Urea vs. Diazolidinyl Urea: The Truth about Formaldehyde in Skincare

Published on
Promotional graphic on a light blue background with molecule chains and laboratory dishes with swashes of gel, cream and lotion

Area

Daily Use

Key Takeaways:

  • Urea in Flexitol skincare is safe and effective for deep hydration and exfoliation.
  • Diazolidinyl urea is a formaldehyde-releaser that Flexitol does not use.
  • Formaldehyde releasers can cause irritation and allergies.
  • Consumers concerned about formaldehyde releasers can trust Flexitol skin care.

At Flexitol, we believe in transparency, honesty, and empowering you to make informed choices about your skincare. 

That’s why we’re addressing a common misconception in the skincare world: the confusion between urea, a beneficial and hydrating ingredient we use, and diazolidinyl urea, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative that we never use. 

We believe concerns around formaldehyde releasers are valid and important. That’s why we’re here to provide clarity and reassurance about the safety of our formulations.

What is Urea and why is it used in Skincare?

Urea is a true skincare multi-tasker. Here are the three key ways it can enrich and revitalize your skin:

  • Hydration: Urea is a renowned moisturizing agent, loved for its ability to pull moisture from deep within and even from the air around you, leaving your skin thoroughly hydrated.
  • Exfoliation: Urea also works to break down keratin, a protein that can build up in areas of the skin prone to friction, leading to corns and calluses. Urea softens this excess keratin to reveal softer, healthier skin underneath.
  • Dual-Action Benefits: This dual-action ability to both deeply hydrate and gently smooth is what makes urea such a popular and effective ingredient in our formulations.

At Flexitol, we choose to use urea in our products because of its unique ability to deeply hydrate, gently exfoliate, and enhance the absorption of other beneficial ingredients. Learn more about how your skin can benefit in this Ultimate Guide to Urea in Skincare.

What are formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and why are they used?

Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are chemicals used in some skincare and cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and extend their shelf life. These preservatives work by gradually releasing small amounts of formaldehyde over time. They’re effective at preventing bacteria growth, but formaldehyde releasers have raised safety concerns because of the potential for formaldehyde exposure, which is a skin irritant. 

A common formaldehyde-releasing preservative is diazolidinyl urea. Urea itself is a single, stable, naturally occurring compound that is not a formaldehyde-releaser. Diazolidinyl urea, on the other hand, is a larger molecule that breaks down to release small amounts of formaldehyde. 

What health concerns and allergic reactions are linked to formaldehyde releasers?

Some people can be sensitive or allergic to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These ingredients can potentially cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, such as dermatitis. A 2010 study highlighted a relationship between patch test reactions to formaldehyde releasers and contact allergy to formaldehyde. Diazolidinyl urea, in particular, is a known allergen.

Is urea linked to formaldehyde and is that a common misconception?

It’s crucial to emphasize that urea is a chemically distinct compound and does not break down to release formaldehyde. This is a fundamental misunderstanding that, unfortunately, sometimes leads to discounting urea’s valuable benefits. Urea’s safety is well-established, and we believe its benefits to skin health should not be overshadowed by concerns about formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, which are entirely different ingredients.

Why does Flexitol avoid formaldehyde-releasing preservatives?

At Flexitol, our story centers around the health and well-being of our consumers and community. This commitment is reflected in our careful selection of ingredients and our avoidance of those that may cause harm or irritation. We choose not to use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like diazolidinyl urea in our formulations for several important reasons:

  • Gentle and Effective Products: We prioritize the creation of products that are both effective and gentle on the skin.
  • Avoiding Irritation and Allergic Reactions: We aim to minimize the risk of potential skin irritation and allergic reactions for all our customers.
  • Upholding Brand Values: Our decision aligns with our core brand values: safety, efficacy, and consumer well-being.

Which Flexitol skincare products use urea safely and effectively?

Harness the power of urea with Flexitol, providing safe and effective solutions for common skincare needs. Here are some of our most popular urea-based products:

  • Flexitol Hand Balm: This intensive hand moisturizer contains 10% urea to provide fast relief for dehydrated, itchy hands, leaving them soft, smooth, and protected.
  • Flexitol Heel Balm: This clinically tested formula, containing 25% urea, softens and repairs rough, dry, and cracked heels for fast-acting results. 
  • Flexitol Lip Balm Original: This popular lip balm is formulated to hydrate and soften dry, cracked, or chapped lips, providing rapid relief and intensive moisturization.

Remember, the urea used in Flexitol products is natural, safe and effective. Continue your learning and discover the secrets to naturally glowing skin in this Guide to Incorporating Urea into Your Skincare Routine.

How can Flexitol and urea support healthy, hydrated skin?

We’ve learned that urea possesses a remarkable ability to draw in moisture and gently smooth the skin, making it a true cornerstone of effective, natural skincare. 

Flexitol is proud to provide you and your family with hand, heel and lip balms, rich in restorative urea and free from diazolidinyl urea and other formaldehyde releasers. We stand by our commitment to safety and transparency, ensuring our products are not only effective but also gentle and kind to your skin. 

For your wellbeing and peace of mind, explore the full Flexitol Skincare Collection today. Plus, check out our Knowledge Hub for more insights, advice and guidance from our dermatologists to elevate your everyday skincare routine. 

Learn more: 

References:

FAQs

Diazolidinyl urea is a synthetic preservative used in some skincare and cosmetic products to prevent bacterial growth. It is different from urea and works by slowly releasing formaldehyde, which is why Flexitol avoids using it in its formulations.

No, but it releases formaldehyde over time. Diazolidinyl urea is classified as a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. This is why Flexitol products use urea for skin benefits, not diazolidinyl urea for preservation.

Diazolidinyl urea can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some people because it releases small amounts of formaldehyde over time. For this reason, Flexitol chooses not to use diazolidinyl urea or other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in its skincare products.

Urea is good for your skin when used at the right concentrations. In Flexitol products, urea helps hydrate dry skin, soften rough areas, and improve skin texture without releasing formaldehyde. It is a well-studied ingredient with a strong safety record.

No. Urea is a moisturising and exfoliating ingredient. Diazolidinyl urea is a preservative that releases formaldehyde. They are chemically different and serve very different purposes in skincare.

No. Urea does not break down into formaldehyde and is not a formaldehyde releaser.

Diazolidinyl urea can release small amounts of formaldehyde, which may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Yes. Urea is widely used for dry, rough, and thickened skin and is well tolerated when formulated correctly.

Yes. Flexitol does not use diazolidinyl urea or other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in its formulations.

Written by

Flexitol Community

Leave a Comment

Click here if you require assistance from our customer support team.

Browse our products

Filter by