10% Urea Moisturizer
10% Urea Moisturizer
Product Description
A clinically proven, fast-absorbing moisturizer formulated with 10% Urea that delivers instant hydration to very dry, rough, and flaky skin. Gently exfoliates while soothing irritation with 1% Colloidal Oat, delaying dryness for up to 48 hours without heavy, greasy creams.
โจ Texture & Feel
Deep Hydration
10% Urea draws moisture into the skin and locks it in, clinically proven to delay dryness for up to 48 hours.
Gentle Exfoliation
At 10% concentration, urea acts as a keratolytic agent, gently dissolving dead skin cells to reveal smoother texture.
Skin Soothing
1% Colloidal Oat calms irritation and redness, making it safe for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin.
Barrier Support
Squalane and safflower seed oil strengthen the skin barrier while preventing transepidermal water loss.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The brand confirms this product is safe during pregnancy and nursing.
Contains Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, a fatty acid that feeds malassezia yeast. Avoid if you have pityrosporum folliculitis.
Clinically tested on 22 people with eczema and psoriasis-prone skin. Demonstrated good skin compatibility under dermatological control.
Do not layer with AHAs, BHAs, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide. Urea is already exfoliating at 10% - combining may cause irritation.
Rated 1/5 on comedogenic scale. Lightweight formula absorbs quickly without clogging pores. Suitable for most skin types.
May cause initial tingling on very dry or compromised skin. The brand recommends patch testing before first use.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐ง Urea 10% Proven
A natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that makes up about 7% of the skin's own moisturizing system. At 10%, it delivers both humectant and keratolytic (exfoliating) benefits.
- Humectant Action: Draws water from the environment and deeper skin layers to hydrate the stratum corneum
- Keratolytic Effect: At concentrations above 10%, urea breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting natural exfoliation
- Barrier Enhancement: Improves skin barrier function beyond simple moisturization by supporting healthy lipid organization
๐พ Colloidal Oat (Avena Sativa Kernel Flour) 1% Proven
Finely powdered oat extract rich in skin-soothing beta-glucans, nourishing lipids, and moisturizing carbohydrates. An FDA-approved skin protectant.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Beta-glucan reduces visible redness and calms irritated skin
- Skin Barrier Support: Oat lipids help restore and maintain healthy skin barrier function
- Itch Relief: Provides relief for dry, itchy skin associated with eczema and psoriasis
๐ซ Squalane 2-5% Proven
A stable, plant-derived emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum. Excellent for all skin types including acne-prone (though not fungal acne).
- Skin-Identical: Matches our skin's natural oils for optimal absorption without greasiness
- Non-Comedogenic: Won't clog pores despite being an oil-based ingredient
- Antioxidant: Helps protect against oxidative stress and environmental damage
๐ป Safflower Seed Oil 1-3% Supporting
A nourishing botanical oil high in linoleic acid that helps strengthen the skin barrier and provides emollient benefits.
- Linoleic Acid Rich: Helps maintain healthy cell membranes and skin barrier
- Antioxidant Properties: Contains vitamin E to protect against free radical damage
๐ฆ Glycerin 3-7% Proven
A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin. Studies show glycerin can be even more effective than hyaluronic acid for hydration.
- Humectant: Draws moisture from the environment into the skin's upper layers
- Barrier Support: Maintains healthy liquid crystal state of skin lipids
- Well-Tolerated: Comedogenic rating of 0, suitable for all skin types
17 ingredients
Aqua (Water), Urea, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Gluconate, Dehydroacetic Acid.
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply after serums but before heavier oils. Can be used AM and PM. Always follow with SPF in the morning.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Your Face
Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel.
Apply Any Serums
If using hydrating serums (like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide), apply these first and let them absorb.
Dispense Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze a small pea-sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Massage Into Skin
Gently massage onto face and neck using upward circular motions until fully absorbed. Focus on dry patches.
Follow With SPF (Morning)
In your AM routine, always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+. The exfoliating urea can increase sun sensitivity.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have very dry, rough, or flaky skin
- Your skin feels tight and uncomfortable
- You have eczema or psoriasis-prone skin
- You want gentle exfoliation without harsh scrubs
- You need a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs quickly
- You prefer fragrance-free, vegan skincare
- You want clinically proven hydration lasting 48+ hours
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe options
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're already using strong exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, retinol)
- You dislike products with a slight "Play-Doh" scent
- You want a richer, more occlusive moisturizer
- You prefer larger product sizes for body use
- Your skin is extremely sensitive to any exfoliation
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
This product was specifically designed for dry skin. The 10% urea delivers intense hydration while gently removing flaky skin cells.
Ideal for stubborn rough patches and severely dehydrated areas. Clinically proven to delay dryness for 48 hours.
Lightweight enough for combination skin. Apply to dry areas only, or use all over if comfortable with the finish.
May be too rich for very oily skin types. Consider using only at night or on specific dry patches if you run oily.
