Take stock of your moisturizers — you likely have afacial cream,body lotionor even aneye creamandhand cream, but do you have one specifically for your feet? If not, you probably should, even if you already have soft and smooth feet, according to our experts.
It’s important to keep your feet moisturized and hydrated because they tend to get very dry, according to board-certified dermatologistDr. Jordan Carqueville. Since we put our feet through so much movement and activity throughout the day, dryness and cracks can form, says board-certified podiatristDr. Anne Sharkey. These cracks can become a gateway to inflammation and infections, says Carqueville.
That’s where foot creams come in. They’re not only a reactive solution to healing the skin from rough skin, but they also work as a preventative care measure and help your skin maintain a smooth and soft exterior.
I spoke to experts about the differences betweena body moisturizerand a foot cream, and what to look for when shopping for foot creams.
SKIP AHEADThe best foot creams|What causes dry and rough feet?|How to shop for a foot cream|Why trust NBC Select?
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Foot creams can help protect and improve your foot’s skin barrier, experts recommend I keep the following factors in mind when building this list:
- Foot condition: Foot creams often vary and formulated to target specific concerns like dryness, cracks, calluses and more. When shopping, it’s important to find one that’s targeted toward the issue you’re trying to resolve.
- Ingredients: A quality foot cream formula, like most moisturizers,hashumectants(ingredients that attract water and moisture), emollients (ingredients that lock in moisture and prevent water loss) and occlusives (ingredients that create a protective layer to prevent water loss.) However, because the skin on our feet is much thicker than the skin on the rest of our body, you can also look for formulas withchemical exfoliantsthat will remove dead accumulated skin to keep the texture of your feet smooth.
- Price: Foot creams will vary in price. I included options as low as $9 and as high as $35.
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Best for dry feet:Pedestrian Project Walkers Cream
What we like
- Protects and heals skin
- Antibacterial
- Soothing
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This option is a great everyday foot cream because it has ingredients that dually moisturize and exfoliate the skin, which benefit your overall skin health, says Sharkey. The rosemary-scented lotion is specifically formulated for feet, though you can also use it on your legs, according to the brand.
Key ingredients:shea butter, aloe leaf juice, moringa seed oil |Consistency:cream
Best for callused feet:PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream
What we like
- Softens feet
- Nongreasy
- Heals cracked heels
Something to note
- Thick consistency
This option can help reduce calluses, smooth heels, and prevent dry and scaly skin, according to the brand. Reviewers say the putty-like, tacky moisturizer shows quick results that they can see and feel, making it great for extreme cases or flare-ups. The cream, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 24,800 reviews on Amazon, is suitable for all skin types too, according to PurOrganica.
Key ingredients:urea, aloe vera, safflower seed oil, chamomile, tea tree oil |Consistency:cream
Best budget pick:Dr. Scholl’s Dry, Cracked Foot Repair Ultra-Hydrating Foot Cream
What we like
- Safe for diabetics
- Reduces irritation
- Very moisturizing
Something to note
- Thick consistency
This potent cream not only moisturizes the skin so your feet are less prone to dryness, it also heals and repairs cracked feet and soothes any irritation and discomfort. It has a high concentration of urea, which doubles as a moisturizer and exfoliant, according to the brand. Reviewers say it’s great for overall maintenance during summer months, but works great during colder seasons when the feet are more susceptible to dryness and irritation. This foot cream has a 4.5-star average rating from over 4,900 reviews on Amazon.
Key ingredients:urea, epsom salt, lactic acid, vitamin E |Consistency:cream
Best for repairing:AmLactin Foot Repair Cream
What we like
- Nongreasy
- Rich consistency
- Gently exfoliates skin
Something to note
- Smells unpleasant to some
This cream can help remove dead skin cells, soften calluses and improve cracks because of ingredients like ammonium lactate and glycerin, according to experts in our guide todry, cracked heels. Reviewers say that after the first few applications, they noticed a difference in the way their feet looked and felt. Although this moisturizer is free from common irritants like fragrances, some reviewers say it has a noticeable and strong smell, but they tolerate it because of the cream’s effectiveness.
Key ingredients:glycerin, lactic acid salts |Consistency:cream
Best for soothing: Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion
What we like
- Cooling sensation
- Softens calluses
- Relieves aches
Something to note
- Peppermint may be irritating
NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson has used this foot lotion for years — during her ballet dancer and marathon runner eras. She describes it as being refreshing and soothing after a long day, especially when you put on a cozy pair of socks after application. “Leave your socks on overnight and then you’ll wake up with the softest feet, rivaling only your time as a newborn,” says Swanson.
