Podiatrists and dermatologists recommend taking foot care seriously. Since feet are subject to constant pressure, they show signs of damage very often. A foot peel treatment is the right option for those struggling to get rid of cracked feet and calluses, as they contain the right constituents to dissolve and shed dead skin off your feet.
If you're struggling to find a foot peel treatment, take a look at our list of favorites. Baby Foot's Exfoliation Foot Peel is one of our favorites as it's formulated with many natural ingredients that are effective in removing dead skin cells and at the same time can keep your skin moisturized. And if you want some tips in choosing foot peels, take a look at our buying guide reviewed by a dermatologist! It contains much useful information about foot peels and will help you figure out which product is most suited for you.
Quick List - Top Foot Peels
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Choosing a foot peel doesn't have to be difficult. This buying guide discusses all the important points you need to take into consideration before selecting a foot peel, including its ingredients and size. Read on to learn more about them!
Foot peels are acid-based, and this can mean that foot peels aren't suited for everyone. Before you choose a product, research which ingredients the product contains. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should completely stay away from foot peel products and treatments.
Many foot peels intended to use at home contain AHAs such as glycolic acid, malic acid, and lactic acid. They work by loosening the cementing between the dead skin layers so they can peel off, resulting in smooth and brighter feet skin.
However, since AHAs have very strong exfoliating power, they might be irritating to those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema. The same applies to those who have cuts or open wounds on their feet, as the acids might aggravate your injuries.
We recommend doing a patch test first or consulting a dermatologist before applying foot peels with AHAs to sensitive skin. On another note, AHAs are a great choice for those with dry feet, as they can lock in moisture and give the skin a healthy look.
Many foot peels and masks have a combination of different AHA products, which can lead to an impressive peel of thickened skin or callus. These products can be drying and irritating and should be used once every few weeks to months depending on how much callus is present on the skin. Overusing these ingredients can lead to dry and irritated skin.
There are also foot peels formulated with BHAs like salicylic acid. These acids eliminate dead skin cells by breaking down the protein bonds that hold skin cells together. Just like AHAs, they help make your skin softer and smoother.
Compared to AHAs, BHAs have larger molecules and, therefore, are less irritating to the skin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce irritation. So if you have sensitive skin, go for foot peels with BHAs.
Salicylic acid should not be used by pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. BHA peels can be used more frequently since they are less drying to the skin. Additionally, the peel from BHA may not be as exuberant as the ones with AHA, but it doesn't mean it's not working.
Many foot peels are also formulated with ingredients to moisturize your dry, rough skin. Some nourishing ingredients commonly found in foot peels include Vitamin E, glycerin, and aloe vera.
Plant oil extracts such as castor oil, coconut oil, and argan oil can also soften your skin effectively as they provide the skin with fatty acids and help enhance the skin's protective barrier. Those ingredients can also soothe the skin!
Essential oils such as lavender and rosemary are also commonly found in many formulas. They have anti-inflammatory properties to calm irritated skin. They also have a pleasant fragrance to leave your feet smelling nice after the treatment. Some foot peels also contain collagen, which can help increase the skin's elasticity.
Once the dead skin is removed, the skin underneath is quite sensitive. Having a peel with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients is extremely beneficial to protect this new sensitive skin. Additionally, the more hydrated the skin on the feet is, the less likely callus and thick skin will form in the future.
The acids in the peels can also be drying, so having an added moisturizer that can maintain hydration in the skin is a plus. Essential oils can be soothing and can add a scent to the product; however, if you have eczema, be wary of essential oils as they can cause skin irritation and contact dermatitis.
Another important factor to pay attention to is the size of the peels. Small foot peels will not be able to cover your entire feet and provide the needed treatment, so choose products that are larger or about the same size as your feet.
Many foot peels fit up to women and men's size 11. There are also extra-large products that can fit size 14! There are also foot peels that come in one universal size.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel | ![]() | Best Natural Foot Peels That Make the Skin Soft | |
2 | Dermora Coconut Foot Peel Mask | ![]() | Best for Providing Deep Moisture to the Skin | |
3 | Plantifique Peach Feet Peeling Mask | ![]() | Best for Accelerating Skin Cell Turnover | |
4 | Bealuz Foot Peel Mask Exfoliant for Soft Feet | ![]() | Best for Eliminating Rough Calluses on the Feet | |
5 | Scala Foot Peel Exfoliating Mask | ![]() | Best Double Barrier Foot Peel That's Tearproof | |
6 | Soft Touch Foot Peel Mask | ![]() | Best for Smoothing and Nourishing Rough, Cracked Skin | |
7 | Lv Lavinso Foot Peel Mask | ![]() | Best for Sloughing off Dead Skin Cells | |
8 | Elixir Premium Lab Korean Peel Off Booties | ![]() | Best Korean Foot Peels Packed With Nourishing Botanical Extracts | |
9 | Oceantouch Collagen Foot Peel Mask | ![]() | Best for Rejuvenating the Skin's Condition | |
10 | Grace & Stella Foot Peel Mask | ![]() | Best Vegan and Non-Irritating Foot Peels |
Pros:
Cons:
Baby Foot's foot peels are formulated with 16 botanical ingredients including chamomile, lavender, and orange extracts to nourish and moisturize your feet. The inclusion of lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid helps break down the dead skin cells and shed the unwanted layers after a few days of the treatment.
