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Smoothing lotion (urea or lactic acid)

A moisturizer that includes urea or lactic acid, ingredients that both attract water and gently loosen rough, dead skin cells.

Why it helps

These lotions soften rough, bumpy, scaly, or thickened skin and hold in moisture at the same time. They are useful for rough patches on arms, legs, elbows, heels, and hands.

Look for

  • Urea (often about 10% for body, higher for thick heels) or lactic acid
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cream or lotion base that suits your skin
  • Packaging labeled for rough or bumpy skin

Avoid

  • Using on broken, raw, or very inflamed skin
  • Combining with scrubs or other exfoliating acids
  • Using on the face unless the product is made for it

Caution

Do not put these on cracked, raw, or infected skin because they sting, and lactic acid can make skin more sun sensitive, so use sunscreen on treated areas.

Worth asking a clinician about

For thick scale or very rough skin, clinicians can prescribe higher-strength urea or combination products.

Sources

Products

These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.

How to read the tags

    • Fragrance-free
    Free of: the product is made without this ingredient, as stated on the label.
    • NEA Seal
    Seals: an outside group has reviewed the product for its program.
    • USDA Organic
    Labeled natural / USDA Organic: what the label says about natural or certified organic ingredients. A label is not a guarantee of safety or fit.
    • Ceramides
    Ingredients and materials: notable ingredients or fabrics in the product.
    • SPF 30+
    Features: how the product is made or works, such as SPF or texture.
    • Hypoallergenic (brand)
    Brand claims: a claim made by the brand, not verified by me.