Key ingredients: glycerin, coconut oil, shea butter | Consistency: lotion
Best for cracked feet: SkinIntegra Rapid Crack Repair Cream
What we like
- Repairs the skin barrier
- Gently exfoliates skin
- Fast absorbing
Something to note
- Higher price point
If you have a condition that causes dry skin like diabetes or thyroid issues, or just have deep cracks on your feet, this is a great option, according to Sharkey, because of its consistency (it comes in ointment form) and ingredients, which she’s seen great results from in her patients. The ointment’s fragrance-free formula includes hydrating and exfoliating ingredients — this combination can also help soften and smooth calluses, according to the brand. Not only can you use this on your feet, but you can also use it on your hands and elbows, says Sharkey.
Key ingredients: urea, glycerin, lactic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Consistency: cream
Easy to apply: Olive & June Heel Balm
What we like
- Roll-on formula
- Moisturizing
- Repairs cracked skin
Something to note
- Can be greasy
Rather than applying your cream with your hands by dipping it in a tub or squeezing it out of a tube, reviewers say this foot balm has a mess-free application that only requires you to rub it on your heels directly. For the best results, roll on the balm once a week as a nighttime foot treatment and wear socks afterward to lock in moisture, according to the brand. It has a 4.6-star average rating from over 470 reviews at Target.
Key ingredients: coconut oil, jojoba seed oil | Consistency: balm
Best for blisters: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
What we like
- Large size for the price
- Can use elsewhere on your body
Something to note
- Very thick consistency
If you need to hydrate and protect your dry feet or need to find a moisturizer that can heal blisters, this may be the best option. The multipurpose ointment, which you can also apply all over your body, has ingredients like petrolatum (a skin protectant) and glycerin (a humectant that draws in moisture and strengthens the skin barrier). The formula’s especially great for sensitive skin or highly reactive skin, according to Caqueville.
Key ingredients: petrolatum, panthenol and glycerin | Consistency: ointment
Best for sore feet: Pedestrian Project Repair Balm
What we like
- Anti-inflammatory
- Soothing
- Can use elsewhere on your body
Something to note
- Higher price point
This Repair Balm can treat sore and achy muscles on your feet because of the tiny amount of CBD in its formula, says Sharkey. The easily spreadable balm (which is different from the brand’s cracked heel repair balm) helps decrease pain, hydrate the skin and lock in moisture, according to the brand. Reviewers say the non-greasy balm helps decrease aches after being on your feet all day and even helps relieve arthritis pain.
Key ingredients: shea butter, mango butter, black currant oil | Consistency: balm
Most moisturizing: O’Keeffe’s for Healthy Feet Foot Cream
What we like
- Prevents moisture loss
- Softens skin
- Most affordable on our list
Something to note
- Might sting
Apply this cream, which has a 4.6-star average rating from more than 83,600 reviews on Amazon, to your skin to create a protective layer that locks in moisture and repairs breakage. Reviewers say the formula, which has a whipped consistency, goes a long way, so you only need a small amount to see results. When applying, you may notice a stinging sensation, which according to the brand is normal. However, you should stop using it if the feeling continues after multiple uses and is persistent.
Key ingredients: urea, glycerin, allantoin | Consistency: cream
Best ointment: Prequel Foot Rescue Advanced Restorative Treatment
What we like
- Multitasking ointment
- Allergy-tested
Something to note
- Small size
This fragrance-free ointment functions in four ways: it exfoliates, softens and hydrates the feet and locks in moisture, according to the brand. Reviewers say it reduces cracks, calluses, rough patches and overall dryness within the first initial application. Many say it’s a small but mighty product, so be cautious not to go overboard when applying it — they recommend dispensing a dollop and massaging the product into the skin. Since it has a very thick, ointment-like consistency, it’s not as spreadable as a lotion or cream, so begin with a little and apply more as needed.
Key ingredients: urea, salicylic acid, malic acid, petrolatum | Consistency: ointment
Best scented: L’Occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream
What we like
- Large size
- Thick consistency
- Available in multiple sizes
Something to note
- Higher price point
L’Occitane makes some of our favorite products, including this highly rated foot cream, which has a 4.8-star average rating from 2,700 reviews on Amazon. This moisturizer is lightweight and absorbs quickly without making your feet feel greasy and oily; instead, it leaves them looking and feeling nourished, soft and smooth, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, panthenol | Consistency: cream
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There are a few different reasons why you might be combatting dry feet, according to experts.
