Want Baby-Soft Feet? We Found the 13 Best Expert-Approved Callus Removers (2024)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients/Materials: Metal, plastic | Type: Manual | Size: N/A

Over 50,000 people have purchased (and loved) this Amazon bestseller. It’s so simple yet so effective, quickly removing everything from flaky skin to calluses to corns. While yes, it does work a bit like a cheese grater, you’ll quickly get over that mental block once you see just how well it works, whether you use it on wet or dry feet. Just be warned: it does get a bit messy since the remover doesn’t come with anything to collect the flaked-off skin.

Who It’s For

This Rikans callus remover is seriously effective at buffing away dead skin, fast. Perfect if you are prone to calluses and dry soles in general.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Lactic acid, glycerin | Type: Exfoliating cream | Size: 3 oz

Products like this one use chemical exfoliants which are highly effective and a lot less messy. “This formula contains a variety of different acids to help chemically exfoliate the skin while also moisturizing it,” says Boyce of one of her top picks. Namely, it’s a combo of different alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help leave your feet softer and smoother with continued use. (The affordable price and drugstore availability is a nice bonus.) We like to slather on a nice thick layer before bed, then slip on a pair of socks and let it work its magic overnight.

Who It’s For

This chemical callus remover is perfect for those who prefer less mess but don’t need immediate results.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Urea, tea Tree, aloe vera, chamomile | Type: Exfoliating cream | Size: 4 oz

The hero ingredient in this cream is urea, a skin softener that loosens dead cells while also adding moisture. Another Amazon standout, reviewers note that it’s great for softening and decreasing calluses, and you can even use it on other dry spots on the body like the elbows and knees. The formula takes time to work, but with a bit of patience, this velvety cream will leave your soles soft and smooth.

Who It’s For

Best if you’re not in a rush, this gentle cream will improve the texture of your feet day after day. Pair it with a pumice or other buffer to speed up results.

Key Ingredients/Materials: 100% Pumice stone | Type: Manual, stone | Size: N/A

A pumice stone is the most classic of the callus removers. It’s made of pure volcanic lava (as you can tell by the pure black color). When rubbed onto feet, it buffs away dead skin and helps stimulate circulation. Follow Boyce’s lead and try using it after applying one of the other chemical-based callus removers for a super effective two-step process. The buffing process takes some elbow grease, but it’s worth it.

Who It’s For

If you’re drawn towards old standby products over the new and buzzy, this quintessential callus remover is for you.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Potassium hydroxide, clove, glycerin, aloe vera | Type: Gel | Size: 4 oz

There’s a reason this formula is used often in nail salons. “Because it was formulated for in-salon use, it works really fast and is very effective, yet still gentle,” explains Boyce. Credit the addition of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory clove and soothing aloe vera oil which leaves your feet feeling moisturized. Apply onto any callus, let the product sit for three to five minutes, then rinse off and use a pumice stone to buff away any dead skin. Just remember to wear the included gloves or your hands will be heavily exfoliated, too.

Who It’s For

This professional-strength formula works fast, making it a good option for anyone who wants calluses gone as quickly as possible.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid | Type: Peel socks | Size: 2.4 oz

If you think that the whole foot-sloughing process at the nail salon is satisfying, wait until you try the Baby Foot peel. (Let’s just say there's a good reason why it’s a cult classic.) Pop on the single-use plastic booties for an hour and let the gel (a blend of botanical extracts and exfoliating acids) do its thing. Wash your feet after, and then wait. The effects of the foot peel start to show up about a week later when your feet begin to shed layer after layer of skin.

“You have to be patient, but it really does give you super soft, baby feet,” says Boyce, who says this is one of her faves for at-home use. As you can imagine, the shedding process is messy and a little gross—but also weirdly satisfying.

Who It’s For

Dr. Pimple Popper lovers will find these skin-sloughing booties extremely satisfying.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Metal, plastic | Type: Electric, roller | Size: N/A

All you have to do is switch on this handy-dandy, battery-operated device and let it go to town to turn those tough foot calluses into baby-soft skin. The exfoliating head is made up of diamond crystals and spins 360 degrees, essentially sanding down calluses. It’s effective and pretty easy to use, though reviewers note that if you accidentally get it near non-callused, thinner skin, it can be a little bit painful.

