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urea / salicylic acid

Generic
Used for Eczema, Psoriasis, Dry Skin, Hyperkeratosis, Keratosis Pilaris
Used for Eczema, Psoriasis, Dry Skin, Hyperkeratosis, Keratosis Pilaris

Urea/salicylic acid is a combination of two medications that are used to help promote healing of the skin and soften skin and nails. It's available with a prescription and over the counter (OTC). Urea/salicylic acid is typically applied to the skin or nails twice a day. Side effects include temporary stinging, burning, and irritation where it's applied.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 26, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Urea/salicylic acid?

What is Urea/salicylic acid used for?

How Urea/salicylic acid works

Urea/salicylic acid is a combination of two medications.

  • Urea is an emollient. It helps loosen the outer layers of the skin and softens the skin and nails.

  • Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent, meaning it breaks down the outer layer of your skin. This helps to treat conditions with abnormally thickened skin, such as calluses, corns, psoriasis, and eczema.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream, Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair, Ebanel, Ellocy
Drug ClassEmollient / Keratolytic agent
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$3875.67(save 12.79%)
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$3379.91
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What are the side effects of Urea/salicylic acid?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Itching
  • Skin irritation

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Urea/salicylic acid

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Pros

Can apply directly to the affected area(s)

Available in a cream and ointment

Available as a lower-cost generic

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Cons

Must avoid mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, lips, inside the nose)

Can cause stinging, burning, and itching where applied

Unknown if safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Urea/salicylic acid

pharmacist

  • Urea/salicylic acid works best if you use it consistently. To get the most benefit from the medication, make sure to use it for as long as your provider tells you to.

    • Wash your hands after using urea/salicylic acid (unless you're applying it to your hands or fingernails). This will help you avoid getting it into your eyes.

      • If you develop a skin rash, any redness or irritation, or your condition becomes worse, stop using urea/salicylic acid and contact your healthcare provider.

        • Store urea/salicylic acid at room temperature and away from children and pets. If a child accidentally swallows urea/salicylic acid, contact a Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Urea/salicylic acid

          What conditions can urea/salicylic acid help treat?
          Urea/salicylic acid can be useful for treating many skin and nail conditions that involve thickening of the skin or nails (hyperkeratosis). Some examples of these conditions are psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, eczema, and ingrown nails. Ask your provider or pharmacist if urea/salicylic acid is a good option for your skin condition.
          Is urea/salicylic acid available over the counter?
          Yes. You can purchase urea/salicylic acid products over the counter. Some urea/salicylic acid products are available with a prescription, though. Urea/salicylic acid comes in different strengths, so ask your provider which one is best for you. Also ask your provider where you can find the particular urea/salicylic acid product or whether you need a prescription.
          Is urea/salicylic acid a steroid?
          No. Urea/salicylic acid contains two ingredients that help break down extra skin layers to soften your skin or nails. It won't help with inflammation like steroids do.
          Does urea/salicylic acid cause burning?
          It can. Urea/salicylic acid can cause more skin irritation, including burning. This effect is temporary and should go away once you stop using the medication. If it's very bothersome, contact your healthcare provider.
          Is urea/salicylic acid safe to use during pregnancy?
          If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of using urea/salicylic acid products. There isn't enough information to know if they're safe to use while you're pregnant.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Urea/salicylic acid?

          Urea/salicylic acid can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          For use on the skin or nails only

          Make sure to apply urea/salicylic acid to the affected area(s) on your skin or nails only. Avoid getting it in your eyes, on your lips, or on other mucous membranes (e.g., inside of your nose, mouth, or vagina). This can lead to irritation and other side effects.

          risk-warning

          Skin irritation

          Urea/salicylic acid can sometimes cause stinging, burning, dryness, and irritation where you apply it. If you notice a rash, redness, or irritation, contact your provider. They can help you decide if you should still use this medication.

          dosage

          Urea/salicylic acid dosage forms

          The average cost for 1 jar of 227g of 39.5%/2% of Urea/salicylic acid is $3379.91 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 12.79% off the average retail price of $3875.67.
          jar of cream
          Jar of cream
          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
          227g of 39.5%/2%1 jar$3379.91$3379.91

          Typical dosing for Urea/salicylic acid

          In general, apply to the affected area(s) of skin or nails twice per day, or as directed by your provider or by the product labeling. If you're applying it to the skin, rub it in until it's completely absorbed.

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          How much does Urea/salicylic acid cost?

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          Urea/salicylic acid (generic)
          GoodRx lowest price

          $3379.91

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          alternatives

          What are alternatives to Urea/salicylic acid?

          There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Urea/salicylic acid. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
          Urea/salicylic acid
          Used for:
          $3379.91 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Urea
          Used for:

          • Hyperkeratosis (abnormally thick or tough skin or nails)

          $26.93 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
          Salicylic acid
          Used for:
          $56.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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          References

          Best studies we found

          Farci, F., et al. (2023). Hyperkeratosis. StatPearls.

          Piquero-Casals, J., et al. (2021). Urea in dermatology: A review of its emollient, moisturizing, keratolytic, skin barrier enhancing and antimicrobial properties. Dermatology and Therapy.

          PureTek Corporation. (2023). Urea 39.5% with 2% salicylic acid- urea, salicylic acid cream [package insert]. DailyMed.

          View All References (1)

          Wohlrab, J. (2021). Influence of keratolytics on cutaneous pharmacokinetics of glucocorticoids. Journal of the German Society of Dermatology.

          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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