From the Guidelines
Yes, urea cream is available over the counter (OTC) in various concentrations, ranging from 10% to 40% at pharmacies, drugstores, and online retailers without a prescription.
Key Points to Consider
- Lower concentrations (10-20%) are typically used for moisturizing dry skin and mild keratosis, while higher concentrations (30-40%) are more effective for treating conditions like severe xerosis, calluses, and thick, scaly skin.
- Common OTC brands include Eucerin, CeraVe, and Aqua Care.
- When using urea cream, apply it to affected areas 1-2 times daily, avoiding broken skin and mucous membranes.
- Urea works by breaking down keratin proteins in the skin's outer layer, promoting exfoliation and increasing skin hydration by drawing moisture into the epidermis.
- It's particularly effective for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and extremely dry skin because it both moisturizes and gently removes dead skin cells, as supported by recent guidelines 1.
Important Considerations
- According to the most recent guidelines, urea cream should not be used on children under the age of 1 year, except in limited areas such as the palms and soles, and only once daily 1.
- Keratolytics, including urea, can cause side effects such as itching, burning sensation, and irritation, and should be used with caution, especially on sensitive areas 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Apply Urea 40% to affected skin twice per day, or as directed by your physician. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Urea Cream Availability
- Urea cream is available over the counter (OTC) in various formulations and concentrations, including lotions, creams, foams, ointments, gels, and lacquers 2.
- The availability of different vehicles and concentrations may vary in different countries, but products at low, medium, and high urea concentration are generally accessible worldwide 2.
Urea Concentration and Formulations
- Urea-containing formulations are available in diverse formulations and concentrations, and the proper formulation should be chosen according to the disorder to treat, its severity, body areas involved, and patients' preference 2, 3.
- Urea-based products are well-tolerated, and their side effects are mild and more frequent at high concentration 3, 4.
Clinical Uses of Urea
- Urea is widely used in dermatology to improve skin barrier function and as one of the most common moisturizers and keratolytic agents 3.
- Urea has been used to treat various skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis, xerosis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, among others 3, 4, 5.
- Urea can increase skin penetration and optimize the action of topical drugs, making it useful in combination therapies with anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal drugs 3, 5.