Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (2024)

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (1)

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When it comes to skincare, it seems that we’re always focused on the best moisturizers for our face and the best hand lotions—but what about our feet? “Many people forget to moisturize their feet. They don’t see their feet as an important area to moisturize as their face and hands,” notes Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules.

But your feet deserve a daily dose of hydration (and pampering!) with the very best foot creams—especially for all that they go through every day. Not only do they experience chronic pressure from walking and standing all day, they also withstand chronic rubbing from your shoes, trauma from exercise, and even conditions like psoriasis and athlete’s foot, all of which can lead to dry skin, cracked heels, and even calluses.

In fact, your feet are naturally drier than other parts of your body, as the bottom of your foot has a thicker stratum corneum (a.k.a. protective dead layer of skin on the surface) that’s “designed to protect the surface on which we walk,” explains Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics and clinical associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York.

Meet the Experts: Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules; Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics and clinical associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York; Ramsey Markus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Westside Dermatology in Seattle; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas.

That’s where a good foot cream comes in to the rescue, helping to hydrate, soothe, and heal even the most dry, cracked feet. But with so many options out there, which foot cream is right for you? We asked the dermatologists and podiatrists above to recommend their favorites, and we also sifted through countless products online to find the top-rated picks that reviewers swear by. The best part is, you can find most of them at drugstore prices.

Our top picks

Ready for your feet to feel silky-soft? Ahead, check out the best foot creams to moisturize and soothe dry, cracked skin.

1

Best Overall Foot Cream

Healing Ointment

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Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (9)Comes in a rich balm
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (10)Multi-purpose
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (11)Over 71,000 ratings on Amazon
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (12)Some reviewers say it’s too greasy

“I like heel balms,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Creams and lotions are good, but look for balms because they are richer.” She recommends Aquaphor’s healing ointment for dry, cracked feet because it contains panthenol (a form of vitamin B5 to help retain moisture) and glycerin (to draw water from the air into the skin’s outer layer). The best part? The multipurpose product can be used beyond your feet on dry, cracked, or irritated hands, elbows, and even lips. It’s also a popular best-seller, boasting 4.8 stars on Amazon from over 71,000 ratings.

Active IngredientsPetrolatum (41%)
Size14 oz

2

Best Foot Cream for Calluses

Urea 40% Foot Cream

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Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (14)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (15)Contains skin-nourishing ingredients
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (16)Softens dry, cracked skin and calluses
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (17)Absorbs quickly
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (18)Some reviewers say it leaves a white residue

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to find a quality foot cream, says Ramsey Markus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Westside Dermatology in Seattle. For less than $20, he likes this top-rated tub from PurSources, which contains 40% urea. “Urea is the most popular ingredient [in foot creams], as it smooths rough skin and kills the fungus responsible for athlete’s foot,” he explains. It also contains nourishing botanical oils, tea tree oil (which has natural antibacterial properties), and soothing aloe vera. Reviewers love how quickly it absorbs to hydrate dry, cracked skin, with one raving that it “transformed my rough, dry, callused feet to soft, smooth, healthy ones!”

Active IngredientsUrea (40%)
Size4 oz

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3

Best Value Foot Cream

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic Moisturizing Foot Cream

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (19)

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (20)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (21)Contains hydrating coconut butter
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (22)Soothes sore feet
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (23)Affordable
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (24)Some reviewers say it’s too greasy

At only $4, this foot cream is super affordable, but it also has great reviews, earning over 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Its ultra-hydrating formula is packed with coconut butter, a natural moisturizer, as well as Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps to soothe and improve skin tone. Additionally, peppermint oil helps refresh and soothe sore, tired feet.

“Best $4 I ever spent,” wrote a satisfied Amazon customer. “This product has saved my feet. I have tender spots that rub and make standing and walking uncomfortable, and I work 12 hour shifts, so that is unacceptable, but since using this product my feet have been softer and in less pain.”

