Flexitol 10% Urea Cream 150g

What Is Flexitol Urea Cream and How Does It Help Dry Skin?

Dry, rough, and cracked skin is something millions of people in the UK deal with every day — and it can be genuinely uncomfortable. Flexitol urea cream is a well-established, over-the-counter emollient that uses the moisturising and skin-softening properties of urea to tackle dryness at its source. Whether it's your heels, elbows, or knees causing you grief, this 150g tube gives you a generous supply to keep on top of it. You can find it alongside other trusted options in our skin care collection.

Urea is not a new ingredient — it has been used in dermatology for decades. At a 10% concentration, it strikes a balance between effective hydration and gentle keratolytic action, making it suitable for everyday use on most skin types. The 150g size means you won't run out quickly, which matters when you're applying it consistently.

How Does Flexitol 10% Urea Cream Work on Skin?

Urea works through two distinct mechanisms that complement each other well:

• Humectant action: Urea draws water from the deeper layers of the skin and from the environment into the outer skin layer (stratum corneum), increasing hydration where it's needed most.
• Keratolytic action: At 10%, urea begins to break down the protein bonds (keratin) that hold together hardened, thickened skin cells, helping to shed dead skin and reveal softer tissue underneath.
• Barrier support: Regular use helps reinforce the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing water loss over time and preventing dryness from returning as quickly.
• Emollient effect: The cream base itself coats and soothes the skin surface, providing immediate relief from tightness and discomfort.

This combination means you're not just masking dryness — you're actively improving the skin's condition with each application.

Who Should Use Flexitol 10% Urea Cream?

This cream is suitable for adults and children over 2 years of age who experience dry, rough, or thickened skin. It's particularly useful for people whose skin doesn't respond well to standard moisturisers alone. Conditions where it tends to help include:

• Dry, cracked heels and callused feet
• Rough elbows and knees
• Dry skin associated with eczema or psoriasis (as an adjunct — always follow your GP's advice)
• General xerosis (medically dry skin) in older adults

People with diabetes often experience particularly dry feet due to reduced circulation and nerve changes. If you have diabetes, it's worth speaking to your GP or podiatrist before starting any new foot cream, and you may also find our diabetes monitoring collection useful for managing your condition more broadly.

How Does Flexitol 10% Urea Cream Compare to Other Dry Skin Treatments?

Is Flexitol 10% Urea Cream Suitable for Sensitive Skin and How Should It Be Stored?

Most people with sensitive skin tolerate Flexitol urea cream well, but it's always sensible to do a small patch test on the inner arm before applying it to a larger area. Avoid using it on broken, infected, or inflamed skin, and keep it away from the eyes and mucous membranes. If you notice persistent redness or irritation, stop use and speak to your pharmacist.

Store the cream below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube. If you're looking for complementary products for foot health, our foot care collection has a range of options to support your routine.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Flexitol 10% Urea Cream and What Is It Used For?

Flexitol 10% Urea Cream is a topical emollient and keratolytic preparation used to treat dry, rough, thickened, and cracked skin. The active ingredient, urea, is a naturally occurring substance found in the skin that plays a key role in maintaining hydration. When applied as a cream, it helps restore moisture to areas where the skin has become excessively dry or hardened — most commonly the heels, feet, elbows, and knees.

It is available over the counter without a prescription and is suitable for adults and children over 2 years of age. The NHS recognises emollients as a cornerstone of managing dry skin conditions, and urea-based creams are frequently recommended by GPs and dermatologists for their dual moisturising and skin-softening action.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Flexitol 10% Urea Cream?

Before you start using this cream, there are a few important things to be aware of. Do not use it if any of the following apply:

• You are allergic to urea or any other ingredient in the cream
• The skin in the area you want to treat is broken, infected, or severely inflamed
• You want to apply it to a child under 2 years of age without first consulting a doctor
• You want to use it near the eyes, mouth, or other mucous membranes

There are also some general warnings to keep in mind:

• Always do a patch test on a small area of skin before widespread use if you have sensitive skin
• If you have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or any condition affecting skin sensation, speak to your GP or podiatrist before use
• Pregnant or breastfeeding? Topical urea is generally considered low risk, but always check with your GP or midwife first

Drug interactions: No significant drug interactions are known for topically applied urea at this concentration. However, if you are using other topical medicines on the same area of skin, speak to your pharmacist before combining them.

• No known interactions with oral medicines
• Avoid applying immediately before or after other topical treatments without pharmacist advice

How Should You Use Flexitol 10% Urea Cream?

Using this cream correctly makes a real difference to how well it works. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Wash and dry the affected area thoroughly before applying
2. Squeeze a small amount of cream onto your fingertips
3. Apply a thin, even layer to the dry or rough skin
4. Massage gently in circular motions until the cream is absorbed
5. Wash your hands after application unless you are treating your hands
6. Repeat twice daily, or as directed by your pharmacist or GP

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Flexitol 10% Urea Cream?

Side effects with topical urea at 10% are uncommon, but they can occur. Most are mild and resolve on their own once your skin adjusts to the product.

Common side effects:

• Mild stinging or burning sensation on first application
• Temporary redness at the application site
• Slight itching, particularly on sensitive skin

Less common side effects:

• Skin irritation or contact dermatitis (allergic reaction to an ingredient)
• Dryness or peeling if used excessively

If you experience a severe allergic reaction — such as widespread rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing — stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention. You can find more information about managing skin reactions on the NHS website. If you're also managing a fungal skin condition alongside dry skin, our athlete's foot and fungal infections collection may be helpful.

How Should You Store Flexitol 10% Urea Cream?

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the tube or carton
• Do not freeze
• Do not transfer to another container

If you have any unused or expired cream, do not dispose of it in household waste or down the sink. Return it to your local pharmacy for safe disposal. For a broader range of topical treatments, browse our creams and ointments collection.