The 12 Best Foot Peels for Impossibly Smooth, Soft Feet, According to Experts
Calluses fear them.
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Sometimes, beauty is pain, but beauty can also be a little gross. For instance, extracting blackheads with cleansing oil or using a pimple patch to absorb all of the gunk from a blemish aren’t exactly the most pleasant-looking activities. But I'll raise you one even better, another beauty ritual that may be considered off-putting but is essential for soft, smooth feet: foot peels.
If you don’t know what a foot peel is, you’ve been missing out. “Foot peels are topical products formulated with a blend of chemical exfoliants to slough off dead skin cells and reveal new skin, softer skin cells,” says Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT. She explains that while they come in various formulations, the most common ones include BHAs, like salicylic acid, and AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acids. “Peels typically come with ‘booties’ that are worn for 60 to 90 mins as part of the application for maximum product penetration before they are removed,” she adds. Afterward, your feet will begin shedding over the course of several days or even weeks, leaving you with baby-soft feet.
Our top picks for the best foot peels of 2024
As you can imagine, anyone who deals with dry or rough feet could benefit from a foot peel session. “They are especially beneficial for those who experience cracked heels or thick calluses due to regular pressure or friction,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. While foot files, foot creams for dry feet, and body lotions for dry skin can help, there’s nothing quite like a foot peel to restore your feet to their former glory.
We consulted two trusted dermatologists, combed the internet for top-rated options, and read countless reviews to round up the 12 best foot peels. If you want happy feet, keep scrolling!
Pros
- Works on stubborn calluses
- Easy to use
Cons
- Takes a few days for the peeling to start
Baby Foot has been beloved for decades and is still lauded as one of the most efficacious foot peels out there. “This product contains a blend of lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids that exfoliate the feet and remove dead skin, leaving them soft and smooth. It’s highly effective for deep exfoliation,” says Dr. Garshick.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, fruit acid
Count: 1
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I was so skeptical. I’ve gone back and forth [on] purchasing this peel for years at this point. I absolutely couldn’t believe it’d work for me. The peeling started probably five days after application, and I cannot believe how well this has worked. I don’t remember the last time my feet were this smooth, legitimately. I will 100 percent be using this every spring for the rest of my life.”
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
Cons
- Peeling takes several days
“This foot mask contains a combination of an alpha hydroxy acid complex, urea, and essential oils to soften the feet while removing dry, flaky skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Your feet will be deeply hydrated and conditioned, which aids in the exfoliation process.
Key ingredients: Urea, essential oils, and extracts
Count: 3
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The exfoliation process is incredibly effective. After using the mask, my feet started to shed dead skin within days, revealing smooth and rejuvenated skin underneath. The blend of alpha hydroxy acids and essential oils really works wonders—it’s like a spa treatment at home! What impressed me most is how hydrating this mask is. The urea and essential oils deeply penetrate the skin, providing intense moisture that lasts. My feet, which used to feel like sandpaper, are now soft and silky smooth. Plus, the gentle exfoliation means no pain or irritation, just effective results. The soothing and conditioning ingredients also help with any irritation or discomfort, making this mask perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.”
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Can feel sticky
The Amlactin Foot Repair Cream isn’t a peel, but it acts as a chemical exfoliator to gently combat dryness, cracking, and calluses. “It contains 15 percent lactic acid, which provides gentle daily exfoliation and hydration, making it ideal for ongoing maintenance between peels,” adds Dr. Garshick.
Key ingredient: Lactic acid
Size: 3 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “With this cream, I don’t even have to exfoliate my feet to get them smooth. This was recommended by my dermatologist, and it really works. Will keep buying.”
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can take over a week to start peeling
Beauty Pie’s foot peel features glycolic and lactic acids as well as fruit extracts to slough away dead skin cells and reveal the new ones underneath. “This is a good choice for sensitive, dry skin that might want a gentler approach—or for anyone who doesn’t have a full two weeks of time available to complete the peeling process!” shares Dr. Mraz.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, fruit extracts
Count: 1
Beautypie rating: 3.8/5 stars
A Beautypie reviewer says: “Loved my foot peel—no more expensive pedicures for me! I’ll definitely be buying this again, and next time, I’m buying one for my man!”
Pros
- Quick results
- Reusable booties
Cons
- Booties cannot be worn on carpeted or slippery surfaces
Instead of throwing away peels after one use, this kit comes with a set of reusable booties and enough liquid exfoliant to last three treatments. Patience is key with this formula—your feet will begin to peel about a week after using the foot peel, and the process may last for up to 20 days.
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, malic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, allantoin
Count: 6 fl. oz.
Stacked Skincare rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Stacked Skincare reviewer says: “Had dry cracked heels and balls on my feet. This treatment literally worked miracles! They are now soft and silky smooth. Two treatments in and my feet look and feel like a million bucks. 10/10 recommend.”
