Key takeaways:
Urea cream is a topical treatment that helps soften and moisturize dry, rough, or thick skin.
Many over-the-counter (OTC) urea cream products are available, while some higher-strength or combination products require a prescription.
People use urea cream for many skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, calluses, and thickened nails.
Urea cream is generally safe to use, but higher-strength products may cause skin irritation for some people.
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If you have dry, rough, or thick skin, chances are you've heard of the line of products commonly called urea cream. But what is urea cream, and why do dermatologists recommend it for so many conditions?
At first glance, many over-the-counter (OTC) urea creams seem the same. They have similar ingredients, and most of them are labeled to help relieve dry, itchy, or flaky skin.
However, it’s not that simple. Urea products come in many different strengths and formulations. These include stand-alone (urea-only), combination, and prescription-strength products. Understanding the differences between urea cream products will help you choose the right one for your skin concerns.
What is urea cream?
Urea is a keratolytic medication, meaning it softens and breaks down thickened skin or nails. Urea is found in many OTC skincare products. However, a prescription may be needed depending on the formulation. It’s commonly found as a cream, but it’s also available as gel, lotion, and foam.
The main ingredient in urea cream is, surprise, urea. Urea is a natural molecule found in the skin and throughout the body, and it naturally hydrates and softens skin.
Urea creams also contain various inactive ingredients depending on which urea product you're using. These inactive ingredients may include substances like:
Mineral oil
Purified water
Propylene glycol
Urea can also help other medications penetrate and absorb into the skin better. In some medications, urea can be combined with other active ingredients, including:
Anti-inflammatory topical steroid cream (like hydrocortisone)
Topical antifungal medications (like ciclopirox)
What does urea cream treat?
Urea cream helps moisturize and soften dry, flaky, rough, or thickened skin. Depending on the strength, it can also help exfoliate hardened skin buildup.
Urea cream can be used to treat many different conditions, including:
Damaged and ingrown nails
How do you use urea cream?
Urea cream is generally applied directly to the affected area twice daily. But specific directions vary depending on the product strength and the skin conditions being treated.
Here are some tips on how to use urea cream:
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin.
Wash your hands after use.
Avoid getting the product near your eyes, lips, or groin.
Allow the cream to absorb fully.
Contact your healthcare team if your condition doesn’t improve after 2 weeks.
What strengths does urea cream come in?
Urea cream comes in a wide range of strengths, from 2% to 50%. Higher percentages contain more urea. Some common strengths include:
2%
5%
10%
20%
39%
40%
47%
With urea cream, there isn’t a strict cutoff between which strengths are available OTC and which require a prescription. Some higher strength formulas (including certain urea 40% cream products) are available OTC. Combination products with steroids or antifungals usually require a prescription. Your healthcare team can help you choose the right product for your situation.
When would low-dose urea be useful?
Low-dose urea (between 2% and 10%) acts mainly as a skin moisturizer. Low-dose urea is commonly used for:
Mild dry skin
Rough skin
Sensitive skin needing extra hydration
When would medium-dose urea be useful?
Medium-dose urea (between 10% and 30%) acts as a skin moisturizer and tissue softener. It can work well for:
Dry skin
Eczema
Psoriasis
Keratosis pilaris
When would high-dose urea be useful?
High-dose urea (between 30% and 50%) acts as a tissue softener. It can help remove or exfoliate damaged skin. It’s ideal for treating:
Thick calluses or corns
Cracked or fissured heels
Severe dry skin
Very thick nails
Does urea cream have any side effects or risks?
Urea cream is generally well-tolerated. Here are some side effects to keep in mind. These are more common with higher-strength products (like 40% or 50% urea creams):
Mild burning
Stinging
Redness
Skin irritation
Urea cream is for external use only. If someone accidentally swallows it, contact Poison Control right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Urea cream interactions
Urea cream usually doesn’t interact with other oral medications (pills). But because it can increase skin absorption, it may intensify the effects of some topical medications used at the same time. If you use prescription creams, ask your healthcare team whether it’s OK to combine them with urea products.
Who shouldn’t use urea cream?
Most people can use urea cream without experiencing any serious problems. But if you're pregnant or trying to become pregnant, make sure to talk to your OB-GYN before using products that contain urea.
Is urea cream safe to use during pregnancy?
There isn’t much research on the safety of urea cream during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some healthcare professionals recommend avoiding urea cream during pregnancy. This is also true for breastfeeding. If you're nursing and are interested in using urea cream, talk to your healthcare team to see if it’s safe for you to use.
Frequently asked questions
No, urea cream isn’t made from urine. Urea is a natural substance found throughout the body in different tissues and fluids (including the skin). But the urea used in skincare products is made synthetically in the lab.
The best way to use urea cream on your feet is to apply it once or twice a day. If you have rough or cracked feet, try applying urea 40% foot cream overnight covered with socks. This can help soften thick skin and heel cracks.
Yes, you can use these products together — but cautiously. Both of these ingredients can exfoliate and soften skin. So using them together can increase irritation in some people (especially those with sensitive skin).
No, urea cream isn’t made from urine. Urea is a natural substance found throughout the body in different tissues and fluids (including the skin). But the urea used in skincare products is made synthetically in the lab.
The best way to use urea cream on your feet is to apply it once or twice a day. If you have rough or cracked feet, try applying urea 40% foot cream overnight covered with socks. This can help soften thick skin and heel cracks.
Yes, you can use these products together — but cautiously. Both of these ingredients can exfoliate and soften skin. So using them together can increase irritation in some people (especially those with sensitive skin).
The bottom line
Urea cream is a topical treatment that helps hydrate, soften, and exfoliate dry or thickened skin. Lower-strength over-the-counter (OTC) urea cream products can moisturize skin. Meanwhile, higher-strength formulas — including urea 40% products — help break down stubborn, rough, or thickened areas.
Urea cream can be helpful for different conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, cracked heels, and calluses. It’s available in many strengths, some of which can be purchased OTC or obtained with a prescription. Speak with your healthcare team or pharmacist to determine which urea cream and strength may be best for you.
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References
Micali, G., et al. (2020). Optimizing the use of urea in dermatology. The International Journal of Clinical Practice.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2023). Ichthyosis.
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.
Trinity Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). Urea cream 40%. [package insert].
