What Is Urea in Hand Lotion?
Urea, also known as carbamide, is one of the key chemicals that make up urine. Its chemical name is carbonyldiamide. Hand and body lotions, as well as face creams and other cosmetics that offer moisturizing effects, often have urea as one of their ingredients. Does this Spark an idea?
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Historic Use
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In old times urine was used as both a skin softener and for its antiseptic properties. But don't worry, these days the urea used in hand lotion is a manufactured chemical made commercially by combining ammonia and carbon dioxide.
A Natural Moisturizer
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Urea is a natural moisturizer and is naturally present in the outermost layer of the skin. Along with lactic acid and other chemicals, it helps to maintain the moisture of the skin. It achieves this by both attracting and holding on to water molecules. When applied to the skin in the form of a lotion or cream, urea also helps to get rid of dead skin cells.
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Other Uses
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Today, most of the urea manufactured commercially is used as fertilizer. It is additionally used as an additive in wines, tobacco products, fire retardant paints and as a de-icer.
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References
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Skin Physiology, Irritants, Dry Skin and Moisturizers
- Honey, Michigan State University: Mud, Maggots And Other Medical Marvels
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science: Escalating worldwide use of urea -- a global change contributing to coastal eutrophication
- Photo Credit Hand care image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
