According to Gonzalez, foot peels are safe for most people. But a few caveats: “Don’t use any kind of foot peels with acids if you have an open sore on your foot or even a small abrasion. The acid from the peel will get into the crack and be quite painful, and you might also increase your risk of developing an infection,” cautions Gonzalez. You also shouldn’t use these if you’re diabetic or pregnant, unless you clear it with your doctor, she adds.

Can you use a foot peel on your face?

That’s a very hard n-o. Full stop. “The skin on the bottom of the foot is thicker than the skin on the face. Depending on what product you are using for a foot peel, it could be much too strong for your face,” says Gonzalez.

Can you use a foot peel on your hands?

Also no. While the skin on your hands may not be as delicate as the skin on your face, it’s still different than the skin on your feet. Foot peels are for feet, and that’s that.

How often should you use a foot peel?

“It takes a few days for the feet to start peeling and for new skin to become apparent,” says Gonzalez. “Once a month should be the maximum for usage, and many people find they can go longer depending on their rate of cell turnover and how calloused or dry their feet typically get,” she says.

The 12 Best Foot Peels of 2023

The 11 Best Foot Peels of 2022 — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Face masks may have previously reigned supreme as the ultimate self-care product, but, mark our words, foot peels are about to take over. These slip-on, leave-on treatments are exactly what they sound like—heavy-duty peels meant to deeply exfoliate the thick, callused layers of skin on your feet. Not only do they leave your tootsies incredibly soft and smooth afterward, with many of them you’ll actually get to see the layers of dead skin slough off in the days post-peel. Filed under: Equal parts gross and satisfying.

Try one if you can’t get to the salon for a proper pedicure or if you need to get ready for sandal season (because if you’re anything like us, your feet have been buried in slippers or cozy socks and haven’t seen the light of day for months). And definitely grab one the next time you want a little beauty activity to tack on to your next Netflix streaming sesh.

We conducted hours of research to find the best foot peels on the market, evaluating picks based on their key ingredients and how effective they were at softening the feet. After consulting a dermatologist and considering dozens of options, we landed on these to give you the best in show.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Overall, Runner-Up:

Boscia Fruit Acid Smoothing Foot Peel

Jump to Review

Best Cream:

PurSources PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream + Pumice Stone at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Cream, Runner-Up:

Beauty Pie Footopia Super Softening Foot and Heal Cream at Beautypie.com

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure at Lovelyskin.com

Jump to Review

Best Natural:

Earth Therapeutics Soft & Smooth Peeling Foot Mask

Jump to Review

Best K-Beauty:

TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Barefoot Scientist Reboot

Jump to Review

Best Variety:

Grace & Stella Foot Peeling Mask at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Babyfoot.com

What We Like

Effective formula
Easy to use
Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like

Only for use every 2-3 months

The OG of all OGs, there’s no better known or more popular foot peel than this one. Around since 1997, this best-seller isn’t just one of the most beloved options out there, it’s also one of the most intense. A fruit-acid-based formula uses 16 different natural extracts to exfoliate and moisturize, plus salicylic acid to induce peeling and leave feet feeling noticeably softer, says Dr. Annie Gonzalez, a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami.

Pop on the pre-soaked plastic booties for an hour—you can soak your feet first to up the effects—and watch in amazement as all the dead skin peels off over the next few days. (FYI, you can pop on an oversize pair of socks over the plastic booties to minimize mess, which we highly recommend.) You’ll usually start to notice some peeling after about 5 to 7 days, though it can take up to two weeks for the full results, so just make sure to plan accordingly if you’re trying to whip your tootsies into shape before a vacation.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: 1.2 fl. oz | Scent: Citrus | Key Ingredients: Lactic and glycolic acids, arginine | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Courtesy of Walgreens

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Concentrated formula
Delivers results in just one day
Inexpensive

What We Don't Like

Weird consistency

Key Ingredients

Urea is a natural-occurring by-product of protein metabolism in our livers; synthetic urea is manufactured for skincare use. In addition to urea’s humectant properties, which attract moisture from vapors in the air and retain it into or under the surface of the skin, urea is also keratolytic, which means it breaks down keratin, making it a choice ingredient for softening rough skin.

All of these foot peels legitimately work, but you’re going to have to be patient, given that it takes at least five or so days for the peeling to kick in with most of them. If time isn’t on your side, try this leave-on. Apply a thick layer overnight; a 5% concentration of salicylic acid coupled with 10% urea works on all the dead skin, while petrolatum promises to seal in those benefits. You’ll see noticeable results come morning, though you can repeat as often or whenever needed.

Price at time of publish: $9

Size: 1 fl. oz | Scent: None | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, urea | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

View on Ulta View On Dermstore

What We Like

Cooling feel
Included fruit-based enzymes exfoliate
Softens skin

What We Don't Like

Time-consuming

Similar to the Baby Foot peel, this is another fan favorite, which rings in at a slightly more affordable price. It relies on a combo of alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic), plus fruit-based enzymes meant to do some major exfoliating. FYI, to reap the full benefits, you have to leave the pre-filled plastic booties on for the full 90 minutes. Expect shedding eight to 10 days later.

Price at time of publish: $18

Size: 1 pair | Scent: Citrus | Key Ingredients: Lactic and glycolic acids, urea | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

What Our Editors Say

"Nothing leaves my feet softer than a combination of Boscia's Fruit Acid Foot Peel and the brand's Body Serum. Calluses and rough patches are completely disintegrated, and the process is exactly as satisfying as you want it to be.” —Holly Rhue, Editor

PurSources PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream + Pumice Stone

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Pursources.com

What We Like

Contains 40 percent urea to break down keratin in calluses
Good value
Can leave on overnight

What We Don't Like

Can leave a residue

If you want to get the same type of effects as a peel but don’t have time to sit around doing one, try making your own: Slather on a thick layer of this exfoliating cream at bedtime and pop on a pair of thick cotton socks. Leave on overnight and repeat as needed to score super smooth soles while you snooze. The star of the show? Urea, a top ingredient recommended by derms for reducing dry, scaly skin, particularly on your feet.

Price at time of publish: $16

Size: 4 fl. oz | Scent: Herbal | Key Ingredients: Urea, tea tree leaf oil | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Beauty Pie

View On Beautypie.com

What We Like

Hydrating
Clean formula
Soothes irritation for a supple texture

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it has a thin texture

Another great cream, this one packs a major punch, thanks to a blend of urea, cactus enzymes, and shea butter.). It also contains prebiotic ingredients to promote healthy bacteria in the feet. It has almost 500 5-star reviews, and reviewers agree that this cream gave them super soft and smooth feet.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size: 2.53 fl. oz | Scent: Mint | Key Ingredients: Urea, shea butter, cactus enzymes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

View On Lovelyskin.com

What We Like

Contains botanical extracts to brighten and protect
Can see results within a week
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Might give more of a lighter peel

Sure, this peel is a little pricier than the rest, but we think it’s worth it because it’s very customizable. You get to choose how much of the ‘activating essence’ to pour into the mask socks (which, while still disposable, are a bit sturdier than many others), depending on how much exfoliating action you want. “This product packs a punch with a wide array of ingredients including AHAs and BHAs such as glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and citric acids,” says Gonzalez. Also nice: The progressive treatment works over a period of three to seven days on average, faster than others, and leaves most pedicure polish intact, she adds.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size: 1 count | Key Ingredients: Lactic and salicylic acids, panthenol | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Earth Therapeutics Soft & Smooth Gentle Peeling Foot Mask

View on Ulta View On Amazon

What We Like

Safe and gently effective
Full of antibacterial and antifungal properties
Deodorizing, calming, and soothing

What We Don't Like

Might not work on sensitive skin

Along with a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids (they’re the ones that do the sloughing), this peel, another favorite of Gonzalez’s, is also packed with a long list of certified organic ingredients, including tea tree oil. Among other things, tea tree oil has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, all good things when feet are involved. The formula is also free of mineral oil and parabens.

