Urea in foot care: 5%, 15%, 30% or 38% — which concentration to choose
In short: the concentration decides how a urea product works. A 5% urea cream is for everyday moisturising and softening of the feet. A 15% bath prepares hands and feet for a manicure or pedicure. A 30% foam and a 38% gel soften calluses, corns and hard skin before the foot is filed.
Urea, also called carbamide
Urea is a substance that occurs naturally in the human body. Cosmetics use its synthetic form — carbamide. In INCI lists it appears as Urea.
Urea attracts and binds water, so it limits evaporation from the skin — the skin becomes soft and moisturised and flakes less. It also exfoliates, helping to remove the hardened layer of the epidermis. Keratolytics work in a similar way: they loosen the bonds between hardened cells, so thick skin comes off easily and without much pressure.
How much urea is in Shelly products
Cosmetics usually contain 1 to 50% urea, depending on their purpose. In Shelly products:
| Concentration | Product | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | Softening foot cream with urea, algae extract and argan oil | daily moisturising, dry and rough feet |
| 15% | Soft Blade spa bath | quick preparation for a manicure or pedicure |
| 30% | Soft Blade express foam | softening calluses and corns on the feet |
| 38% | Soft Blade keratolytic gel | removing hard skin from the whole foot |
How to use — contact times as per the instructions
- Spa bath, 15%. 1–3 pumps for a manicure, 3–10 pumps for a pedicure, depending on the size of the bowl. Foam it up under warm running water and soak hands or feet for 7–15 minutes. Pat dry and start the manicure or pedicure.
- Foam, 30%. Put a generous amount of foam on a paper towel and place it on the foot for 10–15 minutes. Where the foam absorbs quickly, add more. Then remove the towel, pat the skin dry and work it with a foot file or an e-file.
- Gel, 38%. Apply to dry foot skin, then soak the feet in warm water for 5–10 minutes. Pat dry and remove the softened skin. Do not use the gel more than once a week.
- To finish, rinse the feet with water or spray them with the Universal Neutralizer — it restores a neutral skin pH and stops the action of keratolytics (alkaline and acidic). Apply a moisturising cream.
Urea or alkaline keratolytic?
Not every Soft Blade keratolytic is urea-based. The gel for topical application contains 10% alkaline ingredients and is the strongest Soft Blade product for problem areas. It is applied to a lint-free cloth and placed only on the callus or corn, avoiding healthy skin, for 5–10 minutes.
When to be careful
- Use urea products carefully on sensitive, allergy-prone skin. Do a patch test before using a keratolytic for the first time.
- Do not apply keratolytics to open wounds, cracks or irritated skin — they may sting and hurt.
- Do not leave a keratolytic on longer than instructed — it can irritate the skin.
- Wear protective gloves, especially with alkaline keratolytics.
FAQ
Will a 5% urea cream remove calluses?
A urea cream moisturises and softens dry, rough skin and reduces the appearance of calluses and corns. Thick hard skin is removed with a keratolytic and a file.
What is carbamide in an ingredient list?
It is another name for urea. In INCI lists it appears as Urea.
Do I apply a keratolytic to wet skin?
No — to dry skin. It is less effective on damp skin.