The 12 Best Foot Peels of 2023
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Our best overall pick is the Baby Foot Exfoliation Peel
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.
The best-selling Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel is our best overall pick for foot peels. It's easy to use and effectively removes dead skin for super-soft soles. We also love the more budget-friendly Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair, which has a fast-acting formula that gives you overnight results.
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.
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
Best Overall
Reach for for this beloved classic when you want smooth, vacation ready, feet—plus it's super-satisfying to peel off.
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
Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair
Best Budget
You’ll see noticeable results come morning, though you can repeat as often or whenever needed.
What We Like
Concentrated formula
Delivers results in just one day
Inexpensive
What We Don't Like
Weird consistency
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
Related:The Best Salicylic Acid Products to Clear Your Complexion
Boscia Fruit Acid Smoothing Foot Peel With Plant-Based Alcohol
Best Overall, Runner-Up
The treatment is done in 90 minutes, and in a couple of weeks, you'll start to see peeling.
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
"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
Best Cream
Leave this exfoliating foot cream on overnight and wake up with smoother soles.
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
Related:The 14 Best Callus Removers for Smoother, Softer Soles
Beauty Pie Footopia Super Softening Foot and Heal Cream
Best Cream, Runner-Up
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
Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure
Best Splurge
A blend of acids work to get rid of dead, dry skin on your feet in no time at all.
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
Best Natural
This peel features effective exfoliating acids along with a long list of certified organic ingredients.
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
Related:The 13 Best Foot Creams of 2023
TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid
Best K-Beauty
Ready for some heavy-duty peeling action? Reach for this K-Beauty foot peel made with salicylic and glycolic acids.
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
Best for Sensitive Skin
In 90 minutes, this mask will transform dry skin into beautifully hydrated feet, and it's vegan.
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
Best Variety
Glycolic acid works to remove dead skin from your feet, and yummy scents make the experience spa-like.
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
Related:The 14 Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin of 2023
Aveeno Repairing CICA Foot Mask
Best Mask
Instead of increased foot-shedding, this mask imparts tons of moisture to soften skin.
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
Profoot Colossal Foot Rasp Foot File
Best Tool
This tool is the best addition to your self-care routine for soft soles.
Read Full Review: 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.
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).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foot peels safe?
<p>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.</p>
Can you use a foot peel on your face?
<p>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. </p>
Can you use a foot peel on your hands?
<p>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.</p>
How often should you use a foot peel?
<p>“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.</p>
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 [email protected] and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
