Urea is one of the substances produced naturally by the skin to regulate its moisture content, called “natural moisturising factors” (NMFs). Urea is hygroscopic, binding water in the uppermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. Urea is also keratolytic, meaning it breaks down the connections between dead skin cells, improving cell shedding and, thus, smoothing the skin’s surface. Being a natural skin compound, Urea is well-tolerated, even by people who suffer from extremely dry skin.