Active IngredientsCocoa butter, vitamin E, peppermint oil
Size2.1 oz

4

Best Foot Cream for Rough Skin

O’Keefe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (25)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (26)Contains hydrating ingredients
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (27)A little goes a long way
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (28)Over 58,000 ratings on Amazon
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (29)Some reviewers say it leaves feet sticky

With more than 58,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this popular pick from O’Keefe’s is Amazon’s number one best-selling foot cream and is a clear customer favorite. Its ultra-hydrating formula contains a high concentration of glycerin, along with allantoin (a skin-protecting compound) to boost moisture levels in rough, dry skin.

“This stuff works. Like most everyone else, I have tried every paste, cream, solution, pumice stone, skin grinder, etc. to find something that would get rid of the thick, ugly, and painful cracked skin on my diabetic feet,” one reviewer wrote. “I am absolutely amazed! After two weeks (with only one daily application) my feet looked and felt like a baby’s. I am not kidding.”

Active IngredientsGlycerin, allantoin
Size3.2 oz

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5

Best Foot Cream for Sore Feet

The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion

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Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (31)Cooling effect that helps relieve sore feet
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (32)Lightweight and non-greasy
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (33)Refreshing peppermint scent
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (34)May not be as effective in hydrating as other options

Have dry, cracked feet that are also sore and achey? This top-rated foot cream from The Body Shop is formulated with peppermint essential oil, which offers a natural cooling sensation for soothing relief. But it also moisturizes and softens dry feet at the same time thanks to hydrating ingredients like glycerin, and it comes in a lightweight, non-greasy consistency.

“I love this foot cream. I have been buying it for years; it does wonders for diabetic feet like mine. It helps ease the soreness and the aches, the smell is great, and it is very moisturizing,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “Love this lotion for my tired feet. Cools and smooths them before getting into bed,” another said.

Active IngredientsPeppermint oil, glycerin
Size8.4 oz

6

Best Foot Cream for Cracked Heels

Dr. Scholl’s Severe Cracked Heel Repair Restoring Balm

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (35)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (36)Repairs dry, cracked heels
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (37)Contains hydrating ingredients
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (38)Comes in an easy-to-use balm form
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (39)Some reviewers dislike the smell

If you’re looking to soften up dry, cracked heels, look no further than this top-rated pick from Dr. Scholl’s, which comes in an easy-to-use balm form that you can apply directly onto skin. It’s specifically designed to heal and repair severely cracked and tough skin on the heels, moisturizing and filling in cracks and leaving behind a rich layer of protection. The hydrating formula contains 25% urea, which helps draw in moisture, as well as skin-soothing shea butter and cocoa butter.

One Amazon reviewer swears it’s a “life saver,” writing: “After just three days of use, my feet are no longer cracked, sore, or dry. In fact, I don’t even remember the last time my feet were this soft.”

Active IngredientsUrea (25%), shea butter, cocoa butter
Size2.5 oz

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7

Best Foot Cream for Sensitive Skin

Foot Cream with Salicylic Acid

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Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (41)Non-irritating for sensitive skin
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (42)Gently exfoliates
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (43)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (44)Not a lot of product for the price

This pick from CeraVe is a “great all-around cream and works excellent for dry and cracked skin,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas. Dr. Jaliman also recommends it because it contains salicylic acid, which gently buffs away dead skin cells on rough feet, along with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate. The formula is also gentle, fragrance-free, and non-irritating—it even earned a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

Active IngredientsSalicylic acid, ammonium lactate, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Size3 oz
Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (46)Non-greasy
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (47)Absorbs quickly
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (48)Gently exfoliates
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (49)Some reviewers say it’s too watery

Eucerin’s foot cream has a great combination of ingredients to smooth and moisturize dry feet: urea and glycerin to draw in moisture, ceramides to repair the skin’s natural barrier, and lactic acid to gently exfoliate. Unlike many foot creams, this non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and never feels too thick.

