Hydroxy Ethyl Urea (HEU), also known as Hydroxyethyl Urea, is a highly effective, water-soluble cosmetic ingredient widely used as a humectant, moisturizing agent and skin-conditioning ingredient.
It helps attract and retain moisture within the skin, supporting a soft, smooth, hydrated and comfortable skin feel. Hydroxyethyl Urea is particularly valued in modern moisturizing formulations because it can provide effective hydration while contributing to a pleasant, lightweight sensory profile.
Hydroxy Ethyl Urea is suitable for a wide range of skin care, hair care, cleansing, body care and personal care formulations, including moisturizers, facial serums, lotions, creams, gels, cleansers and hair-conditioning products.
INCI Name
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Common Names
- Hydroxy Ethyl Urea
- Hydroxyethyl Urea
- HEU
- Hydroxyethylurea
- 1-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-2-Imidazolidinone*
- Cosmetic Hydroxyethyl Urea
- Moisturizing Hydroxyethyl Urea
- Hydroxyethyl Urea Humectant
Chemical Information
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hydroxy Ethyl Urea (HEU) |
| Standard Technical Name | Hydroxyethyl Urea |
| INCI Name | Hydroxyethyl Urea |
| CAS Number | 2078-71-9 |
| Chemical Formula | C3H8N2O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 104.11 g/mol |
| Ingredient Type | Cosmetic Humectant |
| Chemical Family | Urea Derivative |
| Physical Form | Powder or crystalline solid, grade dependent |
| Water Solubility | Highly water soluble |
Ingredient Type
- Humectant
- Moisturizing Agent
- Skin Conditioning Agent
- Water-Soluble Cosmetic Ingredient
- Hydration Booster
- Texture & Sensory Modifier
- Hair Conditioning Ingredient
- Personal Care Functional Ingredient
Key Functions
1. Powerful Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea attracts and helps retain water, making it highly useful in moisturizing cosmetic formulations.
2. Skin Hydration
Helps improve the moisture content and hydrated feel of the skin, making it suitable for daily moisturizing products.
3. Skin Conditioning
Supports a soft, smooth and comfortable skin feel after application.
4. Smooth Sensory Profile
Can help create moisturizing formulations with a pleasant and non-heavy skin feel.
5. Hair Moisture Support
Can also be incorporated into hair-care products designed to improve the moisturized and conditioned feel of hair.
Key Benefits
Intensive Moisture Support
Helps attract and retain moisture, making it suitable for hydration-focused skin-care products.
Soft & Smooth Skin Feel
Supports a soft, supple and smooth cosmetic skin feel.
Suitable for Dry Skin Formulations
Ideal for moisturizers and personal-care products designed for dry or moisture-depleted skin.
Water-Soluble
Its high water solubility makes it convenient for incorporation into aqueous formulations.
Versatile Cosmetic Ingredient
Suitable for facial care, body care, hair care, cleansing and personal-care formulations.
Excellent Humectant Alternative
Provides formulators with an effective humectant option for creating modern hydration-focused formulations.
Applications
Skin Care
Hydroxy Ethyl Urea (HEU) is suitable for:
- Face Creams
- Moisturizers
- Hydrating Creams
- Facial Serums
- Hydrating Serums
- Gel Creams
- Face Gels
- Facial Masks
- Body Lotions
- Body Creams
- Hand Creams
- Foot Creams
- After-Sun Cosmetic Products
- Dry Skin Care Formulations
Hair Care
Suitable for:
- Shampoos
- Conditioners
- Hair Masks
- Hair Serums
- Leave-In Conditioners
- Hair Creams
- Hair Lotions
- Scalp Care Products
- Moisturizing Hair Treatments
Cleansing & Bath
Can be used in:
- Face Wash
- Facial Cleansers
- Body Wash
- Shower Gel
- Hand Wash
- Liquid Soap
- Bath Products
- Cleansing Gels
Personal Care
Suitable for:
- Deodorant Formulations
- Shaving Products
- After-Shave Products
- Hand Care
- Foot Care
- Moisturizing Gels
- Professional Personal Care Products
Recommended Usage
General Cosmetic Usage Range: 1–10%
A practical formulation starting range may be:
2–5%
The optimum level depends on the finished product, desired moisturizing effect, formulation system and supplier grade.
Always follow the supplier’s TDS and recommended usage level for the specific commercial grade.
How to Use
Hydroxy Ethyl Urea is generally incorporated into the aqueous phase of cosmetic formulations.
General Procedure
- Prepare the required quantity of purified/deionized water.
- Add Hydroxy Ethyl Urea gradually while mixing.
- Continue mixing until completely dissolved.
- Add the remaining water-soluble ingredients.
- Continue with the normal formulation process.
- Adjust the final pH according to the requirements of the finished product.
- Check viscosity, appearance and stability before production.
Formulation Considerations
- Highly water soluble.
- Suitable for aqueous formulations.
- Add gradually to prevent localized concentration.
- Check compatibility with other humectants and active ingredients.
- Evaluate final pH and product stability.
- Excessive levels may influence the sensory feel of the finished product.
- Compatibility should be evaluated when used with high electrolyte systems or specialized active ingredients.
- Conduct stability testing before commercialization.
Compatible Ingredients
Hydroxy Ethyl Urea can be combined with many commonly used cosmetic ingredients, including:
- Glycerin
- Propanediol
- Butylene Glycol
- Pentylene Glycol
- Sorbitol
- Betaine
- Sodium PCA
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Panthenol
- Aloe Vera
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
- Peptides
- Amino Acids
- Botanical Extracts
- Allantoin
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C Derivatives
Suitable Product Formulations
Hydroxy Ethyl Urea (HEU) is ideal for:
- Hydrating Face Cream
- Moisturizing Cream
- Hydrating Serum
- Face Gel
- Gel Cream
- Body Lotion
- Body Cream
- Hand Cream
- Foot Cream
- Facial Mask
- Moisturizing Cleanser
- Face Wash
- Body Wash
- Shower Gel
- Hydrating Shampoo
- Moisturizing Conditioner
- Hair Mask
- Leave-In Hair Treatment
Technical Product Information
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hydroxy Ethyl Urea (HEU) |
| Standard Name | Hydroxyethyl Urea |
| INCI | Hydroxyethyl Urea |
| CAS No. | 2078-71-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C3H8N2O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 104.11 g/mol |
| Chemical Family | Urea Derivative |
| Ingredient Type | Humectant |
| Primary Function | Moisturizing & Hydration |
| Secondary Functions | Skin Conditioning, Hair Moisture Support |
| Physical Form | Powder / Crystalline Solid |
| Appearance | White to off-white, grade dependent |
| Solubility | Highly Water Soluble |
| General Usage | 1–10% |
| Suggested Starting Range | 2–5% |
| Applications | Skin Care, Hair Care, Bath & Body, Personal Care |
| Product Type | Leave-On & Rinse-Off |
Why Choose Hydroxy Ethyl Urea (HEU)?
- Highly effective cosmetic humectant
- Excellent water solubility
- Supports long-lasting moisturization concepts
- Helps provide a soft and smooth skin feel
- Suitable for hydration-focused formulations
- Useful in both skin and hair care
- Compatible with many common cosmetic ingredients
- Suitable for creams, lotions, serums and gels
- Useful in cleansing and personal-care formulations
- Excellent ingredient for modern moisturizing formulations
Storage
Store Hydroxy Ethyl Urea in a cool, dry and well-ventilated location in a tightly closed original container.
Protect from:
- Moisture
- High humidity
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive heat
- Contamination
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