Humectant, Keratolytic

Urea

Urea is a naturally occurring component of skin and a key natural moisturizing factor (NMF), comprising approximately 7% of the skin's NMF alongside amino acids, PCA, and lactate. At lower concentrations it acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin and reinforcing barrier function; at higher concentrations (above 10%) it becomes keratolytic, breaking down the protein bonds that hold dead skin cells together and softening thickened or rough skin.