How do urea and lactic acid in the formula differ in action — do they do the same thing?

Urea is a substance naturally present in the skin as part of the so-called natural moisturising factor. In cosmetics it is used primarily as a humectant: it attracts water molecules and holds them in the horny layer. At the same time, urea loosens the bonds between dead skin cells, making the dense layer of skin softer and more pliable. This is especially important for the heels, where the horny layer is considerably thicker than elsewhere on the body.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and acts as a keratolytic — a substance that speeds up the natural shedding of dead skin cells. It acts on the protein bonds in the upper layer of the skin, promoting its gradual renewal. Unlike a mechanical scrub, this process is gentle and involves no harsh friction.

Together, the two ingredients complement each other: urea softens and moisturises, while lactic acid helps remove the excess layer of dead skin. The result is a smoother skin surface — achieved not by one mechanism but by two working at the same time.

The nourishing ingredients of the formula — lanolin, beeswax, and avocado, coconut and sea buckthorn oils — complement this pair: they create a protective barrier on the skin surface, reducing moisture loss and easing the feeling of tightness.