Dry feet are more than just an embarrassment: they can be a health risk, depending on if you have any underlying health conditions. But beyond simply exfoliating in the shower or scheduling a standing appointment for pedicures, investing in a good foot cream can improve the look and health of your feet. We’re rounding up some of the best foot creams and even categorized them based on your needs. Whether you need to exfoliate, hydrate or repair feet that have seen better days, these 15 picks of foot creams should be on your shortlist.
In this article:
- Our Picks for the Best Foot Creams
- What to Look for in the Perfect Foot Cream for You?
- Foot Cream FAQs
Best Foot Creams Overview
- Best Overall: Sol de Janeiro Samba 2-Step Foot Fetish Care
- Best Budget: Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream
- Best Moisturizing: L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream
- Best Non-Greasy: Gold Bond Ultimate Softening Foot Cream
- Best Fast-Acting: Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair
- Best Multipurpose: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Best Soothing: Gehwol Med Salve for Cracked Skin
- Best with Urea: Ebanel 40% Urea Cream
- Best for Calluses: Lee Beauty Callus Remover Extra Strength Gel
- Best Natural: Burt’s Bees Coconut Oil Foot Cream
- Best for Sensitive Skin: O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Night Treatment
- Best for Tired Feet: Aveda foot relief Foot Cream
- Best Exfoliating: AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy
- Best for Daily Use: Ahava Mineral Foot Cream
- Best Pro: Dr. Scholl’s Ultra Hydrating Foot Cream
Our Picks for the Best Foot Creams
No matter your skin type, budget, or personal preferences, there is a perfect heel cream for you on the list below.
From the brand that brought you their famous Bum Bum Cream comes a luxe foot care collection designed to turn ravaged tootsies into presentable feet that you’ll want to show off in a pair of sandals. The set includes their Samba Foot Fetish Cream and the Foot Smoothing Board.
The two-step solution works by using the smoothing board to exfoliate rough patches, making it one of the best foot creams for daily use. For best results, use the board on wet feet to minimize the risk of injury. Follow up with the Foot Fetish Cream, which contains cupauçu butter to infuse moisture. You’ll like that it also contains the antioxidant açaí, as well as coconut oil. This pick is perfect for all skin types and is designed to quickly absorb into your skin for a non-greasy finish. Buy it at Sephora!
Key Features
- Format: 2-step foot care system
- Size: 3 oz.
- Skin Type: All
- Key Ingredients: Açaí, coconut oil, cupuaçu butter
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
- Fragrance: Warm & Spicy
Pros
- Aids in correct dull or uneven texture in your feet
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Includes foot smoothing board
- Ultra-moisturizing cream with antioxidants
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance overpowering
- Cream may not be ideal for people with seriously dry skin
Eucerin is a fan favorite because it’s not only affordable but also offers one of the best foot creams for people with seriously dry skin. You need a formula that’s a bit thicker to help penetrate and heal your skin from within. Eucerin’s heel cream is the perfect remedy. It’s formulated with Ceramide-3 as well as other natural moisturizing factors, like amino acids, to help repair your skin’s moisture barrier.
It’s a medium-weight formula, so it won’t feel heavy or greasy when you use it. People that are sensitive to scents or harsh chemical additives will also like that this foot lotion is fragrance- and dye-free. Best of all, it works quickly and absorbs fast into the skin. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 3 oz.
- Skin Type: Dry, very dry, sensitive
- Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, urea, glycerin, alpha hydroxy acid
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No/No
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-greasy
- Improves skin’s natural moisture barrier
Cons
- May be too heavy for people with normal skin
Thirsty skin can always benefit from more moisture. L’Occitane’s cream contains an essential ingredient that’s incredibly effective at correcting moisture balances. The 15% shea butter in this foot cream helps to soothe and refresh tired feet. You’ll also get soothing arnica and a mood boost from the included lavender essential oil. This foot cream also works to correct dull or uneven texture and is best for people with oily, combination, or normal skin. It’s formulated without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. You might like it so much that you use it on other parts of your body. Buy it at Sephora!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 5.2 oz.
- Skin Type: Oily, combination, normal
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, arnica, lavender essential oil
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No/No
- Fragrance: Spicy
Pros
- Ideal for repairing moisture balance
- Can be used on other parts of the body
- Free from sulfates, phthalates, and parabens
Cons
- More expensive
No one likes a foot cream that leaves you slipping and sliding as you walk around the house. This non-greasy solution won’t leave stains on clothing and is a great option for people that need a strong foot cream that absorbs quickly. It is infused with shea butter, which aids in softening rough or calloused feet.
This foot and heel cream is designed with seven moisturizers, including a silk peptide matrix, and also contains three critical vitamins to help revitalize your skin. Vitamins A, C, and E work together to nourish the skin and soften rough areas. Although it is scented, you’ll like that this pick is dermatologist tested and is hypoallergenic. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 4 oz.
- Skin Type: Very dry
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, urea, glycerin, petrolatum, vitamins A, C, and E
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/No
- Fragrance: Fresh
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Intensive moisture repair
- Restores and maintains skin’s youthful appearance
Cons
- Contains parabens
No matter whether you’re prepping your feet for the summer or just want to keep them soft all year long, you want a good heel cream that gets to work, making your feet look more presentable. The Kerasal cream promises to provide visible results in as little as one day. It is packed with active ingredients, including 5% salicylic acid and 10% urea. While this might be a deal-breaker for some, it also contains white petrolatum. Still, this is one of the best heel creams if you’re looking for a solution that’s medically approved. Kerasal’s cream has been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 1 oz.
- Skin Type: Dry, very dry
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, urea, soft white petrolatum, glycerin
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No/No
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Creates visible results in as little as 1 day
- Intensive ointment formula
- Paraben-free
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
Cons
- Some may dislike the petrolatum inclusion
Not everyone wants their bathroom vanity cluttered with tons of creams and ointments for every need under the sun. In that case, the Aquaphor ointment is a great multipurpose solution. You can use it on your hands, heels, elbows, or anywhere else on your body that needs a little moisturizing TLC. It’s specifically designed with dry, cracked, and irritated skin in mind.
You’ll like that this foot cream can also be used as an ointment for minor wound care. It’s sulfate-free and is also free from fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. It’s clinically proven to restore your skin’s natural moisture barrier and to improve your skin’s appearance as well. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Multipurpose ointment
- Size: 14 oz.
- Skin Type: Sensitive, dry
- Key Ingredients: Petrolatum, mineral oil, lanolin, glycerin
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No/No
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Can be used for wound healing
- Ointment allows oxygen flow to improve healing
- Ideal for use in extreme weather conditions
Cons
- High 41% petroleum jelly content
Dry feet can get so bad that your feet start to hurt. The Gehwol pick is a must-have because it’s designed to heal as well as soothe. You’ll appreciate that this is a salve that is intended for severely dry, rough, and cracked skin. It features a unique mix of soaps and skin-loving oils. This salve contains lanolin and essential oils, like eucalyptus, lavender, camphor, menthol, and rosemary, along with medicated soap and Vaseline. We like that it also aids in protecting your skin against inflammation and supporting your skin in regaining natural elasticity. Buy it at Nordstrom!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on salve
- Size: 2.6 oz.
- Skin Type: Very dry, sensitive
- Key Ingredients: Medicated soap, lanolin, Vaseline, bisabolol, essential oils
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Helps prevent inflammation
- Improves skin’s natural elasticity
- Softens hard skin quickly
- Stimulates blood flow for improved healing
Cons
- Some people may dislike that it contains Vaseline and lanolin
If you have rough, thick skin on your feet, then urea is an ingredient that needs to be in your foot cream. Along with smoothing rough skin, a good foot cream with urea can also do wonders at minimizing the appearance of calluses and corns. This is why the Ebanel cream is one of the best for troubled toes.
Along with a 2% salicylic acid content and 40% urea, you’ll get aloe vera, camellia extract, coconut oil, and tea tree oil. But we also like that this cream can be used on rough skin all over your body, including hands, heels, elbows, knees, and even for dry, brittle nails. It is a hypoallergenic pick that isn’t tested on animals. Best of all, it’s safe for all skin types and is non-greasy with fast absorption. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Multipurpose cream
- Size: 4.6 oz.
- Skin Type: Dry, cracked, sensitive
- Key Ingredients: Urea, salicylic acid, aloe vera, camellia green tea leaf extract, coconut oil, tea tree oil
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Minimizes the appearance of corns and calluses
- Softens and exfoliates dry, rough skin
- Can be used on the whole body
Cons
- Thin consistency
- May leave residue on skin
Calluses are unsightly, but more importantly, they can be hard to remove. The Lee Beauty gel is the perfect complement to an at-home pedicure routine. This eight-ounce bottle features a professional-grade formula designed to slough off dead skin in as little as three to five minutes after application. While this pick is meant to be used on damp skin, we like that it eliminates the need to use more serious tools, like callus shavers, which can cause injuries if not used properly. It does require use with a pumice stone or foot file to remove dead skin. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Gel callus remover
- Size: 8 oz.
- Skin Type: Very dry
- Key Ingredients: Potassium hydroxide, urea, glycerin
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No/No
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Effective at eliminating dry skin and reducing appearance of corns and calluses
- Can create salon-quality results
- Easy to use formula
- Softens and exfoliates dry and dead skin
Cons
- Harsh ingredients can cause damage to living skin if exposure occurs
For people that are concerned about harsh ingredients in their skincare products, Burt’s Bees is a great alternative. This is a Leaping Bunny-certified skincare brand, making them the best foot cream for people that prioritize natural ingredients. This set is a three-pack of thick cream that also contains rosemary extract. It’s formulated without parabens, SLS, or phthalates and is designed to help soften and smooth dry skin. It is 99.4% natural in origin and also includes natural emollients, such as oat and olive oil. This foot cream is perfect for year-round use. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 4.3 oz.
- Skin Type: All
- Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, rosemary extract, peppermint extract, olive oil, lanolin, vegetable glycerin
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/No
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Responsibly sourced ingredients
- Formulated without petrolatum, SLS, phthalates, or parabens
- Contains peppermint extract to refresh dry skin
Cons
- May not be as effective for people with severely dry feet
When you have sensitive skin, harsh ingredients can do more harm than good, creating painful irritation and exacerbating already troubled skin. We like that you can get visible results in as little as one night using this foot cream and that it’s intended to be used as an overnight treatment.
While this foot cream works to restore and repair dry and cracked skin on your feet, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to slather your feet for it to be effective. The brand proudly promotes that a little goes a long way. This dermatologist-tested cream contains deep conditioning oils, is hypoallergenic, non-greasy, and safe for diabetics to use. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 3 oz.
- Skin Type: Sensitive, dry
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, beeswax, shea butter, sweet almond oil,
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- See results in as little as one night
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Designed for extremely dry and cracked feet
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-greasy
- Safe for diabetics
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Some people with extremely dry feet may not see great results
Whether you spend all day standing or walking for work, by the end of the day not only are you exhausted, but your feet are tired too. Along with giving them a hydration boost, the Aveda Foot Relief Moisturizing Cream is designed to soothe tired feet, thanks to a blend of fruit acids and natural plant-based oils. The fruit acids work to exfoliate, while oils like jojoba and castor oil focus on moisture infusion.
You’ll also get a burst of invigoration thanks to the inclusion of peppermint and tea tree oils. This pick is not only cruelty-free but also paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free. This is also a great solution for seasonal dry skin due to less moisture in the air. Buy it at Nordstrom!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 1.4 oz.
- Skin Type: Dry
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, castor oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, exfoliating fruit acids
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
- Fragrance: Minty
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Smooths and invigorates rough, tired feet
Cons
- Some people may dislike the thin formula
- The minty scent might appear too strong
The best way to banish dry, rough skin on your feet is through exfoliation. This three-ounce tube is specifically designed for dry, flaky, and rough skin. It features a patented 15% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) formula that helps to exfoliate and reveal soft, healthy skin. It also contains emollients to help hydrate rough skin. This is a podiatrist-recommended moisturizer that aids in locking in moisture while humectants work to reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin. The fragrance-free, non-greasy formula also helps to soften calluses and repair splits or cracks in the skin. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 3 oz.
- Skin Type: Dry
- Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycerin, petrolatum, mineral oil
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Fragrance-free and non-greasy
- Softens calluses, improves appearance of splits and cracks in skin
- AHA exfoliates
- Podiatrist-recommended foot moisturizer
Cons
- Stinging and irritation can occur with use
- Not paraben-free
The best way to keep your feet soft is by regularly using a foot cream – ideally every day. This cream contains 21 essential minerals, like magnesium, potassium hydrate, and calcium. It’s a fast-absorbing formula that not only hydrates but also isn’t greasy. Other key ingredients like salicylic acid work to slough dead skin, while jojoba oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E help to hydrate. This foot cream is formulated without parabens and is designed to prevent the formation of cracks or the development of irritated skin. Buy it at Ulta!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 3.4 oz.
- Skin Type: All
- Key Ingredients: Magnesium, potassium hydrate, calcium, salicylic acid, vitamin E, jojoba oil, avocado oil
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No/Yes
- Fragrance: No
Pros
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula
- Paraben-free
- Designed to prevent cracks and irritation
Cons
- May not be as effective for more severely dry feet
Dr. Scholl’s has been a trusted name in foot care for decades, which is why we’re featuring their Ultra Hydrating Foot Cream as the best pro pick. It contains 25% urea, which is perfect for repairing dry, cracked feet. It also contains Epsom salt and essential oils to improve the look and feel of your feet. We also like that it’s an affordable solution.
This lotion promises 24 hours of moisturization that works to restore your skin’s natural moisture balance. You’ll also get essential oils, like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, which work to penetrate and soothe dry, irritated skin. Note that this Dr. Scholl’s foot cream is a professional-strength formula with triple action to moisturize, repair, and soothe. Buy it on Amazon!
Key Features
- Format: Squeeze-on cream
- Size: 3.5 oz.
- Skin Type: Dry, very dry
- Key Ingredients: Urea, Epsom salt, peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus oils
- Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No/No
- Fragrance: Yes
Pros
- Professional-strength formula
- Designed to moisturize, heal, and repair dry, irritated, cracked skin
- 24-hour moisturizing support
- Restores skin’s natural moisture balance
Cons
- Urea content not safe for use while nursing
What to Look for in the Perfect Foot Cream for You?
As with other beauty products, when you’re shopping for the perfect foot cream, you need to be aware that everyone’s preferences are going to vary. Along with ensuring that you’re picking a cream that’s compatible with your foot care needs, you also need to consider a few other factors.
Your Foot Care Issues
Some people struggle with severe dryness, while others have rough calluses or corns that they want to minimize. Meanwhile, in more serious cases, some people have cracked heels that needs to be repaired. And on the other end of the spectrum, a person who routinely exfoliates their feet with a pumice stone may simply be focused on average hydration. Knowing the current condition of your feet or what specific issues you need to tackle can help you narrow your search.
Ingredients
By default, the majority of foot creams are formulated with serious moisture-loving ingredients and occlusives, like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, petrolatum, squalane, or shea butter. These are the types of standard ingredients you’re most likely to find in even generic heel creams. However, depending on your foot concerns, you might need additional ingredients to correct specific issues.
For example, people with rough skin, cracks, or even calluses and corns on their feet are better served by more serious active ingredients, like urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. These are exfoliating ingredients that can help to slough off dead skin and reveal smoother, healthier skin. But for someone who doesn’t have those foot concerns, those ingredients may be unnecessary and can even irritate.
Similarly, urea, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil are especially effective if you have a fungal condition. All three are best known for their antibacterial and deeply penetrating properties, even through rough skin or thick calluses.
If you have sensitive skin, opt for foot creams with neem oil and karanja oil, both of which are natural ingredients, and avoid fragrance.
Not only do you need to know what active ingredients are included in a foot cream formula, but also the amounts. As a general rule, the higher the percentage or closer to the top of the ingredient list, the stronger that ingredient will be.
Conversely, many people are opposed to ingredients like petrolatum, which is a derivative of petroleum. Similarly, some foot creams contain parabens and other harsh ingredients. So, knowing what’s in your foot cream can help you make an informed decision.
Results Timeline
Not all foot creams are created equal when it comes to how quickly you can expect to see results. A cream that lacks active ingredients is usually designed to work slowly, showing improvement over a longer period. Conversely, creams with higher concentrations of active ingredients can often produce results in a few days.
If you’re shopping for a foot cream because you’re quickly trying to convert rough, troubled skin into soft and smooth skin, then you’re going to want to look for creams that can quickly provide results. Conversely, if you’re simply seeking a general moisturizer to maintain softness, you won’t be as concerned about how quickly the product works.
Texture
Foot creams come in a variety of textures, from ointments to salves to lotions and creams. Again, depending on your foot concerns, when you’re applying it (i.e. day versus night) and preference, the texture you like most may vary.
As a general rule, foot creams designed to be ultra-hydrating or to repair damaged skin are usually going to be thicker or heavier. Additionally, some may even be a bit greasy because they’re intended to be used overnight for deep hydration. But these would be too heavy for daytime use, as you could find yourself slipping around your home or even ruining clothing. If you want to avoid greasy formulas, opt for creams that promote fast absorption with a non-greasy formula.
Quantity vs. Price
This is another factor that’s going to vary in importance, depending on how frequently you’re using a foot cream and whether or not you’re shopping within a tight budget. As with any other health and beauty product category, foot and heel creams are available in a wide range of price points and sizes.
But if you’re focused on a daily cream, you want something that is a larger size and affordable. And in the case of foot creams designed to repair rough or dry skin, you may find yourself using more of that product – meaning that you’ll want to find a choice that pairs the right size with a wallet-friendly price.
Foot Cream FAQs
Below, we answer some common foot and heel cream questions to help you figure out when and how to use it correctly.
If you’re consistent with foot care, such as routinely exfoliating your feet every week, caring for your toenails, and regularly moisturizing your feet, you may find that you don’t need a dedicated foot cream. You may be just as equally served with a good body moisturizer.
However, even for people who are diligent with their foot care, it’s possible to have issues arise, such as the occasional callus from wearing shoes that are too tight or developing a corn from irritating footwear. Having a foot cream on hand can be a good way to reset your feet and restore them to their former glory.
You may also find that your foot care needs can change over time. For example, you might need a stronger cream in the winter months when you’re less likely to get routine pedicures, and your feet aren’t on display. A stronger cream might be thicker with more hydrating ingredients or contain exfoliants to prevent excessive rough skin.
Foot creams, much like any other moisturizer, should be used daily. However, this will depend on the type of foot cream you own and the recommended application instructions. If you opt for a cream with active ingredients, it’s always best to follow the directions to ensure the best results. Still, your feet need moisture and hydration, just like the rest of your body. To keep them looking their best, you should be moisturizing them often.
This is going to depend on the foot cream you select. Traditional hydration-only creams will require repeated and sustained use to see results. Conversely, creams that contain active ingredients, like urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, can work faster.
In some cases, you can find a foot cream or ointment that promises to provide results in as little as one day. This doesn’t mean that your feet will be perfect in just one day, but that you will begin to see improvement within a day.
Depending on who you talk to, Vaseline or petroleum jelly is either a must-have for a good foot cream or an ingredient that should be avoided at all costs. If you’re focused on clean beauty products, then Vaseline or generic petroleum jelly – along with any product that contains petrolatum – won’t be an option for you.
However, you’ll find that petrolatum is a popular ingredient in many foot creams because it’s effective at supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier and can aid in sealing in moisture. It can also help to prevent damaged skin, such as cracked heels or severely dry skin, from getting worse.
But there’s a catch. While petroleum jelly is good as an included ingredient within a foot cream, it’s not ideal as a stand-alone moisturizer.
Petroleum jelly isn’t absorbed by the skin but rather sits on top of it. This means that your skin isn’t getting hydrated if you solely use petroleum jelly, and the skin won’t improve over time. If you still want to incorporate Vaseline into your foot care routine, start by hydrating your skin with real foot cream or lotion. You can then follow up at night with a thin layer of Vaseline to help seal in the moisture.
Wearing socks after applying foot cream is a great way to lock in moisture and ensure that moisture-rich ingredients work into the skin’s layers. However, you can’t just grab a pair of regular socks for this. Instead, you’re going to want to look for socks specifically designed as moisturizing socks. These socks are usually thinner and made from smooth material so that they don’t rub the moisturizer off of your feet.
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