One Amazon reviewer called it “the best foot cream I’ve ever used,” writing, “I absolutely love this cream. It makes my feet feel so soft and moisturized, without them feeling oily or greasy. The cream is very easy to apply and easily rubs in.”

Active IngredientsUrea, lactic acid
Size3 oz

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9

Best Exfoliating Foot Cream

Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (50)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (51)Gently exfoliates
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (52)Treats and softens up calluses, splits, and cracks
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (53)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (54)May not be great for sensitive skin

This cream from AmLactin “exfoliates and moisturizes,” says Dr. Jaliman. “It has lactic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid, and it helps to get rid of the rough skin on your feet.” This hydrating formula also contains a blend of humectants and emollients to effectively moisturize and smooth cracks and roughness. Bonus: It’s completely fragrance-free.

“Wow! It works! After applying AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy to my feet twice a day for a week my feet were smoother than they have been for ages, and the dead skin was gone,” wrote one reviewer.

Active IngredientsLactic acid (15%)
Size3 oz

10

Most Hydrating Foot Cream

Curél Foot Therapy Cream

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (55)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (56)Absorbs quickly
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (57)Non-greasy
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (58)Great smell
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (59)Comes in a small size

Infused with shea butter, coconut milk, and vitamin E, this creamy lotion claims to soften and hydrate cracked feet in just two nights. Reviewers say it actually gives quick results, too, raving that the rich formula smells great, absorbs quickly into skin, and softens and moisturizes feet without leaving it feeling greasy.

“This stuff works and fast!” said one Amazon shopper. “First time I used this on my cracked heels I was totally amazed at how fast it worked. Put it on my feet before bed and after two nights there was such a difference in my foot’s condition.”

Active IngredientsCeramides, glycerin, vitamin E
Size3.5 oz

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11

Best Multi-Purpose Foot Cream

Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream

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Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (61)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (62)Can be used on other parts of your body
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (63)Non-greasy
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (64)Absorbs quickly
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (65)Some reviewers say it’s too thick

If you haven’t yet been influenced by the cult following of Skin Food, now is the time. With 4.5 stars on Amazon from more than 30,000 ratings, this thick, emollient cream deeply hydrates and nourishes skin with extracts of rosemary, chamomile, and pansy, as well as beeswax and sunflower oil. It’s also great for multi-purpose use: It works on heels, elbows, hands, and even the face. Reviewers say that it smells great and is rich and thick, but still soaks in fast without feeling greasy.

“This product is game changer! It’s pricey for the size but well worth it for effectiveness of healing dry, chapped hands and feet,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “It is a thick cream, so a little goes a long way, and it really does seem to nourish the skin.”

Active IngredientsRosemary, chamomile, pansy, beeswax, sunflower oil
Size2.5 oz

12

Best Splurge Foot Cream

Resurface Problem Dry Skin

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Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (67)Gently exfoliates
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (68)Can be used on other parts of your body
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (69)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (70)Pricey

“Neostrata PDS cream contains 20% glycolic acid and improves even the thickest scale after a few days of use,” says Dr. Waldorf. It’s also packed with lactic and mandelic acids, nourishing vitamin E, and dimethicone to seal everything in. The fragrance-free formula really buffs away roughness, and you can feel free to use this one on your elbows, knees, and any other persistent dry patches.

“My dermatologist recommended this product to put on my heel/foot that seems to have terrible dryness like eczema...This helps to make my heel softer and not cracked and painful,” wrote one Dermstore shopper.

Active IngredientsGlycolic acid (20%), lactic acid
Size3.4 oz

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13

Best Shea Butter Foot Cream

L’Occitane 15% Shea Butter Foot Cream

Pros
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (72)Absorbs quickly
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (73)Non-greasy
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (74)Amazing scent
Cons
  • Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (75)Pricey

Shea butter’s occlusive properties are amazing when it comes to foot creams, and this one packs a punch with 15% of the ingredient. It also contains a blend of arnica and lavender essential oils to soothe and relax tired feet. Reviewers say the cream is rich and thick but fast-absorbing and non-greasy. They also love the “incredible” smell.

