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Do you have rough, cracked heels? Well, the best foot creams can help you fix this concern. Moisturizing our feet is essential to keep the skin smooth and healthy, and foot creams can help rehydrate your feet and say goodbye to flaky, rough skin. Moreover, foot creams are beneficial in taking care of calluses and other foot issues.
Using a foot cream can replenish your heels and prevent cracking. Thus, you should choose expert-recommended creams that contain nourishing and gentle formulas to keep your feet moisturized. Check out our list for some of the best healing foot creams that are known for their proven efficacy and can keep your heels soft and hydrated.
Top Picks
15 Best Foot Creams For Dry Feet And Cracked Heels In 2024
1. Best Moisturizing Dry Skin:O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream
O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream is extremely popular and claims to penetrate through rough, thick skin to help moisturize dry skin. You can use it after exfoliating the skin and before going to bed at night. Here’s a review video to help you understand the product better and make an informed choice.
Pros
- Heals cracked skin
- Moisturizes rough skin
- Softens dry skin
- Free from Fragrance
Cons
- Jar packaging
- The ingredients may not suit everyone
"I was a bit skeptical about this cream, but its hydrating formula transformed my dry feet. Despite being slightly greasy initially, the cream works well after exfoliating with a pumice stone in the shower, and keeps my feet crack-free. However, the result may not be as visible if your feet aren't severely dry or cracked. I would recommend it!"
2. Best Soothing:Curel Foot Therapy Cream
The Curel foot therapy cream is a fast-absorbing foot cream enriched with shea butter, vitamin E, and coconut milk. It soothes and provides deep hydration for dry and cracked feet by replenishing the skin’s ceramide levels.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Lasting hydration
- Skin-safe ingredients
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- May have a thin consistency
"Applying this foot cream before bed quickly revived my dry, cracked heels. It absorbs swiftly, and doesn't leave a greasy after-feel. Remarkably, my feet stayed soft for two to three days post-application. The smell is slightly overbearing for me, but despite that, I was surprised by its effectiveness."
3. Best Lightweight:Gold Bond Foot Cream Triple Action Relief
Cracked heels not only make your feet look ugly but can also be very painful. This non-greasy, lightweight, vitamin-enriched foot cream claims to treat cracked heels and provide much-needed relief from extremely dry skin.
Pros
- Helps repair cracked heels
- Moisturizes dry and rough skin
- Contains vitamin A, C, and E
- Mildly scented
Cons
- Cream may seem too oily
"The product is effective – my podiatrist recommended it due to its intensive moisturization and vitamin-rich formula. However, I did struggle to extract all the cream from the tube. Other than that, this was a good buy."
O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream Best Moisturizing Dry Skin | Curel Foot Therapy Cream Best Soothing | Gold Bond Foot Cream Triple Action Relief Best Lightweight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 3.19 x 3.19 x 1.31 inches | 2.83 x 3.46 x 10.06 inches | 1.88 x 5.5 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 4 Ounces | 0.16 Ounces | 4.7 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 69,540 | 611 | 4,954 |
| Price | $8.99 | $7.49 | $16.26 |
4. Best Diabetic Patients:Miracle Foot Repair Cream
Looking for a foot cream for diabetic patients? Here it is. Made from mature aloe leaves, this expert-recommended overnight foot cream claims to give relief from dry, cracked heels in just one night. This moisturizing foot cream can help treat Athlete’s foot and claims to be safe for people suffering from diabetes.
Pros
- Eliminates unpleasant odor
- Heals cracked heels
- Soothes aching feet
- Suitable for diabetics
Cons
- Scent may seem too strong
- Dispenser is too thin for thick cream
"Using this product for a month transformed my dry, cracked heels completely. Its light peppermint scent and non-greasy texture appealed to me. Apply it after a shower or with socks on at night, and it seales in moisture wonderfully. This lotion is now a household favorite."
Quick tip5. Best Nourishing:PurSources Urea 40% Foot Cream
Your feet do a lot of work for you, and in return, you can ensure that they stay healthy by giving them the nourishment they require. This dermatologist-tested urea foot cream for dry skin claims to treat rough skin and make it silky smooth so you can wear your favorite sandals without hesitation.
