Ingredient glossary

Hydroxyethyl Urea

INCI: Hydroxyethyl Urea

Solid and proven

A genuinely useful ingredient with real evidence behind it, not hype.

Does Hydroxyethyl Urea clash with what you already use? Check it →

What it does

  • hydration
  • smoothness

moderate evidenceStudies and supplier data show hydroxyethyl urea provides rapid and lasting moisturization with good tolerability on sensitive skin.

On a label: usually effective at 2-10%.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • dry
  • dehydrated
  • rough

Approach with care

No specific group flagged to avoid it.

  • Clogs poresLow
  • Irritation riskLow

Plays well with

  • humectants
  • ceramides

This, for every label you own

One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.

Decode my products →

Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.