Fragrance-free and developed with dermatologists. May tingle initially on very compromised skin - patch test first.
Low comedogenic rating (1/5), but NOT safe for fungal acne. Traditional bacterial acne may benefit from the gentle exfoliation.
๐ Results Timeline
Instant Hydration
Skin feels immediately softer and more comfortable. Tightness and discomfort are relieved upon application.
100% noticed improvement in 24 hoursReduced Flakiness
Visible reduction in dry, flaky patches. The gentle keratolytic action starts smoothing rough texture.
Most users report softer skinImproved Texture
Noticeable improvement in overall skin texture, roughness, and smoothness. Skin appears healthier and more balanced.
Significant texture improvement expectedLong-Term Barrier Health
For persistent concerns like chronic dryness, eczema patches, or psoriasis-prone areas, continue use for ongoing maintenance and prevention.
Consistent use recommended for lasting resultsโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Clinically proven 48-hour hydration
- Gentle exfoliation smooths rough patches
- Lightweight, non-greasy formula
- Safe for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Vegan, cruelty-free, B Corp certified
- Fragrance-free formulation
- Works well under makeup
- Affordable price point
- Dermatologist developed
โ Criticized
- Small 50ml tube size
- Distinct "Play-Doh" like scent
- Not safe for fungal acne
- May cause initial tingling
- Can pill under some products
- Hard to squeeze from tube
- Not rich enough for severely dry skin
- Cannot combine with AHAs/BHAs/retinol
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Contains 5% urea (less exfoliating), plus ceramides and sodium lactate. More affordable and widely available at drugstores. No colloidal oat but excellent for dry skin maintenance.
Only 13 ingredients, fungal acne safe formula. Contains 5% urea with hyaluronic acid and allantoin. Perfect alternative if you have malassezia folliculitis.
No urea but excellent skin repair with 5% panthenol and madecassoside. Thicker texture, better for barrier repair. Different mechanism but similar soothing results.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
The Inkey List 10% Urea (This Product)
$22Eucerin UreaRepair Face Cream 5%
$14Malezia 5% Urea Moisturizer
$16La Roche-Posay Cicaplast B5+
$17๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place (15-25ยฐC / 59-77ยฐF), away from direct sunlight. Keep away from eyes.
Squeeze tube with screw cap. 100% recyclable packaging - separate cap, cut off top, rinse, and recycle.
Yes, under 100ml TSA limit. Fits easily in carry-on toiletry bags.
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The brand explicitly confirms this product is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens - all ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy. Urea itself is a naturally occurring compound in the skin and has not shown reproductive toxicity in studies.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, which is a fatty acid that feeds the malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. If you have pityrosporum folliculitis, consider the Malezia 5% Urea Moisturizer instead, which is specifically formulated to be FA-safe.
The brand recommends NOT layering this product with AHAs, BHAs, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide. At 10% concentration, urea already provides exfoliating properties, and combining with other actives may cause irritation, redness, or over-exfoliation. You can use vitamin C in the morning and this moisturizer at night, or alternate nights between this and your retinol.
This moisturizer is specifically designed for dry to very dry, rough, flaky, or textured skin. It's clinically tested and safe for eczema and psoriasis-prone skin. While suitable for combination skin (especially on dry patches), it may be too rich for very oily skin types. It's also excellent for mature skin experiencing dryness.
Hydration is instant - you'll feel softer, more comfortable skin immediately after application. Improvements in texture, roughness, and flakiness can be expected after 2-4 weeks of consistent use. For persistent concerns like chronic dryness or psoriasis-prone areas, use for at least 3 months for best results.
Apply after cleansing and any water-based serums (like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide), but before heavier oils or occlusives. Use AM and/or PM. In your morning routine, always follow with SPF 30+ sunscreen, as the exfoliating properties of urea can increase sun sensitivity.
This product has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5. It's lightweight and fast-absorbing, designed not to clog pores. However, individual reactions vary, and it's always recommended to patch test. Note that it is NOT safe for fungal acne despite being low on the traditional comedogenic scale.
The PAO (Period After Opening) is 12 months. Store in a cool, dry place between 15-25ยฐC (59-77ยฐF), away from direct sunlight. The 50ml tube should last 2-3 months with daily use on face and neck, using a pea-sized amount each application.
Verdict: The Inkey List 10% Urea Moisturizer is an excellent, science-backed solution for dry, rough, and textured skin. The 10% urea concentration hits the sweet spot for both deep hydration and gentle exfoliation, while colloidal oat provides soothing benefits for sensitive skin conditions. It's pregnancy-safe, vegan, and affordably priced. The main drawbacks are its unsuitability for fungal acne sufferers (due to safflower oil) and the small tube size. If you struggle with flaky, rough skin or have eczema/psoriasis, this dermatologist-developed formula is worth trying. Just remember to patch test first and avoid combining with other strong exfoliants.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinโs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging ยซpromisesยป it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Urea
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Buffering
|
Hydrating
Texture
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Perfuming, Emollient
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|