Urea is also produced naturally by the skin and is part of the essential Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) which regulates skin’s moisture content. Urea is hygroscopic, which means it is able to bind moisture into the outermost layer of skin, thus relieves itching and roughness, helping  to  fight  dry  skin symptoms. It is also keratolytic, meaning it improves natural exfoliation and soothes and smoothes the skin’s surface. As a substance produced naturally by the skin, Urea is well-tolerated even by dry and sensitive skin. Because all of these effects and very good study data, Urea is the gold standard in treating of dry skin.*

* Reference: Augustin M et al., diagnosis and treatment of xerosis cutis – a position paper, JDDG 2019, DOI: 10.1111/ddg.13906

NMFs are a variety of water soluable compounds like amino acids, Urea and Lactic Acid which naturally occur in the stratum corneum (outer layer of the epidermis). They increase the water-binding capacity of the skin, keeping it well hydrated.

Panthenol and Dexpanthenol are two names commonly used for the same ingredient.  Panthenol participates in numerous metabolic processes (e.g. energy production, synthesis of fatty acids) and helps to improve hydration in the outermost layers of the skin. Panthenol converts into Panthotenic Acid (a B-Complex Vitamin) in the skin and enhances skin regeneration and repair. When applied regularly, it has been proven to considerably improve symptoms of skin irritation such as dryness, roughness, scaling and redness. It is also an effective moisturizer. Very well absorbed by the skin, it regenerates, stimulates epithelialisation and wound healing. It alleviates irritation and inflammation.