The harsh, bitter cold of the winter months can wreak havoc on our entire bodies, and our feet are no exceptions to the rule. Dryness, scaly patches, cracked heels — it seems like every time we even think about taking one step forward, we’re sadly two steps behind. Luckily, there are a host of foot creams out there to help with much-needed hydration.
“A great foot cream is thick and loaded with ingredients that soften and repair,” says Mary Alice Mina, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and host of The Skin Real. “Look for urea to exfoliate and hydrate, salicylic acid to slough off rough skin, and occlusives like shea butter or petrolatum to lock in moisture.”
I’m no stranger to cracked heels — I’ve actually suffered from dry feet ever since my early teens. It’s no wonder, then, that I went in search of the best foot creams to help combat dryness and leave feet looking and feeling undeniably soft and smooth.
Keep reading to find out what to look for in a foot cream, along with expert picks and a few editor favorites from brands like Eucerin, Gold Bond, Sol de Janeiro and Burt’s Bees.
What is the best cream to use on your feet?
Look for formulas that are thick and rich, since the skin on your feet is pretty darn tough.
“The skin on the feet is very thick and requires heavy-duty moisturizer ingredients that can penetrate deeply and retain hydration,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlosukaya, MD/PhD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City.
“Look for ingredients such as petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, glycerin, urea and ammonium lactate.”
Best foot creams, according to experts
Budget friendly: Gold Bond Softening Foot Cream
- Affordable
- Nourishing ingredients
- Can feel greasy
Key ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, African shea butter, silk amino acids | Size: 4 oz.
For a nourishing foot cream that won’t break the bank, look no further than this one from Gold Bond. It’s a favorite of Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS, a board-certified dermatologist, for anyone that needs a little extra hydration.
“It contains aloe, shea butter and glycerin to offer fast-absorbing moisture, which is ideal for those with very dry or rough feet,” she says. Not to mention it also has a silk peptide matrix, jojoba and essential oils, which all work in tandem to banish dryness.
Formulated with coconut oil: Burt's Bees Coconut Oil Foot Cream
- Recycled packaging
- Somewhat greasy formula
Key ingredients: Coconut oil, botanicals, peppermint, lanolin, glycerin | Size: 4.3 oz.
If you have rough feet, Daughtry recommends this refreshingly scented foot cream. “This formula contains coconut oil, lanolin and rosemary extract for deep moisturization,” she says. The deeply penetrating formula helps prevent dry, cracked and rough skin, thanks in large part to the inclusion of the aforementioned coconut oil (and ingredients like glycerin). Plus, it comes in recyclable packaging.
Hydrating heel balm: Flexitol Heel Balm
- Unique balm formula
- Convenient squeeze tube
- Has a slight scent
Key ingredients: Aloe, vitamin E, lanolin, glycolic acid, tea tree oil, urea | Size: 4 oz.
Mina calls this healing balm “a must-have for seriously dry feet.” She especially likes the fact that it’s formulated with 25% urea, and that it’s “clinically proven to repair cracks in just a few days,” she says. In addition to moisturizing urea, the non-greasy balm helps nourish the skin with aloe, vitamin E, shea butter, lanolin, glycolic acid and tea tree oil. It’s no wonder that it ranks in the top 20 foot creams on Amazon.
Most recommended: AmLactin Foot Repair Cream
- Can order with a pair of socks
- Non-greasy, rich formula
- Has a strong, unpleasant smell
Key ingredients: Ammonium lactate, glycerin, mineral oil, petrolatum | Size: 3 oz.
The inclusion of 15% ammonium lactate makes this foot cream a favorite of both Kazlosukaya and Mina. “It gently hydrates and exfoliates the skin,” says Kazlosukaya. The lactic acid-infused formula, which also includes glycerin, mineral oil and petrolatum, helps heal tough calluses, splits and cracks in a non-greasy formula that’s also paraben- and phthalate-free. “It smooths rough patches while hydrating deeply — it’s perfect for cracked heels,” Mina says.
Sensitive skin option: Eucerin UreaRepair Plus Foot Cream
- Unscented
- Convenient squeeze tube
- Small size, compared to others
Key ingredients: Urea, ceramides, natural moisturizing factors | Size: 100 ml.
“This is great for sensitive skin and gets the job done,” Chacon says of this rich foot cream. That’s thanks to a variety of skin-softening ingredients, including urea, ceramides and natural moisturizing factors. The brand notes that it can provide hydration for up to 48 hours, so your feet are sure to be happy once you apply it.
A "powerful" cream: Ebanel Urea Cream
- Affordable
- Nourishing products
- Not for healing skin, wounds
Key ingredients: Urea, mineral oil, vitamin E, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, salicylic acid, shea butter | Size: 4.6 oz.