Pros
- Smoothen thick, cracked skin
- Can be used on elbows and knees
- Helps remove calluses
- Boosts blood circulation
Cons
- Tends to leave a white residue after drying
- Contains paraben
"The cream has helped tackle my stubborn calluses even with intermittent use. It feels slightly sticky and leaves a white residue initially, but it gets absorbed eventually. It has become an essential product for my foot-care routine. The cream is best applied post-shower."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 23,424 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
6. Best Ultra-Hydrating:Dr. Scholl’s Ultra Hydrating Foot Cream
Dr. Scholl’s ultra-hydrating cracked heel cream is infused with urea, Epsom salt, peppermint, and lavender essential oils to nourish and moisturize dry and cracked soles. Apart from providing hydration, this cream also restores the skin’s natural moisture balance for long-lasting and visible results.
Pros
- Provides 24-hour moisturization
- Penetrates deep into the skin
- Contains eucalyptus essential oil
- Professional-grade formula
Cons
- Might have a thick consistency
- May leave a slight greasy residue
"This Dr Scholl’s formula isn't very thick but is ultra moisturizing. It has transformed my dry, cracked heels to soft, adn its soothing scent has impressed me. It's now a part of my nightly routine."
7. Best Foot Repair:AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy
This intensive foot repair cream claims that the presence of lactic acid with emollients & humectants helps hydrate the skin to make it soft and smooth. It locks moisture and keeps dryness at bay.
Pros
- Helps exfoliate rough skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Moisturizes and softens skin
- Promotes skin’s natural renewal process
- Easy to use
Cons
- Contains paraben
- May have a strong unpleasant smell
"I was skeptical when my podiatrist suggested AmLactin. This product, boasting 15% lactic acid, delivers. My feet, previously rough and cracked, now feel noticeably smoother. I'm sticking with this one."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,113 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
Do remember8. Best For Hard Heels:Foot Miracle Cream
With a fresh scent and deep penetrating formula, this professional-grade cream claims to leave the skin soft to the touch. It helps treat hard heels and helps replenish thick skin.
Pros
- Helps soften rough, callused feet
- Works on knees and elbows too
- Lightweight, non-sticky formula
- Free of mineral oil or petroleum
Cons
- Scent might irritate people with a sensitive nose
"My skin felt pretty smooth from the first use. Its pleasant scent and non-greasy formula make it enjoyable to use. However, it may take some time to show long-lasting results. While meant for feet, it helped soften other dry skin areas like my knees and elbows."
9. Best For Dry And Rough Skin:Profoot Care Heel Rescue Superior Moisturizing Foot Cream
This foot cream for tired feet contains argan oil that offers multiple benefits and helps make skin smooth and soft. The cream helps treat dry and rough skin. Learn more about the product in this review video detailing a tester’s experience.
Pros
- Light, non-greasy formula
- Repairs cracked heels
- Works on rough knees and hands too
- Free of fragrance
- Clinically-proven formula delivers visible results
Cons
- Effects do not last long
"I discovered ProFoot a couple of years ago to remedy my dry, cracked heels, and I couldn't be happier. The cream is unscented, long-lasting, and not greasy. And although it's not as thick as you might expect for a heel rescue lotion, it works when applied with socks overnight."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 784 good reviews on Amazon.
10. Best Natural:Ancient Greek Remedy Organic Foot Cream
Offering the benefits of six natural raw oils, this callus remover cream claims to treat calluses and rough, cracked skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory formula helps eliminate odor and give relief from Athletes’ foot. This natural product also comes with a pumice stone for free.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients–virgin olive, sweet almond, grape seed, and lavender oils
- Rejuvenates skin and locks in moisture to keepfeet soft and smooth
- Treats skin troubles such as eczema, psoriasis and so on
- Helps repair damaged, cracked skin
- Vegan, gluten and paraben-free formula
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Thin consistency may seem disappointing
- Product quantity may seem relatively less
"After having tried countless treatments, I can say that this foot balm stands out for its effects on cracked feet. It tackles the issue in a few days. The texture is slightly sticky initially, but its pleasant scent and natural elements are a worthy trade-off."
11. Best Rejuvenating Skin:Probelle Advanced Total Foot Cream
Formulated to promote healthy feet, this cream claims to provide foot care by softening and rejuvenating the skin. It helps improve blood circulation and soothes cracked heels. This herbal foot cream contains natural ingredients such as aloe, avocado, tea tree extracts, and other active ingredients that help nourish the skin.
Pros
- Contains natural oils and extracts of skin-friendly herbs and plants
- Quick absorbent, non-greasy formula
- Helps relieve tired aching feet
- Free of paraben
Cons
- Natural scent can irritate sensitive nose
"I've struggled with dry, scaly heels for a long time and have tried numerous treatments with no success. This foot cream, however, made a noticeable difference. Within weeks, my feet were softer, and the persistent peeling reduced. It's thick but spreads easily, and wearing socks overnight enhances its effectiveness."
