Hydroxyethyl Urea CAS 2078-71-9 | Humectant & Skin-Softening Active | Supplier — Onerchem
Hydroxyethyl Urea — non-occlusive humectant and keratin-softening active for moisturisers, serums, and body lotions. Water-free compatible, skin-identical urea derivative. COA/MSDS available. B2B cosmetic ingredient supplier.
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“Global Shipping – Technical Support Included”
Description
Humectant · Keratolytic · Urea Alternative
Hydroxyethyl Urea
CAS 2078-71-9 · 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)urea · HEU
≥98%
Assay Purity
Recommended Dose
2.0 – 10%
5% standard for moisturisers
Optimal pH
4.0 – 8.0
Broad working range
Solubility
Water soluble
Freely soluble in aqueous systems
Heat Stability
Stable to 80°C
Water phase addition
Why Hydroxyethyl Urea
1
The urea activity without the urea smell
Standard urea (carbamide) is one of the most effective keratolytic and NMF-replenishing actives in cosmetics — but its ammonia-like odour at higher concentrations is a persistent formulation challenge. Hydroxyethyl Urea delivers comparable humectant and mild keratolytic activity with significantly better odour profile, making it the practical choice for premium moisturisers, body lotions, and foot care products where urea's function is needed but its smell is not.
2
Dual function: deep humectant and keratin softener
Hydroxyethyl Urea works through two complementary mechanisms. First, like all urea derivatives, it binds water within the stratum corneum more effectively than glycerin — supporting deep, sustained hydration rather than surface moisture alone. Second, at concentrations above 5%, it weakens the hydrogen bonds between keratin filaments, softening the stratum corneum and improving the texture of rough, thickened, or keratosis-affected skin.
3
Enhances penetration of co-actives at no extra cost
By softening the stratum corneum, HEU acts as a passive penetration enhancer for other actives in the same formula. Brightening actives, peptides, and antioxidants incorporated alongside HEU benefit from improved skin absorption — a commercially valuable effect that allows formulators to achieve higher active delivery without increasing active concentrations or adding dedicated chemical penetration enhancers.
Mechanism of Action
Dual Mechanism · Humectant + Keratolytic
Water binding and keratin softening — simultaneously
Mechanism 1
NMF Replenishment
Urea and its derivatives are natural components of the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor. Topical HEU replenishes this reservoir in dry and compromised skin — restoring the endogenous water-binding capacity that is reduced in conditions like xerosis, eczema, and age-related dryness. Unlike humectants that only bind water from outside, NMF replenishment addresses the root cause of moisture loss.
Mechanism 2
Keratin Hydrogen Bond Disruption
The urea moiety in HEU competes with and disrupts the inter- and intra-chain hydrogen bonds that maintain the tight, rigid structure of keratin in the stratum corneum. This disruption softens the cornified layer, improves elasticity, and normalises corneocyte shedding in hyperkeratotic conditions — reducing scaling, roughness, and the cracked texture of severely dry or keratinised skin.
Mechanism 3
Passive Penetration Enhancement
By disrupting the tight-packing of keratin and increasing stratum corneum water content, HEU lowers the barrier resistance to percutaneous absorption of co-actives. This is a diffusion-based, not chemical, enhancement mechanism — it does not irritate or sensitise skin, and its effect is proportional to HEU concentration. Most effective at 5–10% in combination with peptides, brightening actives, or vitamins.
Formulation Parameters
Key Parameters
Dosage range2% – 10%
Keratolytic threshold≥ 5%
Optimal pH4.0 – 8.0
SolubilityFreely water soluble
AppearanceWhite crystalline powder
Assay purity≥ 98% · Batch certified
Formulation Advantages vs Standard Urea
OdourSignificantly improved vs urea
Skin feelNon-tacky, light texture
Heat stabilityStable to 80°C (Phase A)
pH flexibility4.0–8.0 — works in any system
Formaldehyde releaseNone — no aldehyde chemistry
ColourColourless in formula
Ingredient Compatibility
✓ Synergistic Combinations
✓Glycerin, Propanediol, Betaine — Multi-layer humectant stack; HEU adds deeper NMF-level hydration alongside surface humectants
✓Ceramide NP, Squalane, Panthenol — Barrier repair stack; HEU's penetration enhancement improves delivery of barrier actives into the stratum corneum
✓Sodium Hyaluronate + PGA — Three-tier hydration: HEU (NMF depth) + HA (aqueous reservoir) + PGA (surface film)
✓Urea (combined) — HEU at 3–5% + urea at 2–3% delivers combined keratolytic efficacy at lower individual concentrations, reducing odour impact
✓ Fully Compatible
✓All peptides, brightening actives, antioxidants — No known interactions; HEU's penetration enhancement effect is additive for any co-active in the formula
✓Lactic Acid, AHAs at low concentration — Complementary keratolytic mechanisms; combined exfoliation and NMF replenishment for dry/keratinised skin
✓Standard preservative systems — No interaction with Phenoxyethanol, parabens, or Ethylhexylglycerin preservative systems
Target Applications
Dry & Very Dry Skin Moisturisers
Primary humectant for intensive moisturising formulas. Deeper water-binding than glycerin alone, combined with keratin-softening for immediate texture improvement.