Price at time of publish: $12

Size: 2 count | Scent: Tea tree | Key Ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acids, tea tree leaf oil | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.6

TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Yesstyle.com

What We Like

Easy to use
Can see results within one week
Good value

What We Don't Like

Time-consuming

Often considered to work equally well as Baby Foot, but at nearly half the price, this is another pick that packs some heavy-duty peeling action. Credit salicylic and glycolic acids, though we like that this formula also boasts soothing lavender, hydrating argan oil, and refreshing peppermint extract.

Price at time of publish: $14

Size: 1 pair | Scent: Mint | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, argan oil | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Barefoot Scientist Reboot Revitalizing Foot Peel

Courtesy of Ulta

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Barefootscientist.com

What We Like

Vegan
Achieves a full skin renewal cycle in a week
Nourishing formula

What We Don't Like

Might be more of a lighter peel

Wear these plastic booties once, for up to 90 minutes, and give it a solid week for the full exfoliating process to kick in. Alpha-hydroxy acids do the heavy lifting, but this also boasts hydrating ingredients to add back needed moisture. Plus, the formula is also cruelty-free and vegan.

Price at time of publish: $14

Size: 1 pair | Key Ingredients: Lactic and glycolic acids, allantoin | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Grace & Stella Dr. Pedicure Foot Peeling Mask

View On Amazon View On Verishop.com

What We Like

Multiple varieties available
Fits up to men's size 16
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Harsher than other options

If you’re looking to make a foot peel a part of a full-on self-care Sunday, reach for this choice. It has the nice benefit of coming in a variety of scents, including coconut, peach, lavender, and rose, making the process feel that much more luxurious. Still, the heavy-hitting formula is nothing to scoff at, packed with glycolic acid that will have all the dead skin sloughing off in a few weeks. Not to mention that it’s also one of the few foot peels out there that comes in an extra-large version that fits up to a men’s shoe size 16, great if you want to turn DIY foot peels into a date night with your guy.

Price at time of publish: $10 for 2 pair

Size: 1 pair | Scent: None | Key Ingredients: Lactic, malic, and glycolic acids | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Target

View On Amazon View On Target View On IHerb

What We Like

Works fast
Inexpensive
Soothing formula

What We Don't Like

Not super hydrating

Because this is a mask, you’re not going to get any type of heavy-duty, awe-inspiring skin shedding after the fact. That being said, it’s still an undoubtedly great way to add lots of moisture to dry heels stat, not to mention to reach for in between peel sessions. The single-use mask is chock full of deeply hydrating shea butter and skin-soothing oat extract, great if your skin is feeling a little irritated. We’d be remiss not to mention the wallet-friendly price, too.

Size: 1 pair | Scent: None | Key Ingredients: Oat kernel flour, shea butter | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Rikans Colossal Foot Rasp Review

What We Like

Works on wet and dry feet
Lightweight design
Inexpensive

What We Don't Like

Harsher than other options

For those who prefer manual exfoliation, this handy tool is a great swap for a leave-on chemical peel. A HUGE Amazon crowd-favorite, it repeatedly garners glowing reviews as users rave about the transformative power. One Byrdie editor even calls it “life-changing.” Just go slow when first starting with this cheese grater-esque tool, using gentle pressure, and on wet skin rather than dry—after all, you want your heels to be soft and smooth, not red and raw.

