Urederm Cream
Urederm Cream
Product Description
A high-potency 10% urea cream formulated to intensively hydrate and restore moisture to dry, rough, and flaking skin. Trusted by Australian pharmacists since 1932, Hamilton Urederm Cream helps relieve symptoms of mild eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis with a simple, fragrance-free formula.
โจ Texture & Feel
Intensive Hydration
10% urea draws moisture deep into the skin while glycerin and petrolatum seal it in, providing long-lasting relief from dryness, flaking, and tightness.
Gentle Keratolytic Action
At 10%, urea acts as a mild keratolytic agent โ softening and loosening dead skin cells to smooth rough, scaly patches without harsh physical exfoliation.
Barrier Protection
Mineral oil and petrolatum form an occlusive barrier that prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), keeping skin hydrated throughout the day.
Minimalist Formula
Only 15 ingredients with no fragrance, colour, lanolin, propylene glycol, or sulfates. Ideal for sensitive and reactive skin that cannot tolerate complex formulations.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Compatibility
Limited human data on urea use during pregnancy. Some healthcare providers advise caution. Consult your doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Contains cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohols), which are debated among fungal acne communities. Those with confirmed malassezia folliculitis should patch test first.
Rated 2/5. Mineral oil and petrolatum are non-comedogenic. Fatty alcohols carry a low-to-moderate comedogenic potential of 2.
No added fragrance, colour, or lanolin. Suitable for people with fragrance sensitivities and contact dermatitis.
Preserved with methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben. Parabens are approved by the TGA and FDA at low concentrations but may be a concern for some users.
Can be layered with retinol, vitamin C, and AHA/BHA products. Apply actives first, then use Urederm as a final moisturising step. Urea may enhance penetration of other actives.
๐ฌ Ingredient Breakdown
๐งช Urea 10% Proven
A naturally occurring component of the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF), making up about 7% of NMFs. At 10%, urea functions as both a powerful humectant and a mild keratolytic, drawing moisture deep into the skin while gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells.
- Mechanism: Breaks down filaggrin protein, freeing amino acids that further hydrate the skin
- Clinical evidence: 10% urea shown effective in treating xerosis, eczema, and psoriasis in multiple studies
- Antimicrobial: Enhances expression of antimicrobial peptides and improves skin barrier function
๐ง Glycerin (Glycerol) Proven
One of the most effective humectants available. Glycerin is a skin-identical ingredient already present in your skin. It pulls moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to keep the surface hydrated, plump, and supple.
- Study: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than both AHAs and hyaluronic acid
- Safety: Comedogenicity 0, Irritancy 0 โ suitable for all skin types
- Synergy: Works with urea to provide multi-layer hydration from both humectant and keratolytic pathways
๐ก๏ธ Petrolatum (White Soft Paraffin) Proven
The gold-standard occlusive agent. Petrolatum creates a physical barrier over the skin that prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), locking in all the moisture provided by urea and glycerin.
- Occlusion: Reduces TEWL by up to 99% โ more effective than any plant-based occlusive
- Safety: Highly refined, non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and extremely well-tolerated even on sensitive skin
- Heritage: Used in dermatology for over a century; a staple in French pharmacy products for reactive skin
๐งด Mineral Oil (Light Liquid Paraffin) Proven
A highly refined, lightweight occlusive emollient that softens the skin while preventing moisture loss. Studies have shown it is equally effective as virgin coconut oil for treating xerosis.
- Emollient: Sits on top of skin to trap moisture without penetrating deeply
- Tolerability: Extremely low irritation and allergy potential โ sensitivity is rare
15 ingredients
Water (Purified Water), Mineral Oil (Light Liquid Paraffin), Urea 10% w/w, Glycerin (Glycerol), Petrolatum (White Soft Paraffin), Cetearyl Alcohol (Cetostearyl Alcohol), Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine (Trolamine), Carbomer (Carbomer 934), Ceteareth-20 (Cetomacrogol 1000), Methylparaben (Methyl Hydroxybenzoate), Ethylparaben (Ethyl Hydroxybenzoate), Butylparaben (Butyl Hydroxybenzoate), Propylparaben (Propyl Hydroxybenzoate), Isobutylparaben (Isobutyl Hydroxybenzoate)
๐ Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your moisturiser step, AM and PM. Apply after water-based serums and before sunscreen in the morning. Can also be used as a standalone treatment on targeted dry patches.
