Thick, cracked heels don’t need another thin lotion — maximum-strength 42% urea.
Derm 42 is a 4 oz foot repair cream with 42% urea plus unrefined mango and shea butters. Fragrance-free. Paraben-free. Softens thick, dry, cracked skin and helps lock in moisture. The jar includes a free pumice stone and brush. Use once a day after bathing.
Free shipping
Money-back guarantee
Skip or cancel anytime
42% urea — maximum-strength foot repair cream
Unrefined mango butter + shea butter to help seal moisture
Free pumice stone and brush included with every jar
100% money-back — even if opened, no product return needed
USA manufactured
42% urea
Fragrance-free
Doctor-dispensed
Pumice + brush included
See the heel
Drag to compare before and after.
Illustrative heel photos showing thick, cracked skin versus smoother, softer-looking feet after consistent care. Individual results vary.
Cracked heels don’t soften from thin lotion alone.
Thick, callused skin on heels and feet is stubborn. Ordinary drugstore lotions often sit on top of hardened skin and bounce off. Cosmetic urea at 5–10% is a different job than a high-concentration 42% urea cream built to hydrate and help soften hard keratin.
Cracked heels
Dry fissures and rough edges make shoes uncomfortable and socks catch. Softening the thick layer is step one.
Thin lotions bounce off
Hardened callus doesn’t drink water the way soft skin does. Lightweight lotions feel nice for a minute and leave the thick spots untouched.
5–10% isn’t 42%
Lower-dose urea moisturizers and a maximum-strength 42% urea cream are not the same concentration job. Derm 42 is built for thick, dry, cracked skin.
How it works
Hydrate. Soften. Seal. Then gentle pumice.
Urea pulls in moisture and helps soften hard keratin. Mango and shea butters help seal that moisture in. Once daily after showering — preferably before bed — then use the pumice and brush gently on softened dead skin.
Your skin already runs on urea. Thick heels often don’t have enough of it — and 42% is a different job than a 10% lotion.
This is ingredient research on urea in dermatology — how the molecule behaves in the outer skin layer — not a claim that Derm 42 treats, cures, or prevents any disease.
What urea actually is
Urea is a small, water-loving (hygroscopic) molecule. In healthy skin it is a core part of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) sitting in the stratum corneum — the dead, protective outer layer that should stay flexible.
When that layer is dry and thickened, NMF — including urea — is often low. Water leaves. Keratin stiffens. Heels crack at the edges because the thick plate can’t bend. A thin lotion that only sits on top doesn’t refill that water-binding job.
Two jobs, one molecule — it depends on the dose
About 2–10%Mostly a humectant. Draws water into the stratum corneum and helps a light moisturizer feel like it “soaks in.” Fine for everyday dryness. Not the same job as maximum-strength cream on callused heels.
Over ~10%Reviews describe an added keratolytic action: urea starts to loosen the protein structure of thickened keratin, not just add water.
40–50%The high-concentration range researched for localized, stubborn hyperkeratosis. Derm 42 is 42% urea — that end of the ladder, which is why we say once daily, not all over the body like a lotion.
How the keratolytic effect works
Keratin is the tough protein that makes callus feel like a plate. Clinical literature describes urea disrupting hydrogen bonds and unfolding that protein so the outer layer can disperse and soften — without the same “acid burn” story as some other keratolytics.
A 2001 stratum-corneum test found 40% urea keratolytic in a standardized silver-nitrate model. A 2002 RCT of 40% urea cream vs 12% ammonium lactate for xerosis found urea ahead at day 14 on roughness, fissures, thickness, and dryness. That’s 40% urea research, not a Derm 42 trial.
Water in, barrier support, then butters
Because urea binds water, reviews also discuss barrier-related effects: less water loss through the outer layer, and — in newer work — urea signaling in keratinocytes (including genes tied to differentiation and antimicrobial peptides). That’s why high-concentration urea is framed as more than a peel.
Derm 42 then uses mango and shea butters as emollients to help seal moisture after urea has hydrated and softened. High urea can sting more than a 10% cream; keep the lid tight (urea crystallizes if left open) and stop if irritation shows up.
42% urea up front. Butters and humectants behind it.
Use once daily on clean, dry skin after showering — preferably before bed. High urea — don’t overuse. Fragrance-free. Paraben-free. 4 oz jar includes free pumice stone and brush.
42%
Urea
Urea is a small, water-loving molecule your skin already makes as part of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the outer layer. Dry, thickened skin often runs low on it. At 42%, topical urea is researched as both a humectant (pulls and holds water) and a keratolytic (helps loosen hard keratin so thick, dry skin can soften). Ingredient research, not a claim that Derm 42 treats a disease.
Research
Piquero-Casals et al. 2021 — urea in dermatology: emollient, moisturizing, keratolytic, barrier, and antimicrobial roles (review). PMID 34596890
Pan et al. 2013 — urea: a comprehensive review of the clinical literature (systematic review). PMID 24314769
Ademola et al. 2002 — RCT: 40% urea cream vs 12% ammonium lactate for xerosis; day 14 urea superior on roughness, fissures, thickness, and dryness. PMID 11978141
Parker et al. 2017 — systematic review of moisturisers for foot xerosis; urea was the most researched ingredient (14 studies). The review could not rank one ingredient over another due to study quality. PMID 28191040
Starace et al. 2020 — clinical evidence for high-concentration urea on hyperkeratotic skin (keratolytic, moisturizing, emollient). PMID 33249711
Gloor et al. 2001 — 40% urea was keratolytic in a standardized stratum-corneum test (high-dose urea NRF formulations). PMID 11683130
Loden 2003 — review of emollients and moisturizers for dry-skin barrier; urea-containing moisturizers studied for TEWL and irritation resistance. PMID 14572299
Gloor et al. 2002 — urea / ammonium lactate combinations studied for skin hydration and protection vs either component alone. PMID 11803256
RCT (JAPMA 2025) — 40% urea used as the comparator for pedal (heel) fissures; both 40% urea and a barrier cream improved fissures over 28 days (48 completers). Ingredient research, not a Derm 42 outcome claim. PMID 41166120
Federici et al. 2015 — RCT: urea-containing cream vs glycerol emollient for severe foot xerosis in type 2 diabetes (urea combo, not 42%). Greater hydration with the urea cream. PMID 25851453
Butters
Mango + shea
Unrefined Mangifera indica (mango) butter and Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter — emollients in the formula that help seal moisture after urea softens thick dry skin. Cited here as ingredient research, not a claim that Derm 42 treats eczema or any disease.
Research
Hon et al. 2015 — cream containing shea butter extract studied for skin hydration and acceptability (pediatric eczema; not a Derm 42 disease-treatment claim). PMID 26314567
Support
Aloe, glycerin, vitamin E
Aloe vera gel juice, glycerin, and tocopheryl acetate support the cream’s moisturizing feel. Glycerin is a classic humectant used in topical skincare.
Research
Fluhr et al. 2008 — glycerol and the skin: review of hydration, barrier, and related functions. PMID 18510666
Loden 2003 — moisturizers with humectants (including urea) studied for dry-skin barrier function; relevant background for glycerin’s humectant role. PMID 14572299
Free
Pumice stone + brush
Included with every jar. After the cream has softened dead skin, gently buff — never on open, bleeding, or infected cracks. Talk with a clinician first if you have diabetes or neuropathy.
Full ingredients (INCI): Aqua (Deionized Water), Urea, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Isopropryl Myristate, Polysorbate-20, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Butyrospermum Parkil (Shea) Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Butter, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. Fragrance-free. Paraben-free. For external use only. Avoid eyes and mucous membranes. Do not use on broken or bleeding skin without clinician guidance. Keep out of reach of children.
How to use
Watch: how to use it — what to expect
1Shower or bathe. Pat skin clean and dry.
2Apply a thin layer of Derm 42 to thick, dry, cracked areas — heels, feet, or rough skin. Prefer before bed.
3Let the cream work. High urea — once daily is enough; don’t overuse.
4When skin feels softened, gently use the pumice and brush on dead skin only — never on open or bleeding cracks.
What to expect
Once a day. Soften, then gently buff.
This is a daily cream routine — not a 90-day capsule protocol. Consistent use matters. Individual results vary.
1
Tonight
Apply after shower
Clean, dry skin. Thin layer on thick dry areas. Prefer before bed so it can work overnight.
2
Days
Skin softens
Urea helps hydrate and soften hard keratin. Butters help lock moisture. Keep the lid tight — crystals can form if left open.
3
Ongoing
Gentle pumice
Once softened, gently buff dead skin with the included pumice and brush. Stop if skin is open, bleeding, or irritated.
Verified buyers
4.6★★★★★59 reviews
Ratings from people who bought Derm 42.
Customer reviews from verified buyers. Individual results vary. Not a guarantee of specific outcomes.
From the clinic
Dr. Davinder Bhela, DPM, on why he dispenses Derm 42.
Owner of Restore Podiatry in Long Island, New York. His words, not ours. Individual results vary.
Dr. Davinder Bhela, DPM — Restore Podiatry
The honest comparison
Thin lotion vs waiting vs Derm 42.
Thin drugstore lotion
Waiting it out
Derm 42
Urea strength
Often none or 5–10%
—
42% urea
Tools included
Usually none
—
Pumice + brush included
Feel
Often watery / greasy
—
Non-greasy / fast absorbing
Fragrance
Often scented
—
Fragrance-free
Downside
Hardened skin barely notices
Cracks stay rough
Money-back if not satisfied
Urea strength
Thin drugstore lotionOften none or 5–10%
Waiting it out—
Derm 4242% urea
Tools included
Thin drugstore lotionUsually none
Waiting it out—
Derm 42Pumice + brush included
Feel
Thin drugstore lotionOften watery / greasy
Waiting it out—
Derm 42Non-greasy / fast absorbing
Fragrance
Thin drugstore lotionOften scented
Waiting it out—
Derm 42Fragrance-free
Downside
Thin drugstore lotionHardened skin barely notices
Waiting it outCracks stay rough
Derm 42Money-back if not satisfied
Cosmetic foot care cream. Helps soften thick, dry, cracked skin and support a moisture barrier. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Talk with your clinician if you have diabetes, open wounds, or infection.
Risk reversal
Try Derm 42. If you’re not satisfied, you get a full refund.
100% money-back. If you’ve opened the jar, you do not need to return the product — tell us and we’ll refund. This is a once-daily cream, not a 90-day protocol.
Once daily on clean, dry skin after showering — preferably before bed. Derm 42 is high urea (42%); don’t overuse. A thin layer is enough.
What does urea do?
Urea is one of the skin’s own natural moisturizing factor (NMF) ingredients in the stratum corneum — the outer layer. It is hygroscopic: it attracts and holds water, which is why even modest concentrations are used as moisturizers.
At higher concentrations (generally over 10%), research describes a keratolytic effect: urea can unfold and disperse keratin by disrupting hydrogen bonds, so thick, hardened skin becomes easier to soften. Reviews put 40–50% urea in the range used for localized, stubborn hyperkeratosis. Derm 42 is 42% — that high-concentration cosmetic job, not a 5–10% lotion.
High-concentration urea can sting or irritate more than a light moisturizer, which is why we say once daily after bathing. Ingredient research, not a disease-treatment claim.
I see crystals if I leave the lid open?
Yes — close the lid tightly and store at room temperature. Urea can crystallize if the jar is left open. That doesn’t mean the product is ruined; keep it sealed between uses.
