Hydroxyethyl Urea is a highly water-soluble cosmetic ingredient used primarily for moisturising, humectant and skin-conditioning applications. It is a low-molecular-weight derivative of urea in which one hydrogen of urea is substituted with a 2-hydroxyethyl group. The ingredient is commonly identified as 2-Hydroxyethyl Urea or N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)urea. Its molecular formula is C₃H₈N₂O₂ and its molecular weight is 104.11 g/mol. CAS identifiers reported for the ingredient include 2078-71-9 and 1320-51-0, with 1320-51-0 commonly appearing in cosmetic ingredient databases.
Hydroxyethyl Urea is particularly valuable in formulations where effective water retention is required without creating an excessively heavy or sticky skin feel. It is used across skin-care and hair-care products, including creams, lotions, gels, serums, shampoos and conditioners.
Hydroxyethyl Urea is a small organic molecule containing a urea functional group and a hydroxyl group. Its chemical structure contributes to its strong affinity for water. The ingredient is generally described as a hygroscopic, highly water-soluble solid, although commercial cosmetic materials may also be supplied as concentrated aqueous solutions.
The pure compound has a molecular weight of approximately 104.11 g/mol. A technical reference reports a melting point around 94–95°C, while some laboratory-grade material is reported with a higher melting range depending on material form and specification. This difference demonstrates why the actual physical specification of the supplied commercial grade should be used for quality control rather than transferring a value from an unrelated grade.
Hydroxyethyl Urea is readily soluble in water, making it particularly convenient for aqueous cosmetic systems.
Hydroxyethyl Urea is primarily used as a humectant and moisturising cosmetic ingredient. Its hydrophilic structure allows it to interact strongly with water, helping formulations support moisture retention on the skin surface.
As a skin-conditioning ingredient, Hydroxyethyl Urea can contribute to a softer and more comfortable sensory profile. Cosmetic ingredient references describe its functions as humectant, moisturising and skin conditioning, while cosmetic ingredient assessments have evaluated its use in a range of personal-care applications.
The ingredient can also be useful in hair-care formulations. Its conditioning and moisture-management characteristics make it relevant to shampoos, conditioners and other products where maintaining a pleasant hair feel is part of the formulation objective.
Hydroxyethyl Urea Cosmetic Ingredient can be incorporated into a broad range of personal-care products. Common application areas include facial moisturisers, body lotions, hand creams, foot-care products, serums, gels, anti-ageing formulations, bath products, shampoos, conditioners and other hair-care preparations.
In skin-care formulations, it is especially suitable for moisturising systems where formulators want water-soluble humectancy and a comparatively light sensory profile. It can be combined with other moisturising ingredients such as polyols, amino-acid derivatives and other water-binding materials.
For hair-care applications, Hydroxyethyl Urea can be incorporated into cleansing and conditioning systems where moisture management and conditioning are desired. Actual use level should always be established through formulation testing, considering the grade, concentration, pH, preservation system and other ingredients.
Hydroxyethyl Urea is highly water soluble and can therefore be incorporated into the aqueous phase of many cosmetic formulations. The exact addition procedure depends on whether the supplied material is a dry solid or an aqueous concentrate.
Commercial grades can differ considerably in physical form and active content. For example, aqueous commercial products may contain approximately 50% Hydroxyethyl Urea, while dry materials are supplied as crystalline or powdered material. Therefore, the active content should be checked before calculating the formulation addition level.
Because Hydroxyethyl Urea is hygroscopic, appropriate packaging and storage conditions are important. The finished formulation should also be evaluated for pH compatibility, viscosity, stability, microbial preservation and sensory characteristics. The actual SDP Certificate of Analysis should be used to establish product-specific limits for assay, moisture and other quality parameters.
As a Hydroxyethyl Urea Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulation applications. Hydroxyethyl Urea is suitable for manufacturers seeking a water-soluble humectant and moisturising ingredient for creams, lotions, gels, serums, shampoos and conditioners.
For bulk cosmetic ingredient procurement, important quality considerations include identity, active content, appearance, moisture, pH where applicable, solubility and impurity control. Product specifications should be selected according to the intended application and the physical form supplied.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |