Why I don't agree with the use of Urea in foot creams.

Urea is used in foot creams to soften hard skin, it appears in varying quantities, but is most concentrated in products targeted at sore or cracked heels. Of course, Urea is what you think it is, a bi product of all living things, it is what is found in our urine. However, in cosmetics and bodycare, the Urea they use is Synthesised.

So what is the fuss about?

Well, first up I have a problem with the manuftacture of Synthetic Urea. Sythetic Urea is made from processed Ammonia, it is a bi-product of industrial fertilizer production. Urea processing factories are found alongside Ammonia Processing in order to save on chemical clean-ups, disposal and transport costs.

This industry has a dirty side, excuse the pun. Spills in America in 2004 resulted in signigficant fish kills in surounding waterways, The US Environmental Protections Agency has announced the Justice Department fined the pipeline company responsible for the spills $3.65million to settle violations of the Clean Water Act. In one incident 25,000 fish were killed, the ammonia plume reached 40ft high in the air. The release was equivalent to around 204,000 gallons. Families had to be evacuated.

Exposure to manufactured and concentrated quantities of Ammonia can cause, lung damage, blindness and seizures in extreme cases, at lower concentrations it can cause burns blisters and dermatitis. Urea itself is used with formaldehyde in glues for making chipboard panels. It is also used in toothpaste and chewing gum. It is also used to induce abortions in animals.

It is commonly found in dry/cracked heel treatments. Urea itself can cause burning, redness of eyes, skin, headaches, vomititng and seizures.

There are some natural alternatives, some people swear by rubbing heels with the inside of a banana skin, try it you'll be amazed! Natural cream makers all plump for the ground root of Marshmallow plant for its softening qualities. So we don't need to buy products that contain Synthesised Urea at all. End of rant!