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If you're not yet using one of the best urea moisturizers, you might want to start. For the uninitiated, urea is a compound naturally found in your skin, according to Maya Thosani, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona. “It’s part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, a group of water-binding molecules that keeps its outer layer soft and flexible,” she says. Unlike ceramides, which reinforce the moisture barrier, or hyaluronic acid, which mainly hydrates at the surface, urea can moisturize and, at higher strengths, exfoliate dead skin cells.
The concentration will tell you whether a formula will primarily hydrate, exfoliate, or do a little of both. At 2% to 5%, urea mainly draws in and holds water, making it ideal for daily hydration. Around 10% to 20%, it moisturizes while having a mild keratolytic effect, “which means it loosens built-up dead skin cells and smooths rough texture,” says Dr. Thosani. Formulas above 20% are best for thick calluses and heels. “For other areas of the body, about 10% is the right place to start,” she says.
Our Top Urea Moisturizers
- Best Overall: Soft Services Carea Cream, $40
- Best for Dull Skin: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, $30
- Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion, $23
- Best for Cracked Heels: Flexitol Heel Balm, $14
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What is urea?
- Is urea safe for sensitive skin?
- Is urea safe during pregnancy?
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Ahead, our experts and editors share their favorite formulas for softer, smoother skin from head to toe.
Best Overall: Soft Services Carea Cream
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Soft Services
Carea Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Soft Services
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Soft Services Carea Cream
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Soft Services’ Carea Cream has earned a devoted following since it debuted as one of the brand’s original launches. After a few reformulations, the beloved body lotion has reached its latest iteration, pairing the heft of a cream with a surprisingly milky, easy-to-spread texture. The star is 10% urea, which pulls double duty by both moisturizing and gently loosening the dead skin and keratin buildup that causes rough, bumpy skin. Three percent squalane and 1.5% colloidal oatmeal soften, soothe, and reinforce the moisture barrier, while glycerin, betaine, and sodium hyaluronate draw in further hydration. Shea butter seals it all in, and panthenol, allantoin, and Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) offer additional comfort for dry skin.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I’m the person who will always forget to put on body lotion because I’m rushing to get dressed—and then spend the rest of the day wondering why my arms feel like sandpaper (hi, KP). This body lotion is the first formula that’s actually made me want to slow down and use it: It has an almost milky, run-off-your-fingers texture, but once it absorbs, it’s unbelievably silky and leaves zero residue. I can’t stop talking about how amazing it feels. Soft Services, you have me convinced.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Percentage of urea: 10%
- Other key ingredients: 3% squalane, 1.5% colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, betaine, sodium hyaluronate, shea butter, panthenol, allantoin, Centella asiatica
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
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Topicals
Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Calling everyone with keratosis pilaris, strawberry skin, clogged pores, dry patches, or flaking—and let’s be real, most of us fall into at least one of those categories, or you probably wouldn’t be here. Topicals’ Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, a past Best of Beauty Award winner, brings the kind of ingredient lineup typically reserved for your face to the skin below your neck.
Its milky, fragrance-free formula combines encapsulated retinol with glycolic and lactic acids to encourage cell turnover and resurface rough skin texture. While the brand doesn't disclose the exact percentage of urea, the ingredient joins squalane, glycerin, and phospholipids to deliver hydration while the AHAs and retinol do the sloughing work. Squalane, glycerin, and phospholipids provide additional moisture support, while green-tea extract, vitamin E, and antioxidant coenzyme Q10 round out the formula.
Thanks to its combination of retinol and exfoliating acids, the serum also helps brighten uneven skin tone and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. “I like this option for people who want a more targeted, results-driven product if they want to spot treat specific dark areas of their skin—but it’s still appropriate for full-body use,” Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida, previously told Allure. (It is called Slather, after all.)
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“It's no wonder this milky body serum is so popular (and a Best of Beauty winner): It packs serious texture-evening, exfoliating benefits—retinol is a gold-standard ingredient for this reason, and not just for the face—but feels light as a feather. When my skin is looking particularly rough and dull, I make a beeline for Slather. Applying this a few times a week makes a noticeable difference—my limbs look radiant and feel as smooth as a baby's bum.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Percentage of urea: undisclosed
- Other key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, encapsulated all-trans-retinol, squalane, glycerin, phospholipids
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion
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La Roche-Posay
Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Sarah Kinonen applying La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion
Sarah Kinonen
Why we love it: If your skin seems to drink up body lotion only to feel dry again in minutes (or so it feels), La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion offers long-lasting nourishment. “10% urea plus shea butter is the perfect pairing I want on dry skin,” says Dr. Thosani. Shea butter and rapeseed oil create the lipid-rich layer that slows moisture loss because, as Dr. Thosani puts it, “hydration without something to seal it is a short-lived fix,” particularly during winter or in an overheated environment.
