Annoying as they are, calluses and dryness are an inevitable part of having feet, so we’re extra grateful that the best foot scrubs exist. Usually sugar or salt-based (with the occasional plot twist of a walnut powder base), these exfoliating formulas physically buff away rough spots on the feet, offering much-needed relief, all while nourishing and conditioning. These scrubs come in an array of spa-worthy aromas with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe. We scoured the internet for foot scrubs that stood apart from the rest and spoke with podiatrists to get the lowdown on their favorite formulas. Below, take a gander at the very best formulas that’ll provide sweet, skin-smoothing relief.
Our Top Foot Scrubs
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Beautypie Super Tonic Leg and Foot Scrub
Beauty Pie
Super Tonic Peppermint Leg & Foot Scrub
Why we love it: Spiked with rejuvenating peppermint and soothing aloe, Beautypie’s Super Tonic Leg and Foot Scrub is a revitalizing pick-me-up for tired, callused feet in need of TLC. It’s as much a treat for your soles and heels as it is for your legs, giving you a complete buff wherever you need it—just apply a little more elbow grease on your feet than your legs. This salt-based formula is infused with ample soybean oil to melt in quickly and rinse away with ease. Pro tip: Remember to wipe down your tub or shower afterward to avoid any slippery mishaps.
- Scrub type: salt
- Key ingredients: peppermint, aloe
Best Drugstore: Palmer’s Foot Magic Scrub
Why we love it: Affordable and consistently effective, Palmer’s Foot Magic Scrub is a drugstore classic for a reason. Infused with cocoa butter, it gently conditions while buffing away stubborn rough patches. Peppermint oil adds a cooling touch of relief for tired, achy feet—always a welcome bonus. For best results, follow with Palmer’s Foot Magic Moisturizing Cream to lock in that soft-heeled goodness.
- Scrub type: walnut shell powder
- Key ingredients: cocoa butter, peppermint oil, vitamin E
Best Smelling: Londontown Foot Scrub
Why we love it: Soft feet are a slam dunk with the delectably scented Londontown Foot Scrub, which uses quick-dissolving sugar crystals to nourish tough skin while also buffing away roughness. The lemon- and peppermint-scented scrub is infused with moisturizing ingredients, including coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter, among others, and works especially well when followed by the brand’s Foot Balm. Use it as a quick pick-me-up midweek or as part of a full Sunday-night self-care ritual.
- Scrub type: sugar
- Key ingredients: coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter
Best Sugar-Based: Tree Hut Sugar Scrub
Why we love it: Tree Hut’s Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub is loaded with pumice beads and sugar to get to the root of crusty feet and calluses, while alpha hydroxy acids can help tackle any bumps or zits on your legs (yup, it happens to us, too). “Exfoliating but gentle, this scrub gives you a bubbly, rosy clean that allows you to create a spa experience in your own bathroom,” says Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development. “I love the sweet scent and soft texture, and find myself using this for every shower!” This scrub helps stave off dryness with hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich algae extracts, which gently brighten wherever you apply it.
- Scrub type: sugar
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, algae extract, alpha hydroxy acids
Best Salt-Based: Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Osea
Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Why we love it: The Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub blends mineral salts and nutrient-rich seaweed to hydrate, nourish, and deliver an intense exfoliation. Shea butter steps in to soothe your skin after buffing, while the lavender scent transforms your shower into a relaxing aromatherapeutic moment. Give the scrub a quick stir before use (a clean finger works perfectly) and massage it in circular motions over rough patches for best results.
- Scrub type: salt
- Key ingredients: salt, shea butter, seaweed
Best Conditioning: Dr. Teal’s Exfoliate & Renew Lavender Epsom Salt Body Scrub
Dr. Teal’s
Exfoliate & Renew Lavender Epsom Salt Body Scrub
Why we love it: The dreamy Dr. Teal’s Exfoliate & Renew Lavender Epsom Salt Body Scrub smells like fresh, herbal lavender—but its aromatherapeutic benefits aren’t the only reason to love it. Like most of the brand’s products, it harnesses the exfoliating power of Epsom salt, while aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E step in to moisturize and soften skin. Infused with essential oils, this scrub is an especially soothing pick for a pre-bedtime shower.
- Scrub type: salt
- Key ingredients: lavender, epsom salt, aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin E
Frequently Asked Questions
“Foot scrubs can be beneficial, provided there are no underlying risk factors like systemic conditions (such as diabetes mellitus) or existing skin conditions,” explains Saylee Tulpule, DPM, a DC-based, board-certified podiatrist and Kerasal brand ambassador. She notes that exfoliating dead skin can help other moisturizers absorb better, which is key for people who struggle with cracked and dry feet. Look out for ingredients such as salicylic acid, urea, and petrolatum,” Dr. Tulpule notes.
Before applying a foot scrub, Dr. Tulpule suggests washing your feet with warm water and soap to get skin damp and prepped for exfoliation. Then, grab the scrub and follow the product’s instructions on dosage and massage technique. Rinse off and finish with a moisturizer for baby-soft skin.
How often should you exfoliate your feet?
As with any part of your body, over-exfoliating can be detrimental to skin health. “Limit exfoliation to one to two times per week,” Dr. Tulpule advises. “More consistent scrubbing can strip healthy skin cells, potentially leading to damage and infection.”
However, if the skin on your feet is particularly sensitive, consider using a foot scrub even more sparingly. “I would recommend [body scrubs] only once or twice a month for people with sensitive skin,” explains David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It’s also important to moisturize the skin immediately after showering when it’s slightly damp.”
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best foot scrubs, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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