Editor’s tip: Don’t fully dry off after your shower. “The best time to moisturize your feet is when they’re still damp,” says Dr. Freeman. “Partially pat them dry, then apply your cream. If you’re moisturizing before bed, layer it thick and pop on a white cotton sock to lock it all in.”
Key ingredients: African shea butter, mango butter, black currant oil | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Exfoliating: CeraVe Moisturizing Salicylic Acid Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Why we love it: While you can technically use CeraVe Moisturizing Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Body Cream anywhere on your body where rough, bumpy skin occurs, dermatologists especially love it for feet. “This is one of my go-to over-the-counter creams that I often recommend in my clinic. It works wonders on dry, cracked feet when used regularly. It’s an excellent maintenance product for those dealing with frequent thick calluses buildup. Thanks to the salicylic acid in this formula, callus formation is noticeably slowed,” says Dr. Sharkey. Along with exfoliating salicylic acid, the cream is packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to soothe rough skin and lock in moisture.
Editor’s tip: Apply the cream before bed and slip on a pair of socks to keep it from rubbing off on your sheets, ensuring it fully absorbs into your skin overnight.
Key ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Night Cream: O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Night Treatment Foot Cream
Why we love it: Sometimes, a lightweight cream just won’t cut, especially when your feet are seriously cracked, dry, and downright angry. The O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Night Treatment Foot Cream is a rich, heavy-duty formula of shea butter, glycerin, and deep conditioning oils your heels have been waiting for. It absorbs well but has a lot of slip, which makes it the perfect intensive overnight treatment. As you snooze, it locks in moisture, smooths rough patches, and helps restore softness. What’s better than waking up to happy feet?
Editor’s tip: Try applying it after a shower when your feet are still slightly damp—when your skin is most absorbent.
Key ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, silicone | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to moisturize your feet with?
The best way to moisturize your feet is by using products that contain powerful hydrating and exfoliating ingredients specifically designed for thicker skin. “Look for emollient oils and humectants that hydrate while also breaking down extra keratin on the skin’s surface,” says Dr. Freeman. “Key ingredients to keep an eye out for are lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid — they help loosen up the bonds between skin cells, making it easier for your feet to shed dead skin and stay smooth.”
How can I fix my extremely dry feet?
Fixing dry feet starts with daily care. “Wash between your toes and dry well afterward — don’t just rely on shower water,” says Dr. Sharkey. Exfoliate up to twice a week with a sugar scrub or pumice stone for more manual exfoliation. For moisturizing, “The best time is when your feet are wet, like after a shower. Apply a thick emollient and slip on cotton socks for optimal hydration — I love doing this before bed for overnight softness,” says Dr. Freeman. For extra pampering, “foot soaks can be done weekly with Epsom salts or moisturizing oils, followed by your foot moisturizer,” adds Dr. Sharkey.
How to get rid of hard skin on feet permanently?
Getting rid of hard skin on your feet can be tricky because “calluses happen due to foot structure, pressure patterns, and sometimes genetics,” says Dr. Sharkey. While you can’t eliminate them completely, you can manage and reduce them. “Tools like the Amope Pedi Perfect, Pumice Valley Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone, or the Rikans Colossal Foot Rasp work great on manually removing calluses. The best time to use them is after a shower or bath when your skin is soft. Start slow and don’t overdo it, or you’ll leave your skin raw and tender,” says Dr. Freeman. For extremely dry skin, try incorporating a paraffin wax treatment or a foot mask like Baby Foot Original Exfoliation Foot Peel. “Moisturize daily and wear shoes that fit properly to reduce friction,” says Dr. Sharkey.
Meet the experts
- Amy Freeman, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Millburn, NJ
- Anne M. Sharkey, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist at North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Cedar Park, TX
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
