Answer from MySkinRecipes

Niacinamide 5% in Ready-to-Use

Regarding the 5% concentration of Niacinamide in Ready-to-Use products, this concentration has been determined by our team to be the optimal point for providing maximum skin benefits with minimal side effects and good value for general use. While Niacinamide can be used up to 5% in some cases, the selection of concentration in finished products considers several factors, such as the skin area of application (face vs. body) and the point that provides the best efficacy with the least side effects.

Mechanism of Urea's Exfoliation

Urea can help exfoliate the skin without necessarily being acidic. Its primary mechanism is its keratolytic property, which means it can break down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily. Additionally, Urea helps to increase skin hydration, making the skin softer, which supports the natural exfoliation process.

As for why Urea at a very high concentration like 40% is not offered in Ready-to-Use form, it's because such high concentrations are typically used for specific and severe skin issues, such as cracked heels or Keratosis Pilaris, and can cause significant irritation, especially if used on the face or sensitive skin. The selection of concentrations in our Ready-to-Use products focuses on providing effective and safe results for general daily use.

Besides Urea, there are other ingredients that can accelerate skin exfoliation without being acidic, such as L-Carnitine. As the team mentioned, high concentration Urea formulas for exfoliation are often combined with certain AHAs like Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, or Glycolic Acid to enhance the exfoliation efficacy.