The All-in-One Moisturising and Repairing Engine for Cosmetic Formulations
Luba Oil (Hydroxyethyl Urea) is a biomimetic moisturising and repairing ingredient that stands out for its core advantages of ‘high compatibility, long-lasting hydration, and barrier reinforcement,’ making it the ‘moisturising magic ingredient’ for global cosmetics formulators. This synthetic ingredient, derived from the natural structure of urea, redefines the efficacy boundaries of moisturising ingredients by mimicking the mechanism of action of the skin's natural moisturising factor (NMF).
The exceptional efficacy of Luba Oil stems from its unique molecular characteristics:
- Intelligent Moisturising Network: The hydroxyl (-OH) and amide (-CONH₂) groups in its molecules can bind water equivalent to 200 times their own weight, forming an elastic moisturising film on the skin surface. The 48-hour sustained moisture retention rate reaches 89%, which is three times higher than glycerin;
- Barrier Repair Switch: Activates the synthesis of filaggrin in epidermal keratinocytes (42% increase), promotes keratin layer maturation, reduces TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) by 51%, and has a 96% suitability rate for sensitive skin;
- Synergistic Enhancement of Ingredients: As a ‘hydration enhancer,’ it increases the transdermal absorption rate of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C by 300%. When combined with niacinamide, it enhances whitening effects by 41%.
Clinical data shows that a moisturising cream containing 5% aloe vera oil, when used continuously for 28 days, increases epidermal water content by 63%, reduces roughness by 47%, and improves dry lines by 58%, demonstrating its ‘multi-functional’ moisturising efficacy.
Diverse application scenarios and formulation inspiration
- Ultimate moisturising category:
- Desert Dry Skin Cream: 10% high-concentration addition, combined with ceramide 3, can restore the skin moisture content of atopic dermatitis patients to healthy levels within 72 hours;
- Sleeping Mask: Formulated into a ‘gel-like’ texture, the humectant properties of aloe vera oil allow the mask to continuously release moisture overnight, resulting in a 74% increase in skin hydration upon waking;
- Lightweight Care Products:
- Oil-Control Toner: 2% concentration combined with PCA zinc regulates sebum production while retaining moisture in the stratum corneum, reducing T-zone oiliness by 52% and improving pore refinement by 31%;
- Men's aftershave: The rapid hydration properties of aloe vera oil help alleviate shaving damage, reducing redness by 60% and providing a cooling, soothing experience with menthol.
- Makeup synergy:
- Foundation: As a moisturising base ingredient, it reduces the water absorption of powder-based ingredients, ensuring 8-hour wear without creasing and a 45% reduction in makeup fading;
- Lip balm: When blended with shea butter (3:2 ratio), it forms a dual-action ‘moisturising-repairing’ barrier, providing 48-hour relief from lip lines with a 91% improvement in peeling.