Foot & Heel Creams
At 8–10%, HEU softens hyperkeratotic heel skin significantly. The improved odour profile versus standard urea makes it more suitable for premium foot care positioning.
Eczema & Atopic Skin
NMF replenishment addresses the natural moisturising factor deficit characteristic of atopic dermatitis. Well-tolerated with no known sensitisation risk at cosmetic concentrations.
Scalp Treatments
Keratolytic activity reduces scalp scaling and buildup in seborrhoeic and dry scalp conditions. Improves scalp environment for subsequent active delivery (minoxidil-adjacent claims).
Body Lotions with Active Delivery
Penetration enhancement effect makes HEU valuable in body lotions containing brightening, firming, or anti-cellulite actives that benefit from improved skin absorption.
Hand & Nail Care
Softens cuticles and dry hand skin with keratolytic action. Particularly effective in winter hand care formulas where conventional moisturisers fail to address significant keratinisation.
Supplier Information · Onerchem
Sourcing Hydroxyethyl Urea from Onerchem
Every batch assay-verified to ≥98% purity. Batch-specific COA and MSDS issued with each order. Custom pack sizes available — contact us for MOQ and lead time.
Supply Details
Pack sizeCustom — as required
MOQContact for quote
SampleYes · 10 g available
Lead timeContact for current schedule
Quality & Documentation
Purity≥ 98% assay verified
COABatch-specific, every order
MSDSAvailable on request
Pre-order COAAvailable — email request
Storage & Logistics
StorageCool, dry — standard conditions
Shelf life24 months sealed
Ships fromMainland China
MarketsEU · GCC · ASEAN · North America
Assay Purity ≥98%
Batch-Specific COA
EU Cosmetics Compliant
REACH Documentation
GCC / ASEAN Compatible
7-Day Inspection Window
Response within 1 business day
Pre-order COA available
Custom pack sizes
7-day quality inspection window
Replacement or full refund
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Shipping and Delivery
Onerchem B2B
✈ Ships from China
Shipping &
Delivery
All orders ship from our facility in mainland China. Samples are dispatched within 7 working days. Bulk orders follow a confirmed production schedule — with full documentation in every parcel.
≤7
Days · Sample dispatch
15–40
Days · Bulk lead time
Global
EU · GCC · ASEAN · NA
COA
Included every shipment
Dispatch Timeline
When does my order ship?
Dispatch timelines differ between sample and bulk orders. A confirmed dispatch date is always provided at order confirmation.
Sample Orders
≤7 working days
From order confirmation to dispatch
Samples are QC-checked, weighed, and packed individually. Your COA and MSDS are printed and included in the parcel before sealing. Most sample orders ship ahead of the 7-day window.
Tracking number provided on dispatch · Express courier available on request
Bulk Orders
15–40 working days
Varies by quantity and specification
Lead time is determined by order volume, packaging format, and whether custom labelling or documentation is required. A production and dispatch schedule is confirmed in writing at the time of order.
Schedule confirmed at order · Progress updates available on request
Process
From order to delivery
Four steps from confirmed order to goods in hand.
01
Order Confirmed
Written confirmation sent within 1 business day. Dispatch schedule and freight quote included for bulk orders.
02
QC & Packing
Batch is QC-checked against HPLC data. COA and MSDS are generated and packed with the shipment.
03
Dispatch
Shipment handed to carrier. Tracking number and commercial invoice sent to buyer by email on the same day.
04
Delivery
Goods arrive at destination. 7 working-day inspection window begins from the confirmed delivery date.
Transit Times by Region
Estimated time in transit
Transit estimates run from dispatch date and exclude customs clearance time, which varies by country and commodity.
| Region | Est. Transit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU & UK | 7–14 days | Import duties and VAT assessed at customs — payable by buyer. REACH compliance documentation available on request. |
| GCC / Middle East | 5–10 days | Customs clearance handled by buyer or nominated freight agent. Certificate of Origin available on request. |
| ASEAN | 4–8 days | Country-specific import licences or permits may apply for certain actives. Buyer is responsible for pre-shipment compliance checks. |
| North America | 7–14 days | FDA Prior Notice may be required for cosmetic actives. Buyers are advised to confirm import classification before ordering. |
| Other Regions | 10–20 days | Contact us to confirm shipping availability and any documentation requirements specific to your country. |
All transit times are estimates only · Delays may occur due to customs inspection, public holidays, or carrier disruption
Freight & Documentation
Costs and paperwork
Freight is quoted individually based on weight, destination, and Incoterm. Full shipping documentation is prepared for every order.
Freight Policy
—Freight cost quoted at order confirmation
—Rates based on gross weight, destination, and selected Incoterm
—Express courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS) available on request
—Sea freight available for larger bulk orders
—Import duties and local taxes are the buyer's responsibility
Documents Included
✓Commercial Invoice
✓Packing List
✓Certificate of Analysis (batch-specific)
✓MSDS / Safety Data Sheet
✓Certificate of Origin — on request
Need a freight quote or shipping advice?
Email us with your destination, estimated order weight, and preferred Incoterm — we'll respond within 1 business day.
Global shipping
EU · GCC · ASEAN · Americas
Samples ≤7 working days
From order confirmation
Full documentation
COA · MSDS · Invoice · Packing list
Tamper-evident packing
UV-protected, sealed containers
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