Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan Evaluator Flag

Urea

Urea

Safety Notes

≤10% humectant; >10% keratolytic, concentration determines function and valid claim

Function & Common Use

Function

Humectant / Keratolytic / Skin conditioning

Category

Humectant

Common In

Foot creams, body lotions, scalp treatments

Origin

Synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Baby restriction: Low concentration only in baby products

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Urea safe to use in skincare?

Urea has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. ≤10% humectant; >10% keratolytic, concentration determines function and valid claim

Is Urea allowed in India?

Urea is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Urea used for in cosmetics?

Urea functions as: Humectant / Keratolytic / Skin conditioning. It is commonly found in: Foot creams, body lotions, scalp treatments.

Is Urea safe for babies?

Urea has baby/child restrictions: Low concentration only in baby products. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS57-13-6
EC200-315-5

Want to check if your product contains Urea?

Analyse a Product
WhatsApp Community

Join The Clean Sheet™ community

Science-backed beauty tips, ingredient alerts, and early access. Straight to your WhatsApp.

Join for free →