2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA for Lightweight Hydration in Cosmetic

Product Overview

2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA, also known as Hydroxyethyl Urea, is a multifunctional moisturizing ingredient developed for cosmetic and personal care formulations. As a urea derivative, it retains the excellent water-binding properties associated with urea while providing a lighter, less sticky sensory profile. This makes it suitable for formulators seeking effective hydration without a heavy or greasy after-feel.

The ingredient is especially valuable in skincare products where long-lasting moisture, smooth application, and comfortable skin feel need to work together. It can be incorporated into facial care, body care, hair care, sunscreen, and other personal care formulations.

Key Product Information

2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA is supplied as a colorless, transparent liquid with an almost odorless profile. It has a solid content of 45–55% and a pH range of 6.0–8.5, providing convenient handling for cosmetic formulation development.

Effective Hydration with a Lightweight Feel

One of the main advantages of 2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA is its ability to support effective moisturization while reducing the sticky sensation often associated with high-humectant formulas. It can provide rapid hydration after application and help maintain moisture for longer-lasting skin comfort.

This combination is particularly useful for lightweight serums, lotions, creams, and other products designed for consumers who want hydration without excessive residue. Its refreshing skin feel also makes it suitable for formulas intended for oily, combination, or sensitive skin.

Formulation Stability and Compatibility

2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA offers formulation flexibility across a relatively broad pH range and is reported to remain stable from approximately pH 4.0 to 9.0. Its good heat stability also supports different cosmetic manufacturing processes, giving formulators greater flexibility when developing emulsions, gels, and clear formulations.

The ingredient is compatible with commonly used cosmetic actives, including niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, peptides, and plant extracts. It can also work with silicone-based ingredients to improve sensory properties and potentially reduce the amount of silicone required in selected formulations.

Wide Cosmetic Applications

2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA can be used across a broad range of personal care products. In facial care, applications include moisturizing serums, lightweight creams and lotions, eye creams, sunscreens, and makeup removers. For body care, it can be incorporated into body lotions, hand creams, and foot care products.

Its moisturizing properties also support hair care applications such as shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, styling products, and other conditioning formulas. Additional applications include after-sun care, deodorant products, hair removal products, and makeup primers.

Why Choose 2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA?

For cosmetic manufacturers, 2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA provides a practical combination of hydration performance, low tackiness, formulation flexibility, and broad compatibility. Its liquid form, nearly odorless profile, and controlled solid content make it convenient for incorporation into different cosmetic formulations.

SACH BIOTECH supplies 2-HYDROXYETHYLUREA for manufacturers developing high-performance moisturizing and personal care products. By combining effective moisture support with a smooth, refreshing application experience, the ingredient gives formulators more flexibility when creating comfortable, lightweight hydration products.