Keratolytic/humectant
Urea
White cream, higher strengths more occlusive
Typical Strength
10%–40%
Formulations
0 compounds
Formula
CH₄N₂O
Mol. Weight
60.06 g/mol
How It Works
Mechanism of action
Dual humectant and keratolytic. At low strengths it hydrates by binding water; at high strengths it breaks down keratin to soften calluses, thick nails, and hyperkeratotic skin. Strength is dialed to the indication when compounded.
What compounding can change
When Urea is compounded for one patient, your prescriber can choose the concentration, combine it with other ingredients, and pick the base. Commercial products come in fixed strengths and bases.
Safety Considerations
Please note: Compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed prescriber for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. A compounded medication is not the same as, or a generic version of, any FDA-approved drug. This page is general information, not medical advice. Your prescriber decides whether a treatment is right for you and sets the final ingredients, strength and dosage form.