Humectant

Hydroxyethyl Urea

INCI · Hydroxyethyl Urea

Revelika safety grade

Overview

A urea-derived humectant that holds water in the skin's surface layers, offering hydration similar to urea but with a milder, non-exfoliating profile. It helps keep skin supple.

Who it's for

Dry and dehydrated skin, including sensitive skin that finds plain urea too active.

Cautions

Gentle and non-exfoliating; a moisturizer rather than a treatment.

Suitability
Suits skin type
Dry Oily Combination Sensitive Acne-prone Mature Normal
Targets
Concentration
Concentration0 – 10%
Effective from
Max safe
In the glossary
Frequently asked
What does Hydroxyethyl Urea do in skincare?

A urea-derived humectant that holds water in the skin's surface layers, offering hydration similar to urea but with a milder, non-exfoliating profile. It helps keep skin supple.

Is Hydroxyethyl Urea considered safe for skin?

Gentle and non-exfoliating; a moisturizer rather than a treatment.

RRevelika

A science-forward beauty ingredient encyclopedia. Every entry is written from published research and graded conservatively before it publishes.

Editorial standard

Content is educational, not medical advice. When evidence is uncertain we say so — and we default to caution on pregnancy safety.

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