Ureidopropionic acid, also known as 3-ureidopropanoic acid or N-(2-carboxyethyl)urea, is a specialty chemical primarily used in biochemical and pharmacological research. It serves as a key intermediate in the catabolic pathway of pyrimidines, such as uracil and thymine, where it is hydrolyzed to β-alanine and carbamoyl groups. This makes it valuable for studying pyrimidine metabolism and related disorders, including β-ureidopropionase deficiency. In synthetic chemistry, it acts as a precursor for producing β-alanine and other nitrogen-containing compounds used in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. It is not commonly used in cosmetics or as a direct moisturizer, though β-alanine derivatives may have niche applications in skincare formulations.