This is another recommendation of Kazlosukaya, who likes the combination of urea with salicylic acid. “It’s one of the most powerful creams against very dry and cracked skin,” she says. Speaking of urea, it contains a whopping 40% of this humectant (a substance that retains and absorbs water molecules), which in turn helps moisturize the skin. This foot cream is especially helpful for those with dry or cracked heels, calluses, corns or people suffering from psoriasis.
Tried and true: O'Keefe's For Healthy Feet Cream
- Comes in multiple sizes
- It can leave a film behind
Key ingredients: Glycerin, urea | Size: 6.4 oz.
Daughtry recommends this foot cream for people with dry, cracked skin. “It’s known for its intensive moisture-retention formula and is recommended to help heal cracked heels and dry skin, making feet feel soft and smooth,” she says. She points out the inclusion of glycerin and urea, which help to hydrate and exfoliate dry skin. We also like that you can choose from either a tub or a tube, and it’s available in multiple sizes.
Most occlusive: Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Seals in moisture
- Repairs skin fairly quickly
- Greasy, somewhat slick formula
Key ingredients: Petrolatum, mineral oil, ceresin, lanolin alcohol, glycerin, bisabolol | Size: 14 oz.
Kazlosukaya calls this ointment “It’s the best for dry skin anywhere on the body, and it’s potent enough to be used for the feet,” says Kazlosukaya. “It contains a blend of occlusive moisturizers like petrolatum, lanolin and mineral oil, which work wonders.” It’s not a foot cream, per se, but I can actually attest to how healing it is for super dry heels, too. It’s really just a bonus that you can also use it for everything from peeling cuticles to healing tattoos.
Best foot creams, according to editors
Richest formula: Curél Foot Therapy Cream
- Rich, non-greasy formula
- Unscented
- Slick
Key ingredients: Shea butter, coconut milk, vitamin E | Size: 3.5 fl. oz.
Any time my feet start to look even the tiniest bit dry, I reach for this foot cream. It’s formulated with a host of hydrating ingredients, including shea butter and vitamin E, and the formula is rich and soothing. A little goes a long way, too — a quarter-sized amount is enough to cover the entire foot, heel and ankle.
I do recommend wearing socks with it, since it can be a little greasy and may stain sheets or make you slide around on wood floors otherwise. But it’s my go-to foot cream when I want to wake up with baby-soft heels.
"Buttery" formula: Pedestrian Project Walker's Cream
- Rich consistency
- Has a nice scent
- Great for dry feet
- Not lightweight
Key ingredients: Shea butter, moringa seed oil, aloe leaf juice | Size: 4 oz.
Jannely Espinal, a writer at Shop TODAY, calls this product "buttery, hydrating and creamy for my calloused feet." She continues, "This is my go-to cream when I need extra moisture on my feet during a cold day. I add this before putting on my socks and sneakers for an extra does of hydration, and it makes such a difference. The consistency is mid-weight and dries quicker than other formulas."
Mess-free application: Voesh Solemate Heel Repair Balm
- Easy-to-use stick
- Non-greasy formula
- Works quick
- Reviews say to use socks after
Key ingredients: Vegan squalane, botanical oil blend, wax trio | Size: 0.74 oz.
Applying foot cream can sometimes be messy, but this stick cream from Voesh takes away the clean-up. Plus, the formula is just as effective, too, suggests editor Vivien Moon, who has already seen results after a few uses. "I am on my feet all day and get 10,000 steps on average so they go through a lot, "she says. Moon adds that the formula "isn’t greasy" and has "been a lovely addition to my nighttime routine."
To enhance your results, she, like many reviews recommends pairing the balm with socks. Moon's favorite pair are the brand's heel socks "for additional TLC. "
Undeniably smoothing: L'Occitane En Provence Shea Butter Intensive Foot Balm
- Dries quickly
- Fast-acting formula
- Soothing ingredients
- Tube may leave product behind
Key ingredients: Shea butter, allantoin, vitamin E, provitamin B5 | Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Jess Bender, a senior editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this intensive foot balm by L'Occitane en Provance. She says, "The skin on my heels get as dry as the Sahara Desert by the time winter comes along, so I’m always on the hunt for a foot care product that reverses the roughness and flakiness. The closest I’ve come to finding the perfect foot cream (beyond getting a professionally done pedicure) is this shea butter-loaded L’Occitane balm."
Bender continues, "I’ve been applying this after showers and before bed (and wearing socks to lock everything in) for the last month and the smoothing results have been undeniable."
Long lasting: Footnanny Lavender Cream
- Large jar; lasts a long time
- Thick consistency
- Super hydrating
- High price point
Key ingredients: Cocoa seed butter, shea butter, provitamin B5, aloe vera, chamomile flower extract, lavender extract, vitamin C | Size: 8 oz.