Dr. Levy says, "Baby Foot Peel is a go-to recommendation for my patients. It works extremely well for callused or thick skin. The peeling can be extreme, so I always warn my patients of this." Some reviewers note that it could take up to two weeks for the feet skin to completely peel.
Pros:
Cons:
These rejuvenating peeling socks from Dermora contain exfoliants such as malic acid and citric acid for effective exfoliation. The addition of coconut extract, sorbitol, and aloe vera also helps keep your skin moisturized and smooth.
Some reviewers complain that the peeling process takes a long time. Nonetheless, a lot of reviewers express great satisfaction using these foot peels, saying they are easy to use and get rid of all their calluses without irritating their skin. Another plus point for buyers is their moisturizing properties that make their skin soft to the touch.
Pros:
These foot peels have great exfoliation and peeling properties thanks to the inclusion of lactic acid and papaya extract. They also come with the advantage of moisturization using aloe vera. The infusion of peach kernel oil further helps smooth the skin and enhance its elasticity.
For some reviewers, these foot peels are messy to apply. To contain the mess and to avoid leaking through the toe opening, wear socks over the booties. Meanwhile, the majority rave about how well these booties eliminate dead cells and dry skin. They are also able to remove aged cuticles and calluses, many reviewers comment.
Pros:
Cons:
These foot peels from Bealuz are an effective solution that penetrates into the skin cells to break down the dead skin layers and remove them. Besides lactic acid for exfoliation and peeling away dry and damaged skin, they come with castor oil, aloe vera, milk extract, and lavender for hydration.
One setback of these foot peels for some buyers is the strong fragrance. On the other hand, the majority are happy to see that their cracked and dry feet become super soft after the application. The peels help remove their thick calluses as well, reviewers add.
Pros:
These large foot peels come with a double barrier foot sock to prevent the peels from ripping apart or tearing during the treatment. They use lactic acid and papaya extract to peel off the dead and damaged skin layers. Meanwhile, glycerol, milk protein extract, and aloe vera keep the skin hydrated and alleviate inflammation.
Although a few buyers complained that the peeling process is quite long, the majority agree that the foot peels work well in making their skin softer and don't irritate their sensitive feet. For better results, reviewers recommend soaking your feet in warm water before the treatment, and also for 30 minutes daily post-treatment.
Pros:
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Soft Touch's foot care sheets are formulated with salicylic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and citric to remove dead skin cells and leave your feet feeling smooth and soft afterward. The addition of aloe vera further keeps the skin hydrated. These peels can fit up to men's size 11! Just wear the sheets, add the solution and keep it on for 60 minutes.
Some customers experienced a tingling sensation after applying the peels. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test beforehand! Besides that, many buyers highly recommend these foot peels for those with rough, cracked feet as it is able to remove all the callouses and restore the condition of your feet.
Pros:
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These foot peels feature a combination of different acids, including lactic acid, citric acid, and salicylic acid to effectively exfoliate your feet. Just put on the foot masks for 60 to 90 minutes and then remove and rinse your feet. You will see your feet starting to peel off in four to seven days to shed the outer hard skin.
Some buyers comment that the masks are too small and don't fit size 12 feet. Still, most are amazed at how effectively these foot peels work in banishing their stubborn dead skin to reveal the baby-soft skin beneath. Many also say that the formula is gentle and doesn't irritate their skin.
Pros:
A perfect example of Korean dermal therapy, these foot peel socks have 18 botanical extracts such as lavender, rosemary, and acerola to moisturize your feet and make them soft. Infused with effective exfoliants like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, the foot masks can peel away calluses and dead skin.
A few reviewers haven't noticed any peeling after applying the foot masks. But keep in mind that your skin will only start peeling off after four to seven days! On another note, many buyers say the foot peels work well in softening, soothing, and moisturizing their feet. They say the peels are easy to use as well.
Pros:
Cons:
These foot masks are infused with collagen, argan oil, aloe vera, and vitamins A and E to soothe inflammation, improve skin elasticity, and slow down the aging process of the skin. The combination of salicylic acid and lactic acid in the foot peels helps exfoliate and remove dead skin and calluses off your feet.
Even though some customers report that these foot masks burned their skin, most say they are able to remove dead skin cells and leave their skin feeling youthful, moisturized, and baby soft. Applying the foot peels is easy as well, reviewers mention.
Pros:
Cons:
These vegan foot peels bring in the goodness of 17 natural fruit and vegetable extracts such as orange peel oil, lemon fruit extract, grapefruit peel oil to remove dead and hard skin off your feet. There are also many antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea extract and chamomile extract to make the skin look youthful and smooth.
Some reviewers say that the feet keep peeling even after a few weeks. A few others also dislike the scent, saying it's strong and artificial. Besides that, the majority mention after using