- Weather: If you live in areas with dry climates, low humidity or cold winters, your feet might experience dryness, says Carqueville.
- Shoes: Chronic exposure from regularly wearing open-toe or open-heel shoes can also contribute to this issue, according to Carqueville.
- Skin type: Common skin care concerns like eczema and psoriasis can extend down to your feet. This can cause dryness and textural changes, experts say.
- Genetics: Some genetic conditions, like diabetes, vascular conditions, or thyroid issues, may cause dry skin on the palms and soles, says Sharkey.
- Foot types: Depending on your foot type, some areas on your feet may have more significant dryness and roughness than other parts. For example, those with really high arches or are heavier heel strikers will tend to develop more calloused, thickened skin, according to Sharkey.
Finding a cream that moisturizes your skin is important for maintaining and protecting the skin on your feet, so when shopping for one, the experts I spoke to recommend keeping a few different factors in mind.
IngredientsUrea is one of the best ingredients to look for in a foot cream, experts say. This is because it exfoliates and breaks down the dead skin barrier while helping keep the top layer of the skin hydrated, says Carqueville.
You’ll also want to consider using formulas with chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) or lactic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) because they can remove and break down the dead skin to reveal soft new skin and avoid worsening conditions, says Sharkey. Using a chemical exfoliant on your feet, also helps your skin absorb the moisturizing ingredients because there isn’t a layer of dead skin blocking it, says Carqueville.
ConsistencyMoisturizers can come in many forms, including lotions, creams, ointments and balms, with lotions being the most water-based and balms being the most oil-based. Water-based moisturizers are typically light and thin; in contrast, oil-based moisturizers have higher oil-to-water ratios and are, therefore, thicker and more occlusive, according to Carqueville.
When it comes to deciding which consistency is best for your feet, lotions and creams are great for overall maintenance, while balms and ointments are great for deeper cracks, fissures and heavily calloused areas, says Sharkey. Generally, ointments and balms are great options for your feet because they provide occlusive barriers and can repair and protect the skin barrier, says Carqueville.
Current foot conditionIf you have sores or blisters on the feet, be cautious about using foot creams with acids since these can sting and cause discomfort, according to Caqueville. Similarly, if your feet are red and itchy, which could indicate eczema or dermatitis, you will want to look for products with well-tolerated and gentle ingredients and are free from irritating additives like fragrances. For example, Vaseline or Aquaphor are great options in this case because they still provide hydration and lock in moisture, she says.
Frequently asked questions
Foot creams tend to be thicker than standard body moisturizers — which are usually more lightweight and easily spreadable — because they are more occlusive and often have ointment bases, according to Carqueville.
Not only will the consistency be different but also the ingredients will vary. Foot creams will sometimes have acids that help to remove excess layers of dead skin. This is important because they can help soften the skin, allowing moisture to penetrate better. It can also reduce the buildup of extra skin layers that can crack and appear as thickened yellow plaques or scales, says Carqueville.
You should moisturize your feet daily just like you would the rest of your body and your face, experts say. Generally, you should minimize how often you use products with exfoliating ingredients on your face and body since your skin can become easily irritated. But when it comes to foot care, there’s more room to use them frequently since the layer of skin on the feet is so thick that it can tolerate the ingredients and remove dead parts without shedding too much of its protective layer, according to experts in our Baby Foot peel review.
If you’re seeing rashes, sores or blisters on your feet, consider seeing a board-certified dermatologist. If you’re just looking for general maintenance, experts recommend moisturizing and exfoliating regularly and wearing properly fitted socks and shoes. If your socks and shoes do not fit correctly, you run the risk of rubbing and forming blisters, which can lead to irritation, says Sharkey.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Jordan Carqueville is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist and dermatologic surgeon at Derm Institute of Chicago.
- Dr. Anne Sharkey is a board-certified podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Texas.
I’m an associate reporter at NBC Select covering skin care, hair care and gift guides, including recent stories on the best lotions for eczema and shampoos for dry hair. For this story, I interviewed a dermatologist and podiatrist, shared their recommendations and researched highly rated foot creams that met their guidance.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
Bianca Alvarez
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter at NBC Select.
