Urea is a naturally occurring moisturizer in your skin that actually works—at concentrations of 10% or less, it hydrates and strengthens your skin barrier. At higher concentrations (above 10%), it switches modes and starts dissolving dead skin cells, making it useful for conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It also helps other ingredients penetrate better, which is why it's often mixed with anti-inflammatory or anti-fungal treatments.

This was a review study, meaning the researchers gathered and analyzed existing clinical evidence about urea in skincare rather than conducting a new experiment themselves.

Funding not disclosed in abstract