Altruist Dry Skin Repair Cream 10% Urea

Why We Chose This Product

• Altruist is a cream, which means it's a thick moisturiser, but not as greasy as an ointment. The thick texture is ideal for hand eczema. 
• This cream contains no fragrances or colourings, so it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction (contact allergy) to the skin. 
• Altruist contains lactic acid and urea, which are natural moisturising factors. These are found naturally within the skin. Natural moisturising factors bind water to hydrate the skin.  
• Urea also has mild anti-bacterial activity and helps restore Filaggrin, a key component of the skin barrier.  
• Urea at 10% concentration is a mild keratolytic. This means it can remove scaly and thickened skin. Altruist is therefore useful for treating rough, thick and bumpy eczema. Some people can find 10% urea a bit irritating. Balneum plus and Eucerin use 5% urea creams, which is milder. 
• Altruist also contains bisabolol. This is a natural botanical derived from chamomile. One study showed bisabolol can reduce inflammation in a mice that were made to have eczema. More data is needed in human studies to recommend bisabolol.  
• Altruist contains panthenol (vitamin B5). Two studies showed that Panthenol can improve skin hydration following irritation from detergents. 

Cautions

• Use of moisturisers in the bath can or shower be a slip hazard
• Moisturisers are flammable. Over long periods moisturisers can build-up on fabric (clothing, bedding etc), making these materials flammable. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce this build-up but not totally remove it.  
• Altruist does contain some preservatives so there is a small risk of allergic reaction. For people with allergy prone skin, ointments such as Epaderm ointment are better.  Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed.
• Avoid eyes and sensitive areas.

Ingredients

Aqua, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Urea, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Carbomer, Panthenol, Sodium Hydroxide, Lactic Acid, Bisabolol