exfoliate dead skin, so you might notice a bit of peeling as it works its magic. This is normal and a sign the product is doing its job.
If you liked this blog post, I would love it if you shared it with a friend.
If you use Pinterest, please pin this post.
*As a POT by NOIDS affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