How do I use the pumice and brush?
After the cream has softened dead skin, gently buff with the pumice and brush. Do not use on open, bleeding, or infected cracks. If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, talk with your clinician before using abrasive tools on your feet.
What if I subscribe and then want out?
Skip a shipment or cancel anytime. You don’t need to email us to stop the next jar. Subscribe & Save is 10% off with automatic 25-day refills.
How do I order if I’d rather not do it online?
Call 801-923-3878 or email support@freelifelabs.com. Doctor-dispensed — ask your clinic if they carry Derm 42.
Who is this for?
Adults with thick, dry, cracked heels, feet, or rough skin who want a maximum-strength 42% urea cream with mango and shea butters. Talk to a clinician if you have diabetes, open wounds, or infection. Not for broken or bleeding skin without clinician guidance. If that’s not you, don’t buy it.
What’s your return policy?
Full refund. If you’ve opened the jar, you do not need to return the product — contact us and we’ll refund.
Find it at your clinic
Clinics near you that carry Free Life Labs
Enter your ZIP to see partner clinics within driving distance.
Near your ZIP
We don’t list every partner publicly. Ask your podiatrist, wound clinic, or primary care if they carry Free Life Labs — or reach out and we’ll help you find one.
Individual results vary. Reviews are not a guarantee of specific outcomes.
Customer reviews
★★★★★
Highly effective for rough cracked heels and more
Urea is natural, it’s one of several components that keep hydration balance in the most outer layers of our skin. It’s actually a waste product, found in urine, sweat, blood and human milk. This cream smells like ammonia if you get your nose up in the jar, which is natural considering what it is, but I applied it with my bare hands and I did not smell it on my hands afterwards.
Synthetic urea is manufactured for topical creams in varying strengths. High concentrations promote the breakdown of dead skin with its keratolytic actions. Low concentrations are good moisturizers. This Urea42 is the strongest over the counter formulation containing 42% active ingredient. It is the best urea cream for extremely dry, rough or cracked skin. It is able to penetrate even very thick, dry skin and break down rough surfaces that are caused by dead skin cells. This makes it a good tool for cracked hands and feet, foot calluses and corns, and helps break down thick misshapen nails.
My personal experience is that it softened and smoothed my feet in 4 uses. My feet, especially my heels, were rough and were even snagging the sheets a bit. So in the evening, when I got a chance to stop for the day and sit down, I spot applied small amounts of the cream on all the rough places and put socks on. By the time I went to bed the cream was absorbed and I slept without the socks. After the second day of this, I could tell it was starting to help. I did it two more nights and my heels and whole feet are now soft and smooth, as if I did a foot peel, but I never noticed the shed, so I’m not sure how much of the process was moisturizing vs shedding.
My husband has thick damaged toenails from getting athlete’s foot at the gym, so now he’s going to try this on his feet too. He’s tried prescription pills that helped somewhat but they can cause liver damage and he didn’t want to risk another course of that, and other otc products haven’t really been able to resolve it. Will update if it helps him too.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Smooth feet!
I love that this Urea Cream for Feet (42% Maximum Strength) comes from a small business! It works really well, softening dry, rough feet and making them feel much smoother. The formula is deeply moisturizing and gently exfoliates while locking in hydration.
I also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free and paraben-free, so it’s gentle on my skin. The added mango and shea butters make it feel extra nourishing. Plus, the included pumice stone and brush are a nice bonus! Definitely a great find for keeping feet soft.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Softens feet
In the last few years my feet have become more dry and calloused than ever. Don’t know if it’s age or winters, but cracking is the new normal for me. I picked up this product in search of a solution and it does improve the texture of my feet. They are softer now. I like the ingredients in this cream, which include mango and shea butters. I also like that it is fragrance-free and paraben-free. It has not irritated my skin and I’ve has no adverse reaction from using it. I’m glad I tried this foot softener.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Urea Cream
This is a urea cream with mango and shea butter that is made in the USA. It also comes with a little brush/pumice stone tool. The cream is nice and thick and fragrance free. It goes on smoothly and no greasy feeling. It softens up my feet so I can exfoliate the dead skin off better. It also is good to use on my hands from time to time. It does not irritate my skin, just makes it feel soft and moisturized. I am very pleased with this urea cream.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
I’m impressed!