It also contains HEPES—short for hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid—which is a buffering agent that keeps the formula’s pH stable and offers the added benefit of gently loosening dead cells at the surface, while allantoin soothes and protects dry, easily irritated skin. Despite its rich, moisture-sealing formula, the lotion absorbs quickly enough that you can get dressed right after applying it, and the generous 13.5-ounce bottle encourages head-to-toe use. “This is one I keep coming back to for patients whose skin gets ashy and tight no matter how much lotion they use,” Dr. Thosani says.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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"If I'm not slathering myself with body lotion 10 seconds after I step out of the shower, something's wrong. (Alert my husband—he understands my strict regimen.) The moisturizing routine has been a large part of my Everything Shower experience, and it shall not be skipped. Normally, I tend to use whatever fragrance-free cream I have lying around, but after trying the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Smoothing Lotion when temps started to rise outside, there’s no going back. Because of its combination of 10% urea, a gentle exfoliating ingredient, and shea butter, using the lightweight lotion feels like using two products at once. And although I love my Everything Shower routine, if there’s a product that’ll help speed it up, I’m all in." —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Percentage of urea: 10%
- Other key ingredients: shea butter, rapeseed oil, hydroxyethylpiperazine ethane sulfonic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Isdin Uradin Lotion 10 Hydrating Body Lotion for Dry Skin
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Isdin
Uradin Lotion 10 Hydrating Body Lotion for Dry Skin
Amazon
Dermstore
Lee applying the Isdin Uradin Lotion 10 Hydrating Body Lotion for Dry Skin
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: Granted, all lotions are supposed to help dry skin, but Isdin’s Uradin Lotion 10 Hydrating Body Lotion is built for Sahara levels of parched—without leaving a heavy residue on skin. “This one has 10% urea in a fluid, fast-absorbing texture that does not sit on top of skin or leave a film,” says Dr. Thosani. Three percent dexpanthenol—a form of moisturizing vitamin B5—joins glycerin to draw in more moisture and soothe dryness-related itchiness, while avocado oil and dimethicone smooth the skin's outer layer. Despite that heavy-duty résumé, the lotion sinks in seamlessly. One note for sensitive noses (and skin): Unlike many of the other fragrance-free formulas on this list, this one does contain added fragrance.
Tester feedback from Lee
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“I’ve dealt with keratosis pilaris for years, and the backs of my arms can get so desert-dry, which only makes those little bumps more noticeable. My calves aren’t much better—I’ll scratch in my sleep and wake up with marks from how itchy they get. I’d somehow never tried a lotion with urea before, so Isdin’s Uradin Lotion 10 felt like a bit of a revelation. It softens and smooths all my rough patches (even the elbows!), and it sinks in quickly without feeling sticky. Even five or six hours after applying it, my skin still feels soft and comfortably moisturized.”—Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Percentage of urea: 10%
- Other key ingredients: 3% dexpanthenol, glycerin, avocado oil, dimethicone
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Keratosis Pilaris: Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream
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Eucerin
Advanced Repair Cream
Amazon
Why it’s worth it: Those stubborn little “chicken skin” bumps may have finally met their match in Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Cream. “Urea can improve the texture of keratosis pilaris while supplying the moisture skin needs to stay healthy,” says Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California. And this fragrance-free formula contains 5% urea, a concentration that primarily draws water into the skin and softens rough patches—including keratosis pilaris—rather than acting as an intensive exfoliant. Lactic acid does more of the actual sloughing, helping clear away the dead-skin buildup that contributes to KP’s telltale bumps.
Glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides also soften dry skin and help seal in moisture. Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada, calls it “a go-to recommendation for patients struggling with skin dryness and itchiness,” adding that it provides lasting hydration and gently smooths rough, flaky skin.
More to know
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- Percentage of urea: 5%
- Other key ingredients: lactic acid, glycerin, shea butter, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
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Gold Bond
Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
Amazon
Walmart
Why it’s worth it: Gold Bond’s Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion brings some of facial skin care’s most trusted ingredients—retinol—to the rest of your body to address all-over dryness, crepiness, and uneven texture that can naturally happen as skin matures. “Retinol plus peptides and niacinamide in a base built around hydroxyethyl urea” makes this formula especially well-rounded, says Dr. Thosani. Retinol supports skin renewal and collagen production, while peptides and niacinamide help skin look firmer, smoother, and more even. Hydroxyethyl urea—a moisture-attracting urea derivative—acts solely as a humectant in this formula. “It hydrates; it does not exfoliate,” she explains. (That’s a good thing here, since it counters the dryness that can sometimes come with retinol). Shea and cocoa butters, glycerin, squalene, dimethicone, and ceramides provide even more cushioning moisture.
