Hydroxyethyl Urea
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2078-71-9, (2-Hydroxyethyl)urea, Monoethanolurea, Monoethylolurea, 1-Ethanolurea, 1320-51-0, Hydroxyethylurea
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
The Panel concluded that Hydroxyethyl Urea is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Formula
C3H8N2O2
Mol. Weight
104.11
CAS #
1320-51-0
Form
Liquid
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic compound developed in the 20th century for use in cosmetics as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent. No traditional use; engineered to improve hydration and texture in modern formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 10%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 310).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR