Urea cream or sensitive-skin body cream?
Rough skin or reactive skin: what each of our body creams is built for, and how to choose.
We make two body creams, and they are built for different skin. Picking the wrong one won't hurt, but picking the right one will feel better sooner. This guide sets them side by side.
01Side by side
| Hydroxyethyl Urea Body Cream | Sensitive Skin Body Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Rough, dry skin: elbows, knees, heels, shins | Dry, reactive skin, body and face |
| Main approach | Humectants that draw water in | Butters and oils that soften and hold water |
| Key ingredients | Hydroxyethyl urea, 2% panthenol, glycerin, sodium PCA | Shea and cocoa butter, sunflower and olive oils, aloe |
| Certification | None stated | COSMOS Organic, 99% natural origin |
| Declared allergens | 10, including citrus oils | 5 |
| Face use | No | Yes |
| Size | 280 ml | 190 ml |
02If your skin is rough
Rough skin is short of water in its outer layer, and dead cells pile up instead of shedding. It needs humectants, ingredients that pull water in. Our Hydroxyethyl Urea Body Cream has four: hydroxyethyl urea, glycerin, sodium PCA and hyaluronic acid, plus 2% panthenol, which reduced water loss through the skin in a 30-day study at 1% and 5%.
One point to be clear on: it contains hydroxyethyl urea, a urea-derived humectant, not plain urea. Plain urea at 10% and above also softens thick skin; that research doesn't transfer. We explain the difference in 5%, 10% or 40% urea: how much do you need?
03If your skin is reactive
Reactive skin needs fewer potential triggers and a formula that supports its barrier. Our Sensitive Skin Body Cream keeps to 30 ingredients, most of them plant butters, oils and extracts, is certified COSMOS Organic, and declares five allergens against the urea cream's ten. It can be used on the face as well as the body.
It isn't fragrance-free, and it contains shea butter and a little olive oil. Our research article explains why we mention the olive oil.
04Using both
Many people have both problems: rough elbows and heels, and skin elsewhere that reacts easily. You can use the urea cream on the rough spots and the sensitive-skin cream everywhere else. Apply after showering, on slightly damp skin, once or twice a day.
05A word on scent
The urea cream has a fresh cucumber and citrus scent with bergamot, bitter orange and ylang-ylang oils, and declares ten allergens under the EU's expanded list. Citrus oils can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so apply it in the evening or let it absorb before strong sun. The sensitive-skin cream has a lighter, aquatic scent and declares five. If fragrance is your trigger, neither is right for you, and we would rather say so.
06Quick decision guide
- Elbows, knees or heels feel rough and hard: the urea cream.
- Skin itches, stings or reddens easily: the sensitive-skin cream.
- You want one cream for body and face: the sensitive-skin cream.
- You love a citrus scent and aren't sensitive to it: the urea cream.
- You want a certified organic formula: the sensitive-skin cream.
- Both apply: use both, each where it fits.
07Don't forget the wash
Whichever cream you choose, it works better after a gentle wash and lukewarm water. Our Face & Body Cleanser is designed to go with both. For a complete plan, read A simple routine for sensitive skin.
08Your questions, answered
Which body cream is best for very dry, rough skin?
Our Hydroxyethyl Urea Body Cream, with four humectants and 2% panthenol. For very thick or cracked skin, ask a pharmacist about plain urea at 10% or more.
Which body cream is best for sensitive skin?
Our Sensitive Skin Body Cream. It is COSMOS Organic certified and declares five allergens rather than ten.
Can I use both creams?
Yes. Use the urea cream on rough spots and the sensitive-skin cream elsewhere.
Can I use either on my face?
The Sensitive Skin Body Cream, yes. The urea cream is for the body only.
Does the 60-Day Promise apply?
Yes, on your first order, conditions apply.
This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Cosmetic products: all claims describe the appearance and feel of skin.