f you’ve ever shopped for a product specifically designed for dry, rough heels, there’s one ingredient you’ll probably see again and again: urea.
It might not have the same recognition as ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin E, but when it comes to caring for thick, dry skin, urea deserves a lot more attention.
It’s exactly why we chose 10% urea for the Glydelle Smooth Heel Stick.
So, what actually is urea?
Urea is a compound naturally present in healthy skin and forms part of the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF).
Your Natural Moisturising Factor is made up of substances within the outer layer of your skin that help attract and retain water, keeping the skin hydrated and functioning as it should.
Urea is one of those naturally occurring moisturising components.
In skincare products, cosmetic urea is manufactured specifically for use in formulations and is widely used in products designed for dry, rough and thickened skin.
Why is urea so good for dry heels?
Your heels have a tough job.
They’re constantly dealing with pressure from standing and walking, friction from shoes and exposure from going barefoot or wearing open shoes.
Over time, the skin can become thicker, rougher and increasingly dry.
That’s where urea becomes particularly useful.
Urea acts as a humectant, which means it helps attract and retain moisture within the outer layers of the skin.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Urea can also help soften thick, rough skin, making it particularly well suited to areas like the heels where dead skin tends to build up.
So instead of simply making the surface of your heels feel moisturised temporarily, urea helps address both dryness and roughness.
Why 10% urea?
The concentration of urea in a skincare product matters.
At different concentrations, urea can have different effects on the skin. Lower concentrations are generally used primarily for hydration, while higher concentrations have a stronger keratolytic effect, helping break down and loosen thickened dead skin.
We formulated the Glydelle Smooth Heel Stick with 10% urea to give dry heels that combination of hydration and softening.
It’s designed for regular use to help keep heels feeling moisturised, softer and smoother.
We didn't stop at urea
Great heel care isn’t about one ingredient doing everything.
That’s why our Smooth Heel Stick combines 10% urea with shea butter and vitamin E.
Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and helps soften and condition dry skin while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier.
Vitamin E helps condition and care for dry skin and provides antioxidant benefits.
Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping keep dry heels hydrated.
Allantoin is known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties, making it a beautiful addition for dry, rough skin.
Together, they create a rich heel balm designed specifically for an area that often needs a little more attention than your everyday body moisturiser can provide.
For even smoother heels
If you already have a significant amount of rough, built-up skin, pair your heel balm with gentle exfoliation.
Use the Glydelle Smooth Step Foot File on dry skin to gently file away rough areas, then follow with your Smooth Heel Stick.
File. Swipe. Done.
It’s a simple little routine you can do at home to help keep your heels smooth, soft and moisturised between pedicures.
The skincare ingredient your heels have been waiting for
We spend so much time thinking about the ingredients we use on our faces, but the skin on our feet deserves some love too.
Urea might not be the trendiest skincare ingredient, but when it comes to dry, rough heels, it’s a seriously good one to know.
And at 10%, it’s one of the hero ingredients behind our Smooth Heel Stick.
Skincare, but for your heels. 🤍
Shop the smooth heel stick here.
