While often used for its beneficial properties like hydration and exfoliation, some potential temporary side effects might lead individuals to consider urea as having negative aspects for the skin. Based on the provided reference, these issues are typically mild and not long-term.
Potential Concerns with Urea in Skincare
The primary reasons why some people might view urea negatively for the skin, according to the information provided, relate to its potential for causing odor and temporary irritation.
Here are the specific points:
- Unpleasant Odor: Urea-containing creams may sometimes have an unpleasant odor. This is caused by volatile amines. However, this odor typically dissipates rapidly [4].
- Mild Skin Irritation: Mild skin irritation is occasionally observed when using urea products. This reaction can be more frequent, especially when using products with higher concentrations of urea. This adverse effect is temporary and usually resolves on its own without intervention.
In summary, the "bad" aspects of urea for the skin, as highlighted in the reference, are limited to a transient odor and potential mild, temporary irritation, particularly at higher concentrations.