12. Best Medicinal:New York Biology Advanced Repair Tea Tree Foot Cream
Enriched with tea tree oil, shea butter, and aloe vera, this therapeutic foot cream soothes and protects the skin while keeping it hydrated. This cruelty-free foot cream with antiseptic properties also helps heal jock itch, nail fungus, athlete’s foot, and ringworm.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula and absorbs quickly
- Has antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Fresh scent
- Free of alcohols, parabens, and sulfates
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May take some time to witness results
- May not help with extreme cracking
"My cracked heels used to embarrass me in flip-flops until I discovered this cream. It took a few months but made a marked difference, making my skin softer and healthier. It is light, non-greasy, and has a soothing fragrance. I've already finished two jars and am on my third."
13. Best Relaxing:Natural Escapes Peppermint, Rosemary & Eucalyptus Massage & Foot Cream
Highly invigorating and relaxing, this peppermint foot cream claims to help with several leg and foot conditions, including arthritis, bunions, sciatica, and so on. It promotes blood circulation and helps tackle various skin conditions.
Pros
- Helps relieve joint, muscle pain and inflammation
- Heals dry, cracked heels
- Makes skin soft and velvety smooth
- Free of parabens, petroleum, synthetic fragrances, dyes, glycols or phthalates
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Has a strong fragrance
"This foot lotion caught my attention, and it didn't disappoint. It's amazing on my dry, cracked feet, leaving them soft after only a few uses. The consistency is slightly thin and watery, but aprat from this minor flaw, the essential oils in this formula help hydrate the skin."
14. Best Softening:Carol’s Daughter Lavender Mint Foot Cream
Infused with the soothing fragrance of peppermint oil and lavender, this softening foot cream claims to rejuvenate and calm tired feet, toes, and heels. Its creamy texture feels like butter on the skin and leaves the skin feeling satiny and soft.
Pros
- Soothes tired feet
- Effectively moisturizes dry skin
- Free of parabens, silicones, mineral oil, and other harmful chemicals
- No artificial colors
Cons
- Does not get absorbed quickly
"I adore this thick, creamy formula. It deeply moisturizes the skin, thanks to the shea butter and beeswax. Although the scent lacks the lavender it claims to have, there's a pleasing tingle from the peppermint oil. The non-greasy foot cream has outperformed many others I've tried."
15. Best Quick Absorbing:MagniLife Pain Relieving Foot Cream
This intense moisturizing foot-pain relief cream claims to treat extremely dry and rough skin. Its light formula gets absorbed quickly by thick skin and heals cracked skin. It is most effective when used after a bath or on moist skin.
Pros
- Helps relieve burning sensations due to nerve pain
- Softens heel cracks and fissures
- Non-greasy formula
- Clinically-proven formula
- Suitable for diabetics
Cons
- Contains paraben
- May not suit sensitive skin
"This cream has been helpful in managing foot problems such as aching heels and nerve pain. Its thick consistency and unique smell could be off-putting, but the results outshine these minor cons. The non-greasy formula absorbs into the skin quickly. I am quite satisfied with this one."
How To Choose The Right Foot Cream?
Choosing a foot cream is similar to selecting a face cream for yourself. Each cream addresses a certain skin problem, and you select one that addresses the problem you are facing. Here are some factors you can consider when hunting for a foot cream.
- Hydrating formula: Your feet might tend to get dry because of a lack of moisture. Look for a foot cream that can provide the hydration your skin requires. Ingredients such as shea butter, petrolatum, urea, or even glycerin are known to fight dryness and leave skin smooth and moisturized.
- Deodorizing foot creams: When you wear closed shoes the entire day, your feet might sweat and start smelling. In many cases, feet smell even when wearing open sandals. If smelly feet bother you, then try foot deodorant creams to help eliminate that smell.
- Skin condition: Lastly, if you are suffering from any skin condition, it is best you seek a qualified doctor’s advice and use a medicated cream to treat the problem.
Side Effects Of Using Foot Creams
Side effects of any skin product depend on its ingredients, usage, and the person’s skin type. The foot creams listed above are mostly considered safe. However, if you have an allergy to certain chemicals or other components usually used in skin creams, it is better you check the ingredients first before buying any cream.
Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a renowned New York-based dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says, “Always check the ingredients before using a new cream to make sure you aren’t allergic to any of them. And if you have athlete’s foot, see a dermatologist and get their recommendations.”
How To Take Care Of Your Feet?
If you wish to take better care of your feet, we have a very simple regime chalked out for you. Here are a few steps you can follow on a regular basis to take better care of your feet.
- Wash: Wash your feet every time you return home after spending time outdoors. Yes, we know you may be wearing shoes and socks, so your feet do not get soiled, but even in socks, your feet can become breeding ground for bacteria and fungus that can lead to smelly feet. Wash it with a good soap or bathing gel and gently wipe it dry with a washcloth.
- Soak: After a long tiring day, you may soak your feet in some warm water. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to it so your feet can smell great. If you are suffering from callused feet, then rub pumice stone or foot file over damp heels to smoothen rough skin.
- Apply foot cream: Before sleeping, you may apply any of the above-listed foot creams or moisturizers of your choice so that your feet feel fresh and soft in the morning. If you are suffering from dry and cracked heels or any other skin condition, you can apply the cream meant to treat the condition and wear a pair of old socks, so the cream does not rub off on your sheets.
- Apply sunscreen: Do not forget to apply sunscreen when stepping out in the sun wearing open sandals or even barefoot. People seldom apply sunscreen to their feet, but it is important you do it as it protects your skin from harmful rays of the sun.
- Additional care: You can take care of your toenails by applying some cuticle oil to it before retiring to bed. Occasionally, do visit a salon to get a pedicure and a good foot massage. Ensure that the tools used for the session are clean and hygienic.
Dr.Schwarzburg says, “Using a pumice stone before applying cream can help you get rid of dead skin cells and make your skin extra smooth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the benefits of foot creams?
Depending on the active ingredients used, most reputed foot creams can bestow either one or a combination of the following benefits:
- Nourish and moisturize feet
- Soften rough, calloused, and cracked feet
- Fight feet odor
- Rejuvenate tired feet
2. How often should I apply foot creams?
Depending on the condition of your skin, your skin-sensitivity levels, and the food cream’s formulation; they can be applied at least once (especially before sleeping) or even twice a day (1). Avoid slathering the cream in excess between the toes to keep infections at bay.
3. How do I apply foot creams?
Applying foot creams over washed, scrubbed, and pat-dried feet is recommended. Don’t forget to massage (in a circular motion) the cream into your skin. Soaking your feet at least once or twice a week before applying the cream can be more effective.
4. Do foot creams work?
If the creams contain certain natural fats, such as different types of butter, they may be considerably effective (2). It also depends on the severity of your foot’s xerosis, how religiously you adhere to the foot care regime, the nature of your work, and the formulation of the cream.
5. Should I put on socks after applying foot cream?
It’s advisable to put on socks after applying foot cream in order to keep your feet hydrated. It also prevents the cream from rubbing off on the bed sheet or footwear, respectively. You can wash the socks every second day.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag specializes in writing about fashion and beauty. Her experience is reflected in this article on the best foot creams available in the market, which have been chosen after carefully considering multiple user reviews. These refreshing foot creams can help make your feet look healthy and hydrated by adding a protective layer that nourishes and soothes. To help you pick the skincare product that best suits your needs, she has also added some pointers to consider for a smooth purchase.
The Bottom Line
With all the heavy lifting our feet do for us every day, it becomes essential to pamper them with some much-needed TLC. The options for the best foot creams listed here will replenish your skin with moisture and shield the natural skin barrier from drying out or cracking. These creams also help you feel more relaxed while preventing itchiness or irritation. The list includes the fast-absorbing Curel Foot Therapy Cream, the vitamin-enriched Gold Bond Foot Cream Triple Action Relief, and the aloe-infused Miracle Foot Repair Cream. Choose the most effective one for your needs by considering factors like the ingredients, fragrance, and if you’re looking for solutions for specific medical issues.
Infographic: Tips To Keep Your Feet Healthy And Beautiful
While we certainly use everything possible to keep our face and skin healthy and beautiful, we often forget to take care of our feet. This often leads to cracked heels and thickened skin. The infographic below explains how to keep your feet as beautiful as your hands by adding a few steps to your skincare regime.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Evaluation Of Foot Creams Formulation On Human Skin – A Novel Approach:
https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/api/file/viewByFileId/684190.pdf - Formulation And Evaluation Of Exotic Fat Based Cosmeceuticals For Skin Repair:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792546/
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