Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk For Face And Body
Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk For Face And Body
Product Description
Product overview
A dermatologist-developed restoring face and body lotion that reestablishes optimal hydration levels. Formulated with 10% pure urea, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide to soothe dry, rough, itchy, and flaky skin while gently exfoliating for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Deep Hydration
10% urea acts as a powerful humectant, drawing moisture into the skin while supporting the natural moisture barrier.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Hydration
10% urea acts as a powerful humectant, drawing moisture into the skin while supporting the natural moisture barrier.
Gentle Exfoliation
At 10% concentration, urea works as a mild keratolytic agent, gently dissolving dead skin cells for smoother texture.
Barrier Support
Unique emulsifier blend rich in sterols forms a protective veil on skin, reducing stress from environmental aggressors.
Skin-Soothing
Shea butter and niacinamide work together to calm, smooth, and tone for healthier-looking skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Urea at 10% is considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
Contains shea butter and fatty acid esters that may feed Malassezia yeast. Those with fungal acne should avoid.
Rating 2/5. Contains shea butter which may be mildly comedogenic for some. Patch test recommended for acne-prone skin.
Recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation. Safe for use on eczema-prone and sensitive skin conditions.
Can be layered with retinol, vitamin C, and other actives. Urea may enhance absorption of other skincare ingredients.
Brand recommends starting a few times per week and building up to daily use. Always patch test before full application.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSUrea 10%Proven
A natural component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) that provides dual action: powerful humectant properties to attract and retain moisture, plus mild keratolytic effects for gentle exfoliation.
- Hydration: Attracts water molecules to the upper layers of skin, providing deep moisturization
- Exfoliation: At 10%, gently breaks down keratin bonds to remove dead skin cells
- Barrier Support: Helps restore and maintain healthy skin barrier function
- Penetration Enhancement: May improve absorption of other skincare actives
Glycerin HighProven
One of the most effective humectants in skincare. Research shows glycerin can be more effective than hyaluronic acid for hydration due to its low molecular weight allowing deeper penetration.
- Study: 2016 research found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid
- Barrier: Keeps skin lipids in a healthy liquid crystal state for optimal barrier function
- Comedogenic Rating: 0 – will not clog pores
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii Butter)Proven
Rich, nourishing emollient packed with vitamins A, E, and fatty acids. Provides intensive moisturization and helps prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Antioxidants: Contains quercetin and other compounds that protect against free radicals
- Soothing: Helps calm and regenerate dry, compromised skin
- UV Protection: Provides minor SPF 3-4 (not a sunscreen replacement)
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Proven
Multi-functional superstar ingredient that works on multiple skin concerns simultaneously. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
- Barrier: Increases ceramide synthesis for stronger, healthier skin barrier
- Tone: Helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation
- Anti-inflammatory: Calms redness and irritation
- Texture: Smooths skin texture and minimizes pore appearance
Jojoba EstersPromising
Plant-derived esters that closely mimic the skin's natural sebum. Provides excellent emollient properties without feeling heavy or greasy.
- Compatibility: Similar structure to skin's natural oils for easy absorption
- TEWL Prevention: Helps prevent moisture loss from the skin
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)Proven
Powerful antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage while providing moisturizing benefits.
- Protection: Shields skin from environmental stressors and UV damage
- Stability: Also acts as a natural preservative to extend product shelf life
24 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Urea, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cyclopentasiloxane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Jojoba Esters, Niacinamide, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, C15-19 Alkane, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Citric Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Tocopherol.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your moisturizer step. Can be used alone for normal-oily skin, or followed by a heavier cream for very dry skin. Suitable for both AM and PM routines.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse First
Start with clean, dry skin. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
Apply Liberally
Pump a generous amount onto your palm. The milk texture spreads easily over large areas.
Massage In
Gently massage the lotion into skin using upward circular motions until fully absorbed.
Build Up Frequency
Start with 2-3 times per week, then gradually increase to daily use as your skin adjusts to the urea.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, rough, or flaky skin on face or body
- You suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or keratosis pilaris
- You want gentle exfoliation without harsh scrubs
- You need a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need safe hydration
- You want a face AND body moisturizer in one
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to fragrances
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
- You're very acne-prone and sensitive to shea butter
- You prefer a thicker, richer cream texture
- You want an anti-aging focused formula
- You have open wounds or severely broken skin
- You need a higher concentration of urea (20%+) for very thick calluses
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe hero product for dry skin. 10% urea provides intense hydration and gentle exfoliation to smooth rough patches.
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula is dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin. Start slowly and build up.
Provides balanced hydration without feeling heavy. Great for maintaining healthy skin barrier.
Lightweight texture works well across different zones. May be too moisturizing for very oily T-zone.
Absorbs well without excessive greasiness, but very oily skin may prefer a lighter gel moisturizer.
