Last year, dermatologists put us on to urea, a highly effective ingredient that can be transformative for even the most difficult cracked calluses and rough patches of skin — and it’s found in your pee. This led us to highlight upon one highly concentrated urea-based cream that has some of the most promising user reviews that we’ve seen for a product in a while, especially if you’re someone who wants baby-soft feet and fast. Right now, you can grab 15% off a jar for yourself by using our exclusive HuffPost coupon code at checkout: HUFFPOST15.
While most urea moisturizers on the internet contain, on average, anywhere between 10% - 20% of this powerful ingredient, the Ebanel Urea Cream features a whopping 40% to soften dead skin, reduce callus buildup and repair skin barrier almost overnight, according to those who swear by it.
Dermatologist have previously told us that multiple clinical trials on the use of urea-containing formulations have shown significant improvement in many of the dermatoses presenting with scaly and dry skin, such as atopic dermatitis. We’re told that this is because urea is both a humectant and a keratolytic, meaning it can draw and retain moisture into the skin and help it feel softer and smoother.
And before you panic at the idea of applying skin care products containing urine, these experts also assured us that any urea used in skin care formulations is 100% synthetic, lab-made, safe and dermatologist-trusted.
Aside from the 40% urea, the Ebanel cream contains 2% saliciylic acid, a trusted chemical exfoliant that can also soften skin, and classic hydrators like shea butter, jojoba oil and antioxidant-rich green tea extract to help protect the skin.
The formula is apparently so effective, it’s compelled Amazon users who claim to never write reviews, take to their computers and gush about how life-changing the Ebanel Urea Mositurizer is and the difference it has made in their painful, and extremely cracked, callused feet.
“I have never written a review before. I had severely cracked heels to the point it would hurt when I walked. It was even sharp to the touch. TWO applications of this paste and the cracks are miraculously gone,” one reviewer wrote.
Some even claimed that it’s comparable or even better than the perscription formulas they have tried from the doctor’s office.
Based on the reviews, the texture of this cream is thick and almost marshmallow-like and also leaves behind a chalky residue with the potential to stain, and that likely has to be washed off in the morning. Because of this, most users apply the cream to areas like the feet at night after cleansing and put on a pair of socks to prevent a mess.
“When I wake up, my feet are ridiculously soft. It’s honestly like I went to sleep with crusty goblin feet and woke up with baby feet,” one reviewer said.
If you can’t stand your scaly, thickened and painfully cracked feet any longer, we have every reason to believe that this $16 under-the-radar cream can finally provide you relief in just a matter of days. Grab yourself a tub or see even more promising reviews below.
Grab some for yourself while it’s 15% off with code HUFFPOST15 at checkout, and take a look to see what other users have to say about it.
“Magic for calluses. I love this stuff. I get GNARLY calluses on the heels of my feet and this is literally the only thing that helps get ride of them and keep my feet soft. I use it 3/4 nights a week and it’s like magic, no more itchy, no more scratching and split heels, it’s the best honestly. ” — Jessica Stone
″I bought this foot cream because the bottoms of my feet and my heels occasionally decide they want to be as crunchy as Popeyes chicken.
This stuff, however, is the real deal. My favorite way to use it is to slather a generous amount on my feet before bed, throw on a pair of socks, and let it do its thing overnight. When I wake up, my feet are ridiculously soft. It’s honestly like I went to sleep with crusty goblin feet and woke up with baby feet.
A little goes a long way, but I’m not going to lie, I tend to be pretty generous with it because I enjoy waking up with feet as smooth as buttermilk ranch. It absorbs nicely, and by morning my feet feel smooth, moisturized, and much less likely to snag on blankets.
If your heels are out here committing acts of roughness against your socks, I definitely recommend giving this cream a try. My feet have never been softer, and my blankets are probably grateful too.” — Destiny“Pure magic for hardened soles. All I’m going to say is this cream is MAGIC! I’ve tried tons of creams for the hardened soles of my feet. As soon as menopause hit, boom, enter hardened soles. Never had this problem my entire life. Then I try this product and in 5 days of following the instructions as given, my feet are soft again.Thank you sooo much for giving me back my soft feet.” — Bboots
“If you have cracked heals, buy this product! My heals were severely cracked. I was beginning to be embarrassed to wear sandals in public. I’ve tried other products with no luck. Then this changed everything! After a month of daily use, my heals look 90% better than before. This product works!” — Sabree
“I have never written a review before. I had severely cracked heels to the point it would hurt when I walked. It was even sharp to the touch. TWO applications of this paste and the cracks are miraculously gone. I hope whoever invented this stuff always has a cool pillow. WOW. People complain of this stuff having a chalky residue and it being like Elmer’s glue. Who cares when your feet have a makeover. Just put on before bed followed by socks and rinse it off in the morning. I also recommend getting a foot scraper to get off the dead skin afterwards. AMAZED. Cheaper than going to get prescription lotion from the doctor.” — Emily Notes
If your skin is painfully dry, check out these recommendations for softening it up from previous HuffPost coverage.
A nourishing body oil that doesn't leave my skin greasy
As I've already mentioned, my skin is notoriously dry and I've found that incorporating body oils post-shower and after my CeraVe moisturizer has helped trap in hydration, improve skin texture and succeeded in making my skin feel bouncy and soft, well into the following day. The Saltair nourishing body oil was one of the best oils that I ended up trying (including better than the uber-popular Osea Undaria algea body oil), and I don't hear a lot of people talk about how great it is.
As a person who is opposed to certain textures, I'm in love with the fact that this formula doesn't sit greasy or stick atop the skin. It actually soaks in quickly and thoroughly to the point that I'm able to throw on my clothes right after and not leave a stain. Deceptively luxurious and available in five mild scents, it's enriched with three different oils that are nourishing and rich in antioxidants like squalane and moringa. I've also noticed that my tattoos appear more vibrant and renewed since using a body oil.
A decadently scented shower oil
I hate spending anything more than $10 on a product that I know I'm just going to wash off my body moments later, which is why I relegate this precious elixir to a couple of times a week, yet gladly repurchase it again and again because it's just that nice. Unlike your typical surfactant-filled body washes, this is a cleansing shower oil that helps to lock in moisture and leave skin feeling very nourished. Not only does it smell divine (think caramel, warm vanilla and sandalwood), but it also contains prebiotics, oils and butters that support a healthy skin barrier. You also don't need much product for this shower oil to quickly work in a super dense and creamy lather, especially when you use just a standard loofah.
Japanese exfoliating washcloth
If you've ever had the luxury of getting an all-over body scrub at the Korean spa, then you'll know all about those magical exfoliating mitts that are used to polish, tone and brighten your skin beyond compare. This is the washcloth version that I use every other day at the start of my shower on wet skin. The textured weave of these cloths strikes the perfect balance of abrasive, yet not rough enough to cause micro tears in the skin or irritation. I work the cloth over my entire body, paying close attention to my elbows, thighs, underarms and bikini line to fend off roughness and ingrowns. I even like to use the washcloth on my heels.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
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