Hydroxyethyl urea (HEU, CAS 1320-51-0) is a mild, low-irritation humectant that has become a staple in personal care — and a useful additive in textiles, paper and other industries. Its simple production chemistry and skin-compatible profile make it an attractive ingredient. This article covers the manufacturing process, the properties, the applications and the buying considerations for hydroxyethyl urea.
1. What Is Hydroxyethyl Urea?
Hydroxyethyl urea (HOCH2CH2-NH-CONH2) is a derivative of urea in which one amino hydrogen is replaced by a hydroxyethyl group. It is a white solid (often supplied as crystals or a concentrated solution) that is highly water-soluble and acts as a humectant — attracting and holding moisture. Compared with glycerin (the classic humectant), HEU delivers a less sticky, less greasy feel, which is why formulators favor it in modern skincare and haircare.
2. Manufacturing Process
2.1 The industrial route: urea and monoethanolamine
Hydroxyethyl urea is produced by the reaction of urea with monoethanolamine (MEA):
NH2CONH2 + HOCH2CH2NH2 → HOCH2CH2-NH-CONH2 + NH3
Process steps:
- Condensation: urea and monoethanolamine are heated together; the reaction releases ammonia, which is removed.
- Reaction control: temperature and stoichiometry are controlled to maximize the mono-hydroxyethyl product and minimize di-substituted or oligomeric by-products.
- Purification: excess reactant and by-products are removed (distillation/recrystallization) to achieve the target purity.
- Finishing: the product is crystallized/dried into a solid or concentrated to a solution grade.
2.2 Quality-defining points
- Stoichiometry (urea : MEA ratio) and temperature profile
- Ammonia removal efficiency (drives the equilibrium)
- By-product control (di-hydroxyethyl urea, oligomers)
- Final purity and color
3. Specifications
| Parameter | Typical value | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | High (e.g. >98%) | Consistency and performance |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid / clear solution | Visual QC |
| pH (solution) | Mild (near neutral) | Skin compatibility |
| Water content | Low (solid form) | Storage stability |
| Residual amine/urea | Low | Purity for cosmetic use |
4. Applications
4.1 Personal care (the main use)
HEU is used as a humectant and moisturizer in skincare (lotions, creams, serums), haircare (conditioners, styling), and body wash:
- Provides lasting hydration with a light, non-greasy feel.
- Lower irritation profile than some other humectants — suitable for sensitive-skin formulations.
- Compatible with most cosmetic systems (oils, emulsions, gels).
4.2 Textiles
Used as a softening and anti-static agent for fabrics, and as a finishing auxiliary.
4.3 Paper and other uses
Humectant/flexibility agent in paper and board, and in some industrial formulations (adhesives, inks).
5. HEU vs Glycerin as a Humectant
| Aspect | Hydroxyethyl urea | Glycerin |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Light, non-sticky | Sticky at high dose |
| Humectancy | Effective | Excellent |
| Irritation | Low | Generally low |
| Compatibility | Broad | Very broad |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Formulators often blend both to balance feel, cost and moisturization.
6. Safety and Handling
- HEU is low in irritation and widely used in leave-on cosmetics; verify the grade meets cosmetic raw-material standards (purity, heavy metals).
- Handling: low hazard; avoid dust inhalation, follow the SDS.
- Storage: dry, sealed; the solid absorbs moisture.
7. FAQ
What is hydroxyethyl urea used for?
Primarily as a humectant/moisturizer in skincare and haircare, and as a softener/humectant in textiles and paper.
Is hydroxyethyl urea safe for skin?
Yes — it is known for its mild, low-irritation profile and is used in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products.
Is HEU the same as urea?
No — HEU is a hydroxyethyl derivative of urea with different humectant and sensory properties (lighter feel, less irritation than raw urea at similar doses).
What grade should I buy?
Cosmetic grade (high purity, controlled heavy metals) for personal care; technical grade for industrial uses. Confirm the COA.
8. References and Further Reading
- Cosmetic ingredient literature on hydroxyethyl urea (INCI: hydroxyethyl urea)
- Peer-reviewed and regulatory references for personal-care humectants
This article is published for industrial and technical reference by PolyblueChem. Specifications are typical industry values; verify against the supplier’s COA.
PolyblueChem supplies hydroxyethyl urea (CAS 1320-51-0) in cosmetic and technical grades with COA and MSDS. Contact us for specifications and quotations.