From blood moisturiser and foreskin facials (Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett count themselves as fans) to snail mucin essence and placenta treatments, it seems the beauty industry is continually telling us to put new weird and often slimy things on our faces in pursuit of good skin. However, the latest trend in beauty has actually been living in plain sight for years; both in your skincare products and in…uh, your urine. Urea, a nitrogen-rich compound found in urine, can be beneficial for treating dry, itchy skin, as well as conditions like keratosis pilaris, hyperkeratosis, calluses, corns, psoriasis and eczema.
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Before you start swiping urine sample cups from the doctor’s office to whip up some DIY skincare, it’s essential to note that while urea is a natural component of urine, the compound used in skincare is synthetically manufactured. Known as carbamide, it’s been used in skincare for years.
What are the benefits of urea in skincare?
Urea works as both a chemical exfoliant and a moisturiser, making it a covetable skincare ingredient. Urea (and carbamide) is beneficial for:
- Combating acne by purging the skin of acne-causing bacterial debris and microbes
- Softening skin and improving the penetration of other potent skincare ingredients (i.e. makes your serum/s more effective)
- Keeping your skin hydrated by acting as a humectant
- Improving skin barrier function
- Naturally exfoliating your skin; removing dead skin cells and improving skin cell turnover
The best products with urea
ESK Evidence Skin Care Hydroxy Overnight Mask
Designed to be used once or twice a week in lieu of your other nighttime skincare products, ESK Hydroxy Overnight Mask combines urea with salicylic acid, a BHA which is particularly beneficial for acne. Suitable for most skin types, it works to hydrate and exfoliate your skin while you sleep. Plus, it doubles as a spot treatment for breakouts or dry, chapped skin!
Words by AR Staff
Feature image courtesy of Patrick Demarchelier for Allure
