In vitro and ex vivo evaluation of barrier and hydration benefits of a urea derivative

I-Chien Liao, Lauren Guinaw, Stephen Lynch, Andie Schott, Nada Baalbaki

  • Dec 2025
  • 5min

INTRODUCTION


Urea is an essential component of skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and is used as a moisturizer, barrier strengthener, and keratolytic agent.1 While proven effective in topical formulations, urea is difficult to stabilize at skin-balanced pH. This study evaluated the efficacy of a urea derivative, hydroxyethyl urea (HEU), for relevance in skincare formulations for patients with xerosis.
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