murphyHydroxyethyl Urea
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 770)
Skin Irritant in Testing
3 studies / 3 irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 770)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions slight (CIR 770)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00046–20.6%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2024
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR