Urea Solubility and Formulation in Oil Bases
Question
Regarding the product [Product Name], the staff mentioned that Natural Urea only dissolves in water. Can Natural Urea be dissolved in an oil/lipid base, such as a mixture of LipidSoft Dry and Vaseline, as proposed in my formula? Why does Urea need to be dissolved in water to function correctly as a humectant for skin hydration?
Answer
Urea Solubility and Formulation
Regarding the solubility of Natural Urea, the information provided by the staff is correct: Natural Urea dissolves only in water. It does not dissolve directly in oil.
Therefore, the proposed formula consisting of Natural Urea, LipidSoft Dry, and Vaseline without any water phase is not feasible because the Urea would not dissolve and would not be able to function correctly.
Urea is a humectant, meaning it works by attracting and holding moisture. In a suitable formulation (typically one containing water), Urea draws moisture from the surrounding environment (like the air) and from deeper within the skin to hydrate the stratum corneum (the skin's outermost layer). However, for Urea to effectively draw moisture and be absorbed by the skin, it must be dissolved in the formula. In a purely oil-based system like the one you proposed, the undissolved Urea crystals would not be able to perform this hydrating function.
To successfully incorporate Natural Urea into a skincare product, your formulation must include a water phase where the Urea can be fully dissolved.
Related Products Mentioned
Urea (High Purity, Cosmetics, Powder)