Price at time of publish: $10

Size: 10.78 x 2.7 x 0.29 inches | Material: Stainless Steel

Final Verdict

Foot peels offer an easy (and ultimately, very satisfying) way to get super smooth skin. There’s a good reason why the Baby Foot Original Exfoliation Foot Peel gets all the buzz. It's a cult classic that really does deliver on its claims of causing tons of shedding and resulting in silky soft heels. The Boscia Fruit Acid Smoothing Foot Peel With Plant-Based Alcohol is another top choice, relying on AHAs and fruit enzymes. You can also create your own peel by slathering on an exfoliating cream, like the PurSources PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream + Pumice Stone and popping on a pair of socks. And if your heels aren’t super cracked and just need some more moisture, try the hydrating, wallet-friendly Aveeno Repairing CICA Foot Mask.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Annie Gonzalez is a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, FL. Her specialties include both adult and pediatric dermatology and chronic skin conditions.

What to Look for in a Foot Peel

Alpha Hydroxy Acids and/or Fruit Enzymes

If your feet are really in bad shape, seek out AHAs and/or fruit enzymes ingredients, the ones that will give you that dramatic, shedding effect, says Gonzalez. (Though keep in mind that the shedding process can go on for at least a week.) Some picks with these ingredients include the Boscia Fruit Acid Smoothing Foot Peel and the patchology PoshPeel Pedicure.

Moisturizing Butters and Oils

On the flip side, if your heels are just a little dry or flaky, Gonzalez suggests looking for foot masks that will repair and soften the skin without necessarily causing that level of intense exfoliation (for example, the Aveeno Cica Repairing Foot Mask).

FAQ

Are foot peels safe?

According to Gonzalez, foot peels are safe for most people. But a few caveats: “Don’t use any kind of foot peels with acids if you have an open sore on your foot or even a small abrasion. The acid from the peel will get into the crack and be quite painful, and you might also increase your risk of developing an infection,” cautions Gonzalez. You also shouldn’t use these if you’re diabetic or pregnant, unless you clear it with your doctor, she adds.
Can you use a foot peel on your face?

That’s a very hard n-o. Full stop. “The skin on the bottom of the foot is thicker than the skin on the face. Depending on what product you are using for a foot peel, it could be much too strong for your face,” says Gonzalez.
Can you use a foot peel on your hands?

Also no. While the skin on your hands may not be as delicate as the skin on your face, it’s still different than the skin on your feet. Foot peels are for feet, and that’s that.
How often should you use a foot peel?

“It takes a few days for the feet to start peeling and for new skin to become apparent,” says Gonzalez. “Once a month should be the maximum for usage, and many people find they can go longer depending on their rate of cell turnover and how calloused or dry their feet typically get,” she says.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Although she’s all about regular salon pedicures, few things in life bring her as much satisfaction as the shedding that occurs after a foot peel; it’s one of her favorite at-home beauty treatments.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any foot peels from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

9 Foot Files for Soft, Smooth Soles

Updated by Shannon Stubbs

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Jacobi A, Mayer A, Augustin M. Keratolytics and emollients and their role in the therapy of psoriasis: a systematic review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2015;5(1):1-18. doi:10.1007/s13555-015-0068-3
Parker J, Scharfbillig R, Jones S. Moisturisers for the treatment of foot xerosis: a systematic review. J Foot Ankle Res. 2017;10:9. doi:10.1186/s13047-017-0190-9
Mertas A, Garbusińska A, Szliszka E, Jureczko A, Kowalska M, Król W. The influence of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on fluconazole activity against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans strains. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:590470. doi:10.1155/2015/590470
Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. J Drugs Dermatol.

Best Overall

Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel

Best Budget

Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Boscia Fruit Acid Smoothing Foot Peel With Plant-Based Alcohol

Best Cream

PurSources PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream + Pumice Stone

Best Cream, Runner-Up

Beauty Pie Footopia Super Softening Foot and Heal Cream

Best Splurge

Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure

Best Natural

Earth Therapeutics Soft & Smooth Gentle Peeling Foot Mask

Best K-Beauty

TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid

Best for Sensitive Skin

Barefoot Scientist Reboot

Best Variety

Grace & Stella Dr. Pedicure Foot Peeling Mask

Best Mask

Aveeno Repairing CICA Foot Mask

Best Tool

Profoot Colossal Foot Rasp Foot File

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