10 Best Foot Creams 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed

If it’s a hit of moisture you need for feet trapped inside socks all winter, there are plenty of deeply hydrating ingredients to hit the spot. But which ones should you look out for to give the hard skin on your heels and soles a new lease of life?

• Shea butter: a powerful emollient high in oils to smooth rough skin efficiently. Rich in antioxidants like vitamin A and E, and its anti-inflammatory properties relieve itchy feet. It's also a good ingredient to seek out if you suffer from eczema, dermatitis, or athlete’s foot thanks to its antimicrobial properties.

• Hemp seed oil: the lipids (fats) present are close in molecular structure to those in our skin, so great for providing a moisture boost to thirsty toes, while the vitamin D helps to improve softness and appearance. Hemp oil also contributes to stronger skin that is more resistant to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections generally.

• Glycerin: (also known as glycerine or glycerol) often used in skincare because it is a humectant – meaning it’s especially good at retaining moisture. Seek out a foot cream containing glycerin if you want to smooth over rough skin or plump up the dry patches that can appear on neglected feet.

Suffering from extreme dryness? Take a look at our favourite heel balms.

• Glycolic or lactic acids: known to gently penetrate the skin and dissolve away the hardened top layer. Medicated callus-removers usually employ one or both of these acids to work their way down through even the toughest dermal layer, and gradually break away useless dead cells.

• Levulinic and caprylhydroxamic acids: the former is a naturally occurring exfoliation substance that keeps your skin’s acid levels balanced and helps to avoid infections. While the latter is derived from coconut oil and used in anti-ageing products as it prevents skin cell deterioration. 

• Urea: a highly hydrating compound which our skin naturally produces to soften itself. If the concentration of urea is high enough, usually 10% or above, it can also act as a keratolytic - helps to loosen dead skin and boost the speed of cell turnover, meaning a fast track to soft new skin.

Check out the best foot peels for more products containing active ingredients.

As well as the physical effects certain formulas can have on hard or dry skin, some creams are also designed to cool, soothe, and increase foot hygiene. Here are some suggestions for ingredients that will refresh your weary toes. 

Love to take care of your skin naturally? Aloe vera gels can be used for a multitude of purposes!