Seriously life saver. I have such dry and callused feet. I started this because I had such a deep crack in my heal, it hurt to walk. I’ve used this overnight three days in a row, it’s already helped immensely already. It’s still rough but I was amazed what three nights of use had helped so much. It does have a a slight bleach smell I was taken back by, not sure if that’s normal with urea products. But it has worked incredibly well-and so fast.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Time for sandals!
After a long winter, I realized that my feet are not ready for sandals and found the perfect solution! This is a great set and is doing wonders for my cracked heels. The cream is light and absorbs quickly making it easy to exfoliate with the pumice stone. Since this absorbs quickly my feet art not slippery after application. My feet are noticeably smoother with just a couple of applications. I will continue to use this and would recommend.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Very Moisturizing
This Urea Cream for Feet Maximum Strength 42% Foot Cream for Calluses and Dry Feet contains Shea and Mango Butters. It comes with a combination, brush and Pumice stone. The pumice stone does a nice job of exfoliating. The cream is very moisturizing. The addition of Shea and mango butters really makes a difference after just one use at night the next morning My feet were much softer. Very happy with the screen.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Easy to use, great results on heels
I am loving this 42% urea cream. The cream is easy to use and apply. The cream absorbed quickly and did not leave an oily mess. Worked great on my heels and dry skin. My feet looked fantastic after use. The Simon felt hydrated and soft. No irritation noted. Set comes with a small scrubber pumice stone combo. I will continue to use.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Great for dry feet
This cream works well to hydrate dry feet and make them soft and smooth. No more getting the fibers of my socks hung up on dry patches of skin. This product comes in a 4 oz jar with a brush and stone. It is easy to use, and I like the fact that it is fragrance free.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
helping cracked heels
I like it with the brush in the set already. It is convenient that I don't need to buy any brush for heels. It can be used for both brush and sand sides. The cream is effective and hydrating enough for cracked heels. It doesn't have any scent which I like more.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Foot cream
E amado esta crema es muy buena calidad lo que más me gusta que me suaviza bastante mi piel es genial su calidad y estilo me la deja súper hidratada puedo decir que la recomiendo 🤩
Verified purchase
★★★★★
moisturizing foot cream
This foot cream is deeply moisturizing and keeps your feet from drying, creating lasting softness by creating a protective moisture barrier.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
best
It works wonders, wife and I have bee using this over 30 yeras
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Good for nails
Softens skin and helps fix weak nails. Good for nails
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Foot care
This is what my podiatrist recommends. It works.
Verified purchase
★★★★★
PRICE
DOES THE JOB I'VE BEEN USING PRODUCT FOR A YEAR
Verified purchase
★★★★★
Works
It works for me.
Verified purchase
★★★★☆
urea cream for feet
Decided to give this urea cream a try for my dry, rough feet. The high percentage of urea sounded like it might actually do something. It's a pretty thick cream, takes a little bit to soak in, but my feet do seem to softer and more moisturized after using it. Also, th pumice stone/brush doesn't hurt. I'm giving it 4 stars for now because while there seems to be some improvement, especially with general dryness, I haven't seen dramatic results on tougher calluses just yet. It feels like the kind of product you need to use consistently over a longer period to really judge its full effectiveness and see if the results last.
Verified purchase
★★★★☆
Soft and smooth feet !
This cream for feet include a high urea concentration for softening dry skin, shea and mango butters for moisturization, and a paraben free, fragrance free formula suitable for sensitive skin. The product comes with a free pumice stone and brush and has a 4oz size. Benefits include moisturizing my dry skin, softening calluses, soothing sensitive skin, and providing additional hydration with natural butters. I liked it!