Contains shea butter (comedogenic rating 2). Patch test first. NOT suitable for fungal acne.
Results timeline
WEEK 6+Instant Hydration & Comfort
Skin feels immediately softer, smoother, and more comfortable. Tightness and itchiness are relieved.
95% noticed immediate reliefImproved Texture
Rough, flaky patches begin to smooth out. Skin feels more supple and less prone to dryness throughout the day.
85% saw smoother textureBarrier Restoration
Skin barrier function improves significantly. Less sensitivity to environmental stressors. Dry patches noticeably reduced.
80% reported healthier-looking skinLong-Term Benefits
Sustained improvement in skin hydration and texture. Chronic dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis show marked improvement with consistent use.
90% would repurchaseRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Incredibly effective for dry, rough, flaky skin
- Lightweight milk texture absorbs quickly
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-developed by Dr. Sam Ellis
- Excellent value at $22 for 13.5 oz
- Works for both face and body
- Safe for eczema and psoriasis
- National Psoriasis Foundation recognized
- Non-greasy finish
Criticized
- Not fungal acne safe (contains shea butter)
- May cause breakouts on acne-prone facial skin
- Not rich enough for severely dry winter skin (for some)
- Contains silicones (some prefer silicone-free)
- Pump bottle can be difficult to get last bits out
- Initial tingling sensation possible for sensitive skin
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same 10% urea concentration with added ceramides and NMFs. Slightly thicker texture. Contains fragrance in some versions. Pharmacy staple with decades of research backing.
Uses salicylic acid instead of urea for exfoliation. Contains ceramides and niacinamide. Better for keratosis pilaris but NOT pregnancy safe due to salicylic acid.
Lower 5% urea concentration. Key advantage: 100% fungal acne safe formula. Simpler ingredient list. Better for those with Malassezia concerns. Smaller size bottle.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEPrequel Urea Advanced Relief
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Keep in a cool, dry place.
Pump bottle dispenser for hygienic application. Also available in travel size (2 oz) with flip-top cap.
Travel size (2 oz/60mL) available and TSA-approved. Full size exceeds 100mL carry-on limit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this product is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens that are typically avoided during pregnancy. Urea at 10% concentration is a gentle, naturally-occurring compound that is safe for topical use. However, always consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (shea butter) and Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, which contain fatty acids that can feed Malassezia yeast. If you have fungal acne, consider alternatives like Malezia 5% Urea Moisturizer which is specifically formulated to be Malassezia-safe.
Yes, this product can be used with most active ingredients. Urea may actually enhance the penetration of other skincare actives. For retinol: apply retinol first, wait a few minutes, then apply this moisturizer on top. For vitamin C: use vitamin C in the morning and this product anytime. For AHAs/BHAs: use exfoliating acids on alternate nights or apply this moisturizer 20-30 minutes after acids to avoid over-exfoliation. Start slowly when combining actives.
This product is best for dry, very dry, rough, flaky, or dehydrated skin. It's particularly excellent for those with eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, or xerosis. It works well for sensitive skin due to its fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula. Those with oily or acne-prone skin may find it too rich for facial use but can use it on the body. It's not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.
Results vary, but most users notice immediate relief from dryness and discomfort. Within 1-2 weeks, you should see improved skin texture and reduced flakiness. Significant barrier restoration and long-term benefits typically appear after 3-4 weeks of consistent use. For chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, allow 6+ weeks for optimal results. The brand recommends starting a few times per week and building up to daily use.
Use this product as your moisturizer step, typically after cleansing, toning, and applying any treatment serums. Apply to clean, dry skin and massage until fully absorbed. For very dry skin, you can layer a heavier occlusive cream on top. In the morning, always follow with sunscreen. For body use, apply liberally after showering while skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.
This product has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2 out of 5, meaning it has a low-to-moderate risk of clogging pores. The main ingredient of concern is shea butter, which can be mildly comedogenic for some individuals. While many users successfully use this on their face, those who are very acne-prone may want to patch test first. For body use, comedogenicity is typically less of a concern.
The product has a shelf life of 12 months after opening (12M PAO). Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. The pump bottle helps maintain hygiene and extends product life by minimizing air exposure. If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, discontinue use.
Verdict: Prequel Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk is an exceptional, dermatologist-developed moisturizer that delivers on its promises for dry, rough, and compromised skin. The 10% urea concentration provides powerful yet gentle hydration and exfoliation, making it a standout choice for eczema, psoriasis, and everyday dry skin concerns. The lightweight milk texture, fragrance-free formula, and impressive ingredient list (niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin) justify the price point—especially considering the generous 13.5 oz size. The only significant drawback is its incompatibility with fungal acne-prone skin due to shea butter content. For everyone else seeking serious dry skin relief in an elegant, accessible formula, this is a highly recommended product.
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 skin’s 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 «promises» 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
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.