Who It’s For

This electric exfoliating gadget is best for anyone with seriously tough calluses, which it can remove effortlessly.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Salicylic acid | Type: Gel Sticker | Size: N/A

If you have just one or two super stubborn, smaller calluses, try these convenient stickers. The cushiony gel patches are infused with a whopping 40% concentration of salicylic acid, which is a well-known peel and rejuvenating agent for skin. Since they’re adhesive, they're also super easy to stick onto individual calluses. Then you can just sit back and let them work.

They’re meant to be worn for 48 hours, though you’ll likely need to repeat with another sticker for at least one more round, which is why we wish there were more than four per pack.

Who It’s For

If you don’t have the time or inclination to buff calluses, let these convenient, targeted stickers do the job while you go about your day.

Key Ingredients: Dead sea salt, tea tree, peppermint | Type: Scrub | Size: 16 oz

If you’re looking for a spa-worthy experience at home, try this therapeutic foot soak. The star ingredient is dead sea salt, which is shown to soften and moisturize dry skin. Essential oils such as coconut and peppermint further help smooth your soles (and smell amazing). We love that the soak is packaged with a free pumice stone to complete the at-home treatment and leave feet with a velvet finish. It does take time though, so set aside at least 20 minutes for the soak.

Who It’s For

This great value spa-like soak will make dealing with calluses feel like a treat.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Glass file, Balm: verbena, cocoa butter, calendula | Type: Manual file and balm | Size: 2 oz

This beautiful pedicure set naturally softens soles in two steps. First, the unique glass file buffs rough skin more gently and precisely than a regular file. Then, the slightly verbena-scented balm, which includes hydrating cocoa butter, rolls right on, distributing a creamy layer to lock in moisture. It comes in a paper push-up tube so the balm is less messy than a regular lotion, and you can easily apply it to other dry areas of the body like your elbows and cuticles. We love that you can take this luxe set anywhere with its reusable pouch.

Who It’s For

This luxurious set will turn callus removal into an indulgent self-care practice. Ideal for anyone who likes to wind down the day with a beauty ritual.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Shea, castor oil, pomegranate | Type: Scrub | Size: 3.4 oz

Yes, even those with sensitive skin can get the softest soles without irritation. This sugar scrub deeply nourishes skin with shea butter and coconut oil which repair the skin barrier. Sugar gently exfoliates skin to soften calluses and smooth soles. When it comes to scrubs, consistency is key, so we recommend using this one a few times a week for the best results.

Who It’s For

Sensitive-skin folks will love this soothing formula that’s gentle enough for everyday use.

Key Ingredients/Materials: Ceramic stone, silver | Type: Ceramic stone | Size: N/A

There is no denying the simplicity and ease of this antibacterial callus stone. Made with an ergonomic handle to increase your control and grip, this gentle yet effective surface hugs the curves of your foot. The rough side quickly sloughs off calluses while the opposite side smooths. Infused with silver to provide antibacterial benefits, it's also waterproof, so it’s perfect to use and store in the shower. And who doesn’t love combining skincare routines into one shower?

Who It’s For

This antibacterial callus stone effortlessly removes dead skin while ensuring your feet don’t become vulnerable to infections.

Key Ingredients: Urea, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, ceramide NG | Type: Cream | Size: 4 oz

Formulated with over a dozen ingredients that restore moisture, this ultra-nourishing cream takes foot hydration to the next level. Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin, while hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycerin, and ceramides restore moisture. All you have to do is apply an even layer, slide your socks on, and let the sole softening begin. Leave this cream on overnight and wake up to supple feet.

Who It’s For

Keeping the skin on your feet ultra-hydrated is essential if you want to treat and prevent calluses. This moisturizing lotion will aid even the driest of feet.

FAQ

• Do callus removers work?

  According to Aaron, callus removers—both physical and chemical—do work as long as they are used properly. Dr. McNeil recommends starting with callus removers containing acids such as salicylic, lactic, and glycolic to soften the hard skin and exfoliate.“Depending on how thick the callus is, try using a mechanical method like a pumice stone, lava stone,” says Dr. McNeil.

• What should I do if my callus remover breaks skin?

  It’s unlikely that a callus remover will break the skin (unless you’re using a razor, which experts don’t recommend), but if it does, your best course of action is to clean the area with mild soap and water, then apply antibacterial ointment and use a bandage or Band-Aid to keep the wound clean. If you suspect the callus might be infected, make an appointment with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

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