Verified purchase
★★★★☆
Works great ~
My feet get rough from time to time. I applied this cream and saw a great difference. It is thick. I don’t find it super greasy. The pumice stone and brush were helpful. They made my feet feel soft and smooth. It took a little time, but the results showed. The big downside is the smell. I didn’t like it. I can tolerate it because the cream works. The performance is there.
Verified purchase
★★★★☆
Why so expensive?
I can't give 4 stars because it should be half the price. But it does leave my feet really soft. I apply after a shower and cover with socks. I don't notice a strong smell, but it's the last step in my nighttime routine. So if it does have a smell it's probably covered up by whatever scent I put on for bed. I haven't used the pumice/scrub brush.
Verified purchase
★★★★☆
Thick and not greasy
This cream applies on smoothly and leaves you dry and not greasy. I can apply it and still can type on my keyboard. It's super thick and my skin feels smoother. Time will tell if my KP improves. If applied on dry skin, you may need to spritz with a little water and rub in in case you get a white haze. The white haze does rub away with moisture.
Verified purchase
★★★★☆
Using For KP, Not A Fan Of The Smell
Not really using this or my feet, I'm trying this on my KP since I read this can help with it. It came with a nice brush and the jar it comes in is a good size. Not a fan of the smell though. I'll update if anything changes.
Verified purchase
★★★★☆
A little messy, otherwise good.
Best cream so far.
Verified purchase
★★★★☆
Works perfectly
Very good product
Verified purchase
★★★☆☆
Can't get past the strong smell...
I have very dry and peeling skin on my hands and have used a foot balm in the past (with 24% urea) that's helped. I saw this cream with 42% urea and figured I'd give it a try. It did not go well. The jar was safety sealed in plastic and also had a safety seal on the lid, which was nice. It comes with a foot scrubber and that was a good bonus. But that was pretty much all I liked aside from the good consistency of the cream. First, the product listing states the country of origin as being the USA, but it doesn't say 'Made in the USA' anywhere on the jar. Second, I opened the jar and lifted up the safety seal and smelled the cream. Big mistake. The scent was so strong that it was overwhelming. It had a chemical/ammonia smell that was super powerful. I read the ingredients (not listed in the product description so I uploaded a photo) and nothing stood out as being of concern except for the phenoxyethanol. The other urea cream I've used in the past did not have a strong scent at all. Maybe this one was so strong because it has a higher percent of urea? Not sure. But it's way too strong for me to handle. The consistency was fine - a nice cream that's not too thick or too thin. I put it on my hands and rubbed it in. It left them feeling a bit dry and sticky. Since the smell had me freaked out, I just washed off the cream and called it a day. Maybe it will work for others, but it's not something I want to use because I couldn't get past the smell.
Verified purchase
★★★☆☆
Thick, creamy, but sticky
This definitely works. It is thick and deeply moisturizing and everything it is advertised to be...but I don't love it. I wanted to double check that it was fragrance free so as soon as I had the jar open I stuck my nose in for a big whiff. DO NOT DO THAT! No added fragrance does not mean there isn't a natural smell to this product and, unfortunately, that smell is like ammonia. The good news is that if you keep it away from your nose you'll never notice it. It was fine while using it, just don't intentionally sniff it! The other thing I didn't like is way more important than the smell (which, again, is perfectly avoidable if you don't actively sniff it.) While this is deeply moisturizing, it left my skin feeling sticky. I put it on my feet and put socks on right away so I didn't notice it there at first, but my hands were very sticky and I had to wash them right away. After about an hour I was curious and took my socks off. My feet were definitely sticky and the skin just felt odd. I didn't even use that much product, but it obviously doesn't absorb all the way. Maybe that stickiness is a protective moisture-locking barrier and this is actually the mother of all foot creams, but I don't find it pleasant to use so I am unlikely to purchase it in the future. Their little included branded pumice stone/foot file is cute, but kid sized. I don't see myself using it, but maybe I'll meet a child with rough feet someday and I can pass it along.
