Published 29 January 2026

Essential 7 Products to Improve Foot Skin Health

Q: What are the most important ingredients to look for in foot creams for cracked heels?

For cracked heels, look for ingredients like urea (at concentrations typically 10% or higher), glycerin, ceramides, and alpha-hydroxy acids (like lactic acid or glycolic acid). These help to break down thick skin, attract and seal in moisture, and strengthen the skin barrier.

Q: How often should I use an exfoliating foot peel?

Exfoliating foot peels, like the Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel, are typically recommended for use every two to three months, or as needed, to avoid over-exfoliation and allow the skin to fully regenerate. The peeling process itself can last for a week or more, so careful timing is advised.

Featured image for Essential 7 Products to Improve Foot Skin Health

Explore seven must-have products — from potent ointments to moisturizing masks — chosen to improve and preserve the skin on your feet.

Healthy feet matter, yet they’re often the most overlooked part of our skincare. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, cracked heels, or fungal problems, the right products can make a clear difference. This list, grounded in product details and expert guidance, presents seven essentials to help you achieve smoother, healthier, and more comfortable feet.

1. EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment

EMUAIDMAX First Aid Ointment is a potent, physician-endorsed topical ointment intended to treat a wide range of stubborn skin issues, making it a key option for serious foot-skin concerns. Dermatologist-tested, it targets bacteria and fungi, reduces inflammation, and soothes irritation while supporting the skin’s natural repair for longer-lasting relief.

The formula avoids chemicals, artificial preservatives, lanolin, alcohol, parabens, petrochemicals, and fragrance, so it’s a reasonable choice for sensitive skin. Important ingredients include Emu Oil for deep penetration and anti-inflammatory benefit; Tea Tree Leaf Oil for natural antibacterial and antifungal action; Bacillus Ferment (a postbiotic) to support the skin microbiome; Vitamin E for antioxidant support; and Argentum Metallicum (colloidal silver) to calm irritated skin and reduce bacterial load. Acting as an occlusive, the ointment helps prevent moisture loss and softens the skin’s surface, providing noticeable relief for over 100 skin irritations, including athlete’s foot and yeast infections.

2. Eucerin Dry Skin UreaRepair Plus 10% Urea Foot Cream

The Eucerin Dry Skin UreaRepair Plus 10% Urea Foot Cream is formulated to deliver immediate comfort and sustained hydration for very dry, cracked feet. With 10% Urea, ceramides, and other natural moisturizing factors, it helps lock in moisture and fortify the skin barrier.

This cream restores hydration to leave feet softer and smoother, while helping repair cracked heels, reduce roughness, and lessen calluses and pressure marks. Clinically shown to hydrate skin for up to 48 hours, its non-sticky, fast-absorbing texture suits people with xerosis, psoriasis, or diabetic skin.

3. O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream

O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream is a highly concentrated moisturizer known for delivering reliable relief for very dry, cracked feet. Its formula quickly raises moisture levels, prevents further water loss, and forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface.

Many users notice a marked improvement within days. This unscented, non-greasy cream is gentle enough for daily use and is considered safe for people with diabetes. Ingredients such as glycerin and allantoin attract and retain moisture, helping restore hydration to rough areas on the heels and feet.

4. Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel

For a dramatic renewal, the Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel is a well-known treatment that removes dead, callused skin to reveal softer feet beneath. The bootie-style mask uses fruit acids and other exfoliants to trigger a peeling process that unfolds over several days.

The shed can be messy and usually starts 5–7 days after application, continuing for up to two weeks, but many users find the resulting baby-soft skin worth the wait. Plan the treatment with timing in mind, giving a few weeks for the full exfoliation cycle before wearing open-toed shoes or attending events.

5. Aquaphor Repairing Foot Mask

The Aquaphor Repairing Foot Mask offers an intensive hydration boost for dry, rough feet and heels. These tidy, easy-to-use socks are infused with avocado oil, shea butter, provitamin B5, glycerin, and bisabolol to deliver deep moisture in as little as 10 minutes.

The fragrance-free formula replenishes and revitalizes skin, making it a handy at-home spa treatment or travel option. It helps restore smooth, healthy-looking skin and leaves a non-greasy finish.

6. AmLactin Foot Repair Cream

AmLactin Foot Repair Cream is designed to gently exfoliate and hydrate tough, dry skin on the feet, addressing calluses, splits, and cracks from heel to toe. Its primary active is 15% lactic acid, an AHA that removes dead skin cells while adding moisture.

This rich cream pairs lactic acid with emollients and humectants to quickly hydrate and ease roughness, revealing softer, healthier-looking skin. It’s intended for daily use to maintain foot skin and is well-regarded for transforming dry texture into touchably soft feet.

7. Lotrimin AF Antifungal Cream (Clotrimazole)

Lotrimin AF Antifungal Cream, which contains 1% Clotrimazole, is essential for treating common fungal infections that affect the feet, including athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm. This clinically proven antifungal cream helps relieve itching, burning, and cracked skin tied to those infections.

By targeting the fungus that causes these conditions, it controls the infection. The cream is odorless, non-greasy, and non-staining, so it’s easy to apply discreetly. It’s a useful part of a foot-care routine, especially for active people or anyone prone to fungal issues.

Key Takeaways

Consistent care with specialized products is vital for optimal foot skin health.
Urea-based creams are highly effective for extreme dryness and cracked heels, providing both hydration and gentle exfoliation.
Exfoliating foot masks offer a deep treatment to remove tough, dead skin and calluses.
Hydrating masks provide intense moisture, complementing exfoliation and daily creams.
Antifungal treatments are crucial for addressing and preventing common infections like athlete's foot.
Ingredients like Emu Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Ceramides, Glycerin, and Lactic Acid play significant roles in healing, protecting, and moisturizing foot skin.

FAQ

What are the most important ingredients to look for in foot creams for cracked heels?

For cracked heels, seek ingredients such as urea (commonly 10% or higher), glycerin, ceramides, and alpha-hydroxy acids (like lactic or glycolic acid). These help break down thick skin, draw in and retain moisture, and strengthen the skin barrier.

How often should I use an exfoliating foot peel?

Exfoliating foot peels, such as the Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel, are usually recommended every two to three months or as needed to avoid over-exfoliation and allow full skin regeneration. The peeling phase can last a week or longer, so time the treatment carefully.

Caring for your feet pays off in comfort and confidence. Regular use of these targeted products can reduce dryness, cracking, and other common problems, helping keep your feet healthier. Start improving your foot care routine now.