Urea is widely used in dermatology to improve skin barrier function and as one of the most common moisturizers and keratolytic agents

Urea plays a fundamental role in regulating keratinocyte proliferation, the skin's barrier function and antimicrobial defense

Urea induces the expression of filaggrin, loricrin and transglutaminase-1, i.e., genes which are important for keratinocyte differentiation and thus skin barrier function

Urea-containing formulations have shown significant clinical improvement in many of the dermatoses presenting with scaly and dry skin such as atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, xerosis, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis

It can be easily incorporated into dermatological preparations because it is highly water soluble

Urea can increase skin and nail penetration and optimize the action of topical drugs

Compounds with low urea concentration (2%–10%) are indicated for moisturizing and optimizing the skin’s barrier function, medium concentration (10%–30%) for moisturizers and keratolytics and high concentrations (≥ 30%) for keratolytics and debriding necrotic tissue