Pros
- Users say results last for weeks
Cons
- Takes time to see results
This option “is a good choice for thick calluses as it’s pretty potent,” says Dr. Mraz. All credit goes to the exfoliating essence, a powerful blend of glycolic, salicylic, lactic, citric acids, and botanical extracts.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, citric acid. botanical extracts
Count: 2
Patchology rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Patchology reviewer says: “My feet were so cracked and calloused. So much so that a regular pedicure couldn’t soften them. PoshPeel took about a week to start sloughing off the tough areas, but it so far has been impressive.”
Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair
Pros
- Vetted by the American Podiatric Medical Association
Cons
- Reviewers noticed top was hard to screw on
The salicylic acid in this formula exfoliates, while urea and petrolatum infuse the skin with moisture and maintain it. “This is especially good to help heal cracked heels and dry feet and improve the appearance of calluses, with noticeable results even in one day,” Dr. Garshick says.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, urea, petrolatum
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “My own feet were suffering from severe dryness and painful cracks. Upon applying the ointment just once, I noticed a remarkable difference. The formula immediately soothed and hydrated my skin, alleviating the discomfort. Over a few days, my feet underwent a dramatic transformation. The cracks began to heal, and the skin regained its softness and suppleness. I could finally walk comfortably again without the agonizing pain that had plagued me.”
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
“This gel-oil works to exfoliate and moisturize, as it contains a combination of urea, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid to draw moisture in,” Dr. Garshick says. Don’t let the inclusion of “oil” in the title scare you away; according to reviewers, the formula rapidly sinks into the skin without any greasy residue.
Key ingredients: Urea, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is absolutely the best product I’ve found for foot maintenance, controlling callouses, toenail health, and speeding skin cell turnover for blister healing, etc. It balances the healing power of urea with the smoothing maintenance of glycolic acid.”
Pros
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May not be as effective on very thick calluses
Fruits are at the center of Tonymoly’s foot peel. Watermelon extract is there to hydrate and soothe, while grape, lemon, and apple extracts offer the AHAs needed to soften any rough patches on your heels.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, urea, fruit extracts
Count: 1
Ulta rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “For people who have super thick calluses/skin on their heels, you need a podiatrist—this won’t help much (coming from an MA in podiatry). But for mild heel thickness, this works wonders. Took a couple days for the skin to fall off and felt better.”
Pros
- Peeling process begins quickly
Cons
- Booties can be fragile
Users rave about this bestseller, which has racked up well over 13,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Even if you get regular pedicures, it may be a good idea to invest in the peel since it really gets into all the nooks and crannies and helps you shed dead skin cells and unwanted calluses.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, botanical extracts
Count: 2
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I wish I had found this product years ago! This is my third purchase, and it works so well on the thick and dry skin on my feet. My feet feel and look so much better.”
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can get a little messy
If you’ve been wanting a foot peel mask that’s a bit roomier for bigger foot sizes, this highly rated one accommodates up to a men’s size 11. There’s also a variety of scents to choose from, including lemongrass and rose.
Key ingredients: N/A
Count: 2
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I use these a couple times a year. Right away, I notice my skin feels different on my feet, but the peeling doesn’t start for a few days. Usually, around the third day when I pumice my feet in the shower, the skin will really start to slough off. I love it. I try to take really good care of my feet, and these foot masks are really helpful.”
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May not be as effective on very tough calluses
Rough feet will be a thing of the past with this foot peel by your side. The fruit-derived acids in the serum soften and smooth your heels, soles, and toes within two weeks. Plus, there are two sets of booties in the package, making this perfect for a girls’s evening in or a self care-themed date night.
Key ingredients: Fruit extracts and acids, aloe vera
Count: 2
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Let me tell you—I absolutely love this product. 100/10. I followed the directions on the package, and my feet are so soft, I don’t believe my feet belong to me. They’re literally as soft as a baby. No more ripping up my sheets at night, ripping holes in my socks. If you’re wondering if you should get it, this is your sign.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Deanne Mraz is a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
Is there anyone who should avoid using a foot peel?
“If you have any open wounds on your feet or injuries to the toenails, you should not use a foot peel until they heal fully,” says Dr. Mraz. She also recommends consulting a dermatologist if you currently have any conditions, like eczema, psoriasis, or athlete’s foot. Finally, “people with diabetes or neuropathy should consult a doctor before using foot peels due to the risk of infection,” warns Dr. Garshick.
How often can you use foot peels?
According to Dr. Garshick, it depends on how powerful the peel is and the condition of your skin. “It may range from once every two weeks to once per month. One should always allow time for the skin to recover between treatments,” she says.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke to two trusted dermatologists about the best foot peels. She also combed through reviews for top-rated options, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.
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