Urea: effective % & pH 우레아
⏱ 1 min read
⚡ Quick answer: Urea: effective concentration 2–5% hydrating; 10%+ for softening rough texture, optimal pH 4.0–6.5, evidence Strong. One of the rare ingredients where the percentage changes what it does, not just how strongly.
How much Urea actually works? Here's the dosage, pH and evidence — the formulator-level read behind the % on a Korean label.
| Effective % | 2–5% hydrating; 10%+ for softening rough texture |
|---|---|
| Optimal pH | 4.0–6.5 |
| Evidence | Strong |
| Onset | 1–2 weeks |
What the % on the label really means
One of the rare ingredients where the percentage changes what it does, not just how strongly.
⚠️ Ceiling: Higher levels sting on compromised skin and are meant for body, feet and rough patches.
Sources: PubMed — Urea & skin ↗ · AAD skin-care basics ↗
Related K-beauty guides
Try the free tools
🪞 Find your skin type🧴 Build a routine🧪 Decode any INCI list⚗️ What not to mix🔮 Glass Skin Score🩺 Troubleshoot skin🛡️ Where to buy authentic
Explore more K-beauty guides →
⏭ Up next⚗️ Aloe Vera: effective % & pH 알로에베라
✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-23.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.