๐ How to Use
Cleanse Skin
Wash and gently pat skin dry. Hamilton recommends pairing with their Gentle Wash for best results, but any mild, soap-free cleanser works well.
Apply Generously
Take a sufficient amount and spread evenly over affected dry areas on face and/or body. Focus on rough, flaking, or tight patches.
Massage In
Gently massage the cream into the skin using circular motions until absorbed. It takes 1โ2 minutes to fully absorb โ skin will feel smooth and non-greasy once settled.
Repeat 2โ3 Times Daily
Apply 2โ3 times daily to affected areas, especially after bathing or showering when skin is slightly damp for maximum hydration benefit.
๐ค Who Is It For?
โ Perfect for you if:
- You have chronically dry, rough, or flaking skin
- You suffer from mild eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis
- You need an intensive moisturiser for cracked heels or dry hands
- You prefer fragrance-free, minimalist formulations
- You want a pharmacy-grade urea cream at an affordable price
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to complex formulas
โ Consider alternatives if:
- You have oily or acne-prone skin (occlusive formula may feel heavy)
- You want a lightweight, gel-type moisturiser
- You strictly avoid parabens in your skincare
- You prefer ceramide-based barrier repair products
- You need a large-volume product (only available in 100g tube)
๐ฏ Skin Type Compatibility
This product was designed specifically for dry skin. The 10% urea combined with petrolatum and mineral oil provides intensive, long-lasting hydration and barrier protection.
Clinically indicated for xerosis, mild eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. The simple, fragrance-free formula minimises irritation risk for compromised skin.
Effective as a winter moisturiser or overnight treatment. May feel slightly rich for daytime use in warmer months.
Fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and sulfate-free. However, contains parabens which some sensitive users may prefer to avoid. Patch test recommended.
The rich, occlusive texture may feel heavy or increase shine on oily skin. Better suited as a targeted spot treatment on dry patches rather than an all-over moisturiser.
Works well when applied only to dry areas (cheeks, around nose, body). Avoid applying to the T-zone if prone to oiliness there.
๐ Results Timeline
Immediate Relief
Skin feels noticeably softer and less tight after the very first application. Itching associated with dry skin is reduced. The occlusive barrier locks moisture in overnight.
85% noticed immediate softeningVisible Smoothing
Rough, scaly patches begin to smooth out as urea's keratolytic action breaks down dead skin buildup. Flaking is significantly reduced. Skin texture improves overall.
75% reported smoother skinSkin Restoration
Chronic dryness symptoms noticeably reduced. Cracked heels and hands begin to heal. Mild eczema and dermatitis flare-ups may calm with consistent use.
70% saw significant improvementLong-Term Maintenance
With continued 2โ3x daily use, skin barrier is strengthened and moisture levels are maintained. Many users report they can reduce frequency to once daily for maintenance.
65% maintained results with daily useโญ Ratings by Platform
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Praised
- Highly effective for chronic dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis
- Noticeable improvement within days of first use
- Fragrance-free and colour-free โ great for sensitive skin
- Affordable pharmacy-grade urea cream
- Non-greasy finish despite rich texture
- Excellent for cracked heels and dry hands (podiatrist-recommended)
- Trusted Australian brand with 90+ years of heritage
- Simple, minimalist ingredient list
โ Criticized
- Only available in 100g tube โ runs out quickly with frequent use
- Contains parabens (5 types) which some users prefer to avoid
- Some users report the formula was recently changed
- Takes 1โ2 minutes to fully absorb
- May feel too heavy/occlusive for oily skin types
- Limited availability outside Australia โ high shipping costs internationally
๐ฐ Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Same 10% urea concentration plus ceramides, sodium lactate, and amino acids for enhanced barrier repair. Lighter lotion texture absorbs faster. Larger 250ml bottle. Paraben-free.
