Common Name(s): 2-hydroxyethylurea,hydrovance
CAS Number: 2078-71-9
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides exceptional moisture retention with mild keratolytic action softening rough, dry skin.
Why It's Used: Used as a gentler, more formulation-stable alternative to urea in moisturizers and treatments where urea's irritation or formulation limitations are concerns.
How It Works: The hydroxyethyl group improves aqueous stability vs urea while maintaining hydrogen bond donation/acceptance for water retention. mild keratolytic activity from urea moiety softens stratum corneum without significant irritation.
Typically Found In: Intensive moisturizers,keratolytic treatments,body lotions,foot care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – urea derivative humectant
Secondary Functions: Keratolytic,superior humectant,skin softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 2%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. better tolerated than high-concentration urea. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Hydroxyethyl modification significantly improves urea's aqueous stability (preventing hydrolysis to ammonia and co2) while the urea moiety retains hydrogen bond-forming capacity for superior water retention. superior formulation stability vs urea at equivalent concentrations.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,loden urea review