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Your go-to guide for foot creams: Tips, ingredients, and top picks to treat dryness

Jan 05, 2025 10:00 AM IST

A foot cream can help you tackle cracked heels. Choose the right product to transform your feet with this expert-backed guide.

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FAQs

Our Picks

Product Rating Price

Dr. Scholls Cracked Heel Repair Balm 2.5oz, with 25% Urea for Dry Cracked Feet, Heals and Moisturizes for Healthy Feet View Details checkDetails

₹1,029

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The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Cooling Foot Rescue Cream, 100 ML -Instantly Cools Hot, Active Feet |48 Hr Hydration | Vegan View Details checkDetails

₹973

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LOccitane Shea Butter Foot Cream View Details checkDetails

₹2,440

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Gold Bond Diabetic Skin Relief Foot Cream, 3.4 Ounce View Details checkDetails

₹1,399

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Amlactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy | Smooths Rough, Dry Feet | Powerful Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Gently Exfoliates | Lactic Acid (Aha) | Softens Tough, Dry Skin View Details checkDetails

₹1,699

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Moha: Foot Cream For Rough, Dry and Cracked Heel, Feet Cream For Heel Repair With Benefits Of AleoVera, Papaya & Peppermint (100ml) Pack of 1 View Details checkDetails

₹285

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Fixderma Foobetik Cream, Foot cream, Foot Care For Diabetic, For Dry & Cracked Feet, Moisturizes & Soothes Feet, Heel Repair, For Calloused, or Chapped Skin, Paraben Free - 50g View Details checkDetails

₹299

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OKeeffes K0320001 for Healthy Feet Foot Cream, 3.2 oz, Jar View Details checkDetails

₹920

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Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Foot Creme - 3 Oz View Details checkDetails

₹949

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OKeeffes K0400008 Healthy Feet Exfoliating Foot Cream, 3 ounce Tube View Details checkDetails

₹887

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A good foot cream is essential for keeping your feet smooth, and soft. With so many options available, choosing the right one can be a challenging task. Whether you are looking to tackle dryness, calluses, or cracked heels, the right foot cream for cracked heels can offer targeted relief and nourishment. If you are unsure how to choose the best foot cream, follow this expert-backed guide. It can provide you with insights on ingredients, benefits, and tips for picking products based on your specific needs. So, get ready to give your feet the care they deserve.

Add the right foot cream to your skincare routine and keep your feet smooth.(Adobe Stock)
Add the right foot cream to your skincare routine and keep your feet smooth.(Adobe Stock)

What is a foot cream?

A foot cream is a skincare product that is designed to hydrate, soothe, and nourish the skin on your feet. Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr Rinky Kapoor says, "This can be helpful for those who have rough patches on their feet and want to improve their skin texture." Packed with rich moisturisers like shea butter, oils, or glycerin, they may help to soothe dry, rough skin, alleviate cracked heels and improve overall foot health. Many food care creams also contain exfoliating and soothing agents like salicylic acid or aloe vera, which may help to remove dead skin cells and provide relief from sore feet.

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What are the benefits of using a foot cream?

Regular use of foot creams can offer several benefits, from maintaining soft, smooth feet to tackling dryness. Dr Kapoor says, "Foot creams are much needed to keep the skin on your feet smooth, and hydrated as it is often rough and patchy. Your feet tend to get dry or cracked easily due to constantly wearing shoes, and walking." They contain nourishing ingredients like essential oils, glycerin, and more, which may help to promote skin elasticity, alleviate discomfort caused by dryness, and provide a cooling effect. Regular use may even reduce the risk of fungal infections and improve your foot health.

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Foot cream buying guide: Ingredients to choose

When choosing a foot cream, look for beneficial ingredients like shea butter, urea, glycerin, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. These ingredients are known to hydrate and soften your skin, suggests the expert.

1. Shea butter: Known for its deep moisturising and skin-softening properties, shea butter helps heal dry, cracked feet and restores the skin’s natural barrier.

2. Urea: This powerful exfoliant may help to break down tough, thickened skin on the feet, reducing calluses and improving texture while keeping the skin hydrated.

3. Glycerin: A foot cream with glycerin may attract moisture to the skin, helping to maintain hydration and prevent dryness.

4. Tea tree oil: This skincare ingredient contains antifungal and antibacterial properties, which makes it effective for preventing foot infections like athlete's foot and providing soothing relief.

5. Peppermint oil: This refreshing ingredient can provide a cooling sensation, relieve tired feet, and help reduce inflammation while offering a pleasant fragrance.

6. Aloe vera: Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera may help to calm irritated or inflamed skin and accelerate the healing of cracked heels and rough patches.

7. Salicylic acid: Packed with exfoliating properties, salicylic acid may help remove dead skin cells, reduce calluses, and soften rough patches, promoting healthier, smoother feet.

8. Vitamin E: It may help to repair and protect the skin, improving its elasticity while preventing moisture loss.

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What ingredients to avoid in a foot cream?

When choosing a foot cream, it's important to avoid ingredients that can irritate or dry out the skin. "Avoid foot creams that contain ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, or harsh chemicals. These ingredients can easily irritate or dry out your skin," says the expert. They may even cause allergic reactions or sensitivity. Synthetic preservatives may even disrupt hormonal balance. Additionally, steer clear of strong exfoliants as they may irritate when used frequently.

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How to choose a foot cream for different skin types?

1. Best foot cream for dry skin

"When choosing a foot cream for dry skin, opt for products that provide extra hydration," says the expert. Opt for rich, moisturising foot creams containing shea butter, glycerin, or ceramides as they may help to restore moisture, preventing cracks and rough patches.

2. Best foot cream for oily skin

When looking for a foot cream for oily skin, choose lightweight, non-greasy products with hydrating but oil-free ingredients like glycerin or aloe vera. Avoid creams with heavy oils or silicones that may clog pores.

The right foot cream can treat dryness and cracked heels.(Adobe Stock)
The right foot cream can treat dryness and cracked heels.(Adobe Stock)

3. Best foot cream for sensitive skin

Select foot creams with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or vitamin E. Opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulations to minimise irritation or allergic reactions.

4. Best foot cream for calloused feet

Look for foot creams containing salicylic acid or urea. They may help to soften tough, callused skin and promote exfoliation for smoother feet.

5. Foot cream for mature skin

Opt for foot creams with retinol, peptides, or vitamin C. These ingredients may help to improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and promote collagen production.

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How to use a foot cream?

To enhance the effectiveness of foot creams, it is important to use them correctly. Dr Kapoor suggests a few steps for using the foot cream:

1. Cleanse your feet with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt and sweat.

2. For effective results apply a pea-size foot cream and massage it gently until it gets blended with your skin.

3. Massage or apply cream to more areas that need extra care such as your heels or toes.

4. Using foot cream regularly can be helpful, especially before going to bed.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  • What is a healthy foot care routine?

    A healthy food care routine should include washing your feet regularly, applying generous layers of foot creams to keep them moisturised, frequently trimming your toenails properly every time they outgrow, and wearing comfortable shoes.

  • Can it help with cracked heels?

    Foot creams can help with cracked heels as they can provide much-needed moisture to your heels which encourages quick healing. "Look for foot creams with rewarding ingredients like urea or shea butter as they can help soften rough skin while healing cracked heels," adds Dr Kapoor.

  • Can it help with fungal infections?

    "The effectiveness of foot cream for fungal infection may vary from person to person. It can help provide relief but may not be as effective as those that are specially designed to combat fungal infection," says the expert. For better results, look for foot creams containing antifungal ingredients like tea tree oil or miconazole. Always consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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