No urea โ relies on ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and MVE slow-release technology instead. Better for general dryness than severe xerosis. Available in larger sizes up to 454g.
Australian brand with urea and AHA for dual exfoliation. More complex formula with additional actives. Also targets dry skin conditions but has a wider ingredient list.
๐ Comparison with Competitors
Hamilton Urederm Cream
~$11 AUDEucerin UreaRepair Plus 10%
~$19 AUDCeraVe SA Cream (Rough & Bumpy)
~$22 AUDDermal Therapy Very Dry Skin Cream
~$13 AUD๐ฆ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store at room temperature (15โ25ยฐC). Keep away from direct heat sources and naked flame. Do not freeze.
Aluminium tube with foil seal (100g). Check that the foil seal is intact before first use.
Yes โ 100g tube is under the 100ml liquid carry-on limit for flights
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Caution is advised. While urea is a naturally occurring substance in the body, there is limited human data on topical urea use during pregnancy. Some healthcare providers recommend avoiding urea-based products during pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution. Always consult your doctor or midwife before using this product if you are pregnant or nursing.
Caution is advised. The formula contains cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol, which are fatty alcohols. There is ongoing debate in the skincare community about whether fatty alcohols can feed malassezia yeast. However, the mineral oil and petrolatum in the formula are generally considered safe for fungal acne. If you have confirmed malassezia folliculitis, it is best to patch test first or consult a dermatologist.
Yes, Urederm Cream can be used alongside retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Apply your active serums first and allow them to absorb, then layer Urederm Cream on top as your moisturiser. Note that urea at 10% has mild keratolytic properties, so if you experience any irritation when combining with strong exfoliants, reduce frequency or alternate days.
Hamilton Urederm Cream is specifically formulated for dry to very dry skin. It is clinically indicated for xerosis, mild eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and hyperkeratosis. It works excellently on dry hands, cracked heels, and rough body skin. People with oily or acne-prone skin may find it too heavy as an all-over moisturiser but can use it on targeted dry patches.
Most users report noticeable softening and relief from tightness after the very first application. Visible improvement in roughness and flaking typically occurs within 1โ2 weeks of consistent use (2โ3 times daily). For chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, allow 3โ4 weeks for significant improvement. Some users treating seborrheic dermatitis have reported resolution over several months.
Urederm Cream is a moisturiser and should be applied after cleanser, toner, and any water-based serums. In your AM routine, follow with sunscreen. In your PM routine, you can optionally seal it with an occlusive like Vaseline on extremely dry areas. For body use, simply apply after showering while skin is still slightly damp.
Hamilton Urederm Cream has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2 out of 5, which is considered low risk. The main potential pore-cloggers are cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol (both rated 2). Mineral oil and petrolatum, despite common misconceptions, are non-comedogenic. Most users with normal-to-dry skin will not experience breakouts, but those who are extremely acne-prone should patch test first.
Hamilton Urederm Cream has a Period After Opening (PAO) of approximately 12 months. Store at room temperature away from direct heat. The aluminium tube packaging helps protect the formula from air and light exposure. With the recommended 2โ3x daily application, a 100g tube typically lasts 3โ6 weeks depending on the area of coverage.
Verdict: Hamilton Urederm Cream is a straightforward, no-frills Australian pharmacy classic that delivers exactly what it promises โ intensive hydration for seriously dry skin. The 10% urea concentration hits the sweet spot between effective moisturisation and gentle exfoliation, backed by decades of clinical use. Its minimalist 15-ingredient formula is a strength for sensitive skin, though the paraben-based preservation system and small tube size are valid drawbacks. For anyone dealing with chronic dryness, eczema, cracked heels, or rough patches, this is a reliable, affordable workhorse. If you want added ceramides or a paraben-free formula, Eucerin UreaRepair Plus is the closest upgrade โ but for pure urea performance at a wallet-friendly price, Hamilton Urederm is hard to beat.
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Urea
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Buffering
|
Hydrating
Texture
|
|
| 0 |
Butyl Hydroxybutyrate
|
|
|
| 1 |
Carbomer
Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming
|
|
|
| 0 |
PEG-20
Humectant, Solvent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|