Verified purchase
★★★☆☆
Absorbs Quickly and Softens Feet
Getting my feet ready for summer and this urea cream is definitely helping! I like that it contains shea and mango butters. It is a non-greasy formula that quickly absorbs into my feet. I really rub it into my cracked and callused heels—they were the worst and in need of softening but this cream is working on that. And I received a pumice stone with foot brush too!
Verified purchase
★★★☆☆
Decent foot cream
This didn't seem to hydrate better than regular body lotions. It worked decently, and it might work better for others but for me it wasn't anything special or that I will continue to use. The pumice stone is decent for exfoliating, but for me I prefer more abrasivness.
Verified purchase
★★☆☆☆
For the price, it could certainly be better.
PUMICE STONE It's been a while since I've used a pumice stone, so I don't have anything immediately available to compare. However, the more I use this, the more I believe the material is either fake, or over-processed. Not only was it chipped on arrival, it literally does NOTHING to any dead skin. The tool is a nice travel-size, however it's hard to use without a handle of some sort and not very sturdy. Honestly, for the price of the entire product, regardless of a 'bonus' item, I am very disappointed in the quality.
CREAM The cream smells awful. It's some sort of highly concentrated medical scent, like what you would find in prescription shampoo. I can't pinpoint the source of this awful smell, so I can't describe it any better than that. The smell doesn't bother me to the point of being unusable and doesn't linger past the jar itself/retrieval from the jar. Even if you don't have sensitivities, judging by other reviews, many people probably won't enjoy this cream. Those with textural issues may not enjoy the sensation of wearing socks after application of the cream - it makes the fabric feel funny and hard to position correctly. On the plus side, the thick cream is very hydrating and will definitely benefit you with consistent use.
I am changing my mind on this and am not going to suggest it unless you can tolerate spending a stupid amount of money for a product that only half works. I really hate to change my rating, because this cream is really promising, but that's literally the only good thing from my experience.
Verified purchase
★★☆☆☆
Leaves A Sticky Film
I've had much success in the past with different urea creams for my chronic dry skin issues. So wanted to try Derm 42. It's a thick and rich cream. I was also intrigued because it said fragrance free. Almost all urea creams I've tried has a tea tree oil type of scent to it. This jar of Derm 42 is definitely not fragrance free. It actually has a very acidic aroma which I am not a very big fan of. I tested it on my elbows, knees and hands first. What I noticed was the cream was a bit sticky. It did not seem to absorb as quickly as I was expecting it to. And after about a minute of massaging it into my skin it left a film. I read the instructions and it did say it creates a moisturizing barrier. The layer of film did not feel the best so once I washed my hands I think the cream rinsed off with it. I have decided to just use this only on my feet and then put socks on after.
Verified purchase
★★☆☆☆
Strong, Unpleasant Scent
The first thing I noticed about this foot cream is the strong, unpleasant scent. It's an acrid smell similar to ammonia, and it hits the nostrils as soon as you peel back the protective flap on the jar. It's not a creamy lotion, either. It feels a little sticky and doesn't quite absorb the way a foot cream should. It makes me wonder if I received an expired product. This is not one I would come back to, especially at the current price point.
Verified purchase
★★☆☆☆
Effective but Unpleasant to Use
While this urea cream is unscented, it still has a noticeable and unpleasant smell. It does provide moisture, but it takes a long time to absorb and leaves a sticky residue on the skin. The included pumice stone and brush feel cheap and don’t add much value to the set. While the cream may work for hydration, the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired.
Verified purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Smells awful
My wife threw this jar into the trash as soon as she opened it. It smells awful and she can't imagine who would use this considering how bad it smells. It reminds her of the chemicals used to perm hair.