Why does this hand cream contain urea, and what does it do for very dry hands? — Cream for Very Dry and Chapped Hands with Urea, 75 ml - Derma Intensive +

Urea is the key active ingredient in this cream, at a 5% concentration. In cosmetics for dry skin, urea works as a humectant: it binds water in the upper layers of the skin, helping the surface stay hydrated instead of drying out again shortly after application. It also softens hardened, uneven areas, so rough patches around the knuckles or fingertips can feel smoother and more flexible with regular use.

The 5% concentration is worth understanding before you buy. At this level, urea acts mainly as a hydrator and softener rather than an intensive exfoliant, which makes the cream suitable for hands that are very dry, tight or flaky but not extremely thickened. Products with higher urea concentrations are typically aimed at very rough, callused skin and can feel stronger; this one is positioned as a daily-care option for dry and chapped hands.

The rest of the formula supports the urea from different angles. Glycerin draws water into the upper skin layers, almond oil and hemp oil supply emollient lipids that make the surface feel less rough, and dimethicone leaves a light protective film that helps keep moisture from escaping. In practical terms, the cream addresses both sides of the dryness problem: it adds water and helps the skin hold onto it. If you have tried lighter hand lotions and found they stop helping by midday, a urea-based cream like this is often the next step because it does more than just coat the surface.