“I think it’s the best moisturizer that I’ve had. It’s thick and creamy. It’s so smooth, you can’t wait to rub it on, but it soaks in right away,” wrote one customer. “It’s like it’s what your skin has been waiting for its whole life...My feet are as smooth as a baby’s butt!”

Active IngredientsShea butter (15%)
Size5.2 oz

How to choose the best foot cream

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (76)

✔️ Look for exfoliators and skin-smoothers: An effective foot cream also contains exfoliating ingredients that help speed skin cell turnover, like salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids. “Getting rid of dead skin is important to keep feet looking their best,” says Dr. Jaliman. While it’s tempting to just use a pumice stone to remove flakes and scale, make sure you’re always following with a foot cream. “Otherwise, you aren’t changing the root of the problem,” Dr. Waldorf says.

✔️ Find hydrating ingredients: Dr. Jaliman recommends looking for hydrating ingredients, specifically humectants that “will draw water into the skin cells,” such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea. You’ll also want to look for occlusives (to seal in other ingredients and moisture), such as petrolatum, ceramides, dimethicone, and shea butter.

✔️ Consider the right formula for your needs. Thick, deeply moisturizing creams are generally ideal for treating dry and cracked feet. If you have sensitive skin, though, you’ll specifically want to look for formulas that are fragrance-free and contain gentle ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. Additionally, if you have tired, achey feet, consider a formula that contains ingredients specifically meant to provide soothing relief, like cooling peppermint oil.

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Benefits of foot creams

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Using foot creams go beyond just having soft, nice-looking feet—it’s actually also vital to your health. “Skin is the largest organ in our body. Keeping our skin barrier healthy, particularly in the feet, is so important,” says Sharkey. “When skin is dry and cracked, this allows a portal of entry for bacteria and fungus which can cause infection.”

That’s why applying the best foot creams, which can help restore hydration in dry skin and heal calluses and cracked heels, is important. “Foot creams are essential in a skin care regimen aimed to optimizing foot health,” Sharkey says.

How often should you apply foot creams?

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You should apply foot cream daily, according to Sharkey. As for the best time of day to apply them, both Sharkey and Dr. Markus agree that slathering them on after a shower is best. “Optimally, cream should be applied after showering when the skin is moist and creams are more easily absorbed,” she says.

You can further help your skin absorb the moisturizing creams by putting on socks and leaving them on overnight. This ensures your skin has enough time and ability to really absorb the product as you sleep. “For an extra boost, stick your moisturized foot in a baggie or plastic wrap under a sock for all or part of an evening,” adds Dr. Waldorf. Sharkey also recommends this trick, explaining: “The heat generated with this treatment will further increase the absorption of the foot cream.”

Dr. Waldorf also advises applying foot cream whenever you’re going to wear gym socks (say, before a hike) to reduce friction and blisters and to moisturize while you’re working out.

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How we chose the best foot creams

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We consulted top dermatologists, including Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules; Heidi Waldorf, M.D., founder of Waldorf Dermatology Aesthetics and clinical associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York; Ramsey Markus, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Westside Dermatology in Seattle; as well as Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist with the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas. Additionally, we poured through thousands of reviews, ratings, and specs online to find the best foot creams out there.

Why trust us

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For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (81)

Alisa Hrustic

Deputy Editor, Prevention

Alisa Hrustic is the deputy editor at Prevention, where she leads the brand’s digital editorial strategy. She’s spent the last five years interviewing top medical experts, interpreting peer-reviewed studies, and reporting on health, nutrition, weight loss, and fitness trends for national brands like Women’s Health and Men’s Health. She spends most of her days diving into the latest wellness trends, writing and editing stories about health conditions, testing skincare products, and trying to understand the next greatest internet obsession.

Dermatologists Say These Creams Work Wonders on Dry, Cracked Feet (2024)
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