The rich lotion absorbs surprisingly well, is fragrance-free, and won’t blow through your body-care budget—but don’t expect overnight magic. “Give it a couple of months before you judge it, especially when using it on your body,” says Dr. Thosani. “Body skin is thicker, so retinol tends to work more slowly there.”
More to know
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- Percentage of urea: undisclosed
- Other key ingredients: retinol, peptides, niacinamide, shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, squalene, dimethicone, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Prequel Urea Advanced Relief Lotion
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Prequel
Urea Advanced Relief Lotion
Amazon (2-Pack)
Why it’s worth it: If you have sensitive skin, the word “exfoliation” may be enough to make you back away slowly, but Prequel Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk offers a more approachable way to smooth roughness. Its fragrance-free formula contains 10% urea, which replenishes hydration while mildly exfoliating the dry, flaky buildup that can make your skin feel rough or itchy. “If you’ve historically found that acid-based body exfoliants sting too much to keep using, this urea lotion is what you should try instead,” says Dr. Thosani. Glycerin, shea butter, jojoba esters, and dimethicone provide extra doses of skin-softening powers. Niacinamide is another standout: Dr. Thosani calls it “one of the most useful ingredients for reactive and pigment-prone skin” because it simultaneously calms inflammation and improves uneven skin tone.
The silky, lightweight lotion has earned the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance and the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition—credentials that show its safety-testing data were reviewed for potential irritants and suitability for people with eczema, psoriasis, and severely sensitive skin. Though no seal can guarantee that every complexion and skin type will react peacefully, these offer an extra layer of reassurance for easily irritated skin.
More to know
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- Percentage of urea: 10%
- Other key ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, jojoba esters, dimethicone, niacinamide, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Cracked Heels: Flexitol Heel Balm
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Flexitol
Heel Balm
Amazon
Why it's worth it: With 25% urea, “Flexitol’s Heel Balm is about as strong as most people need without a prescription, and heels are the one place on the body that warrant it, since the skin there is thick, has almost no oil glands, and takes a beating from walking,” says Dr. Thosani. At this strength, urea works as a powerful exfoliant, teaming up with glycolic acid to break down hard, thickened skin. (In other words, this isn’t an all-over foot cream: It’s a targeted treatment meant for especially rough areas, such as heels and calluses.) Lanolin and shea butter then form a protective layer that seals in hydration, while sodium PCA, panthenol, allantoin, aloe, and vitamin E soften and soothe.
“This is a balm rather than a lotion, so it’s dense and takes a minute to sink in, but that’s what you want overnight,” Dr. Thosani says. That occlusive texture keeps moisture from escaping, and with consistent use, she says you can expect to see a difference within a week or two. One important caveat: “Skip it on heels that are actively split or bleeding, and have those cracks evaluated by a medical professional instead,” she says.
More to know
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- Percentage of urea: 25%
- Other key ingredients: lanolin, shea butter, sodium PCA, panthenol, allantoin, aloe, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What is urea?
You may not be familiar with urea quite yet, but your skin certainly is. “It’s the natural component of the skin’s moisturizing factor—the group of water-binding molecules in its outermost layer that keeps it soft, hydrated, and flexible,” says Dr. Thosani. Healthy skin contains roughly 7% urea in this layer, but these levels can decline with age, exposure to cold and dry air, and conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Although the urea used in skin-care products is made in a lab, it’s chemically identical to the urea naturally found in skin, so applying it topically replenishes what your skin may be lacking. “At lower concentrations, it acts primarily as a humectant that attracts and holds water, while at higher concentrations, it also exfoliates by loosening dead-skin buildup,” she says.
Is urea safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, urea creams and moisturizers are generally safe for sensitive skin, and the ingredient is often better tolerated than the exfoliating acids people might use instead. Unlike glycolic and lactic acids, it doesn’t smooth by lowering the skin’s surface pH. “It smooths by softening rather than by peeling,” says Dr. Thosani, adding that its hydrating and barrier-supporting benefits may make skin less reactive to irritants over time. If your skin is in the middle of a flare, Dr. Thosani recommends calming inflammation first, then introducing urea later for maintenance. Start with a lower concentration and patch-test before applying it widely.
Is urea safe to use during pregnancy?
Yes, topical urea is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. “Urea is a compound your body already produces and naturally has in the skin,” says Dr. Thosani. “It isn’t hormonal, and the amount absorbed into the bloodstream from a body lotion is considered minimal.” Still, pregnancy recommendations can vary, so check with your OB-GYN if you have any concerns, especially before using a high-concentration formula.
Meet the experts
- Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
- Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist of Moy MD based in Beverly Hills, California
- Maya Thosani, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Modern Dermatology, based in Scottsdale, Arizona
- Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks, based in Boca Raton, Florida
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best urea moisturizers, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