Espinal also recommends this lavender-scented foot cream. She says, "I started using foot creams after I got this lavender cream from Footnanny. The formula is hydrating, soft and has a very soothing aroma. I usually wear it during night time as the cream has a slight thick consistency. I even spread it on my legs as it has a calming effect. I highly recommend this cream if your feet are always tired and need a bit of TLC."
Worth the splurge: Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
- Rich and buttery formula
- Lasts a long time
- Pricey
- Not particularly a foot cream
Key ingredients: Cupuaçu butter, Guaraná extract, açai oil, Brazil nut oil | Size: 240 ml.
In the dead of winter, I want nothing more than to be transported to a tropical island. Luckily, this rich, buttery body cream helps me feel like I did just that, even if I’m still in my cold apartment. It’s not specifically a foot cream, but I tend to use it to moisturize my dry feet specifically.
Cupuaçu butter contains fatty acids that hydrate the skin, Guaraná extract smooths and tightens and Brazil nut oil helps protect skin and make it look luminous. Plus, it’s got the most delicious scent, thanks to the brand’s signature Cheirosa 62 fragrance with notes of pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla. Seriously, what’s not to love?
What do podiatrists recommend for dry feet?
In a word? Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Actually, it goes beyond just doing that (although, of course, using foot cream is important). Here are a few tips from Daughtry.
1. Use a rich, hydrating cream.
“Using a rich, hydrating cream after showering and before bed, along with using socks, will help lock in moisture,” Daughtry says.
2. Soak your feet.
Daughtry recommends soaking them in warm water with Epsom salts or essential oils to soften the skin, which in turn makes exfoliating easier.
3. Use a humidifier.
If you’re in the depths of winter or you live in a dry climate, a humidifier is imperative. “It can assist with avoiding excessive dryness,” Daughtry says.
4. Exfoliate regularly.
“Exfoliate the skin on a regular basis to slough the old skin and prevent excessive dry skin formation,” Daughtry says. This also helps your foot cream penetrate more deeply into the skin.
Frequently asked questions
There are a few ingredients that rise to the top of most foot creams — especially the ones that will truly hydrate, nourish and repair the skin. “Effective moisturizers for your feet should include a blend of ultra-emollient ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil and coconut oil,” Chacon says. She also points to urea as a more essential ingredient in foot creams and foot care products. “Using a cream with 20% or less can provide good hydration benefits,” she says.
Mina recommends looking for foot creams that have a few extra ingredients, too. “Lactic acid or salicylic acid break down thick, rough skin, while occlusives like petrolatum, lanolin, or dimethicone lock in moisture,” she says.
You can also look for foot creams that are moisturizing, exfoliating or both. “Exfoliating ingredients include alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid,” Daughtry says. However, she recommends using caution with these, since they can irritate more sensitive skin.
Simply put? The richer, the better. But, really, the best foot creams help moisturize and repair roughness and cracking. “Go for a thick balm or ointment for severely dry feet,” Mina says. “Avoid anything too watery — your feet need heavier duty care.”
Daughtry recommends looking for foot creams with combination formulas, such as urea and glycerin, shea butter and ceramides, aloe vera and vitamin E, or salicylic acid and urea. “Be sure to select the right formula for your specific needs to ensure soft, hydrated and healthy skin,” she advises.
Getting your feet ready for sandal season goes so much further than just slathering on a foot cream — although that’s definitely important! There are a few steps you can take to properly care for your feet and make sure dryness and cracked heels disappear.
Moisturize regularly. Consistency is key. Unfortunately, you can’t put on a foot cream one time and expect to see results. “Moisturize regularly, at least two to three times per week,” advises Kazlosukaya.
Wear socks to bed. Sealing in the moisture from your foot cream is imperative if you want to see a difference. “After applying a thicker, more emollient cream, slip on a good, thick pair of socks to soften and smooth your feet overnight,” recommends Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Miami Derm in Coral Gables, Florida.
How we chose
We chose foot creams based on advice given by experts regarding the benefits of each, including providing extra moisture and hydration to the skin, and helping to protect against cracking and roughness. We also considered specific nourishing ingredients like urea, glycolic acid, shea butter and lanolin.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, global dermatology innovator, teledermatology pioneer, and founder of Miami Derm in Coral Gables, Florida.
- Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS, is a board-certified dermatologist at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic and the Executive Board President of the North Carolina Foot and Ankle Society.
- Dr. Viktoryia Kazlosukaya, MD/PhD, is the owner of Dermatology Circle in New York City.
- Dr. Mary Alice Mina, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and host of The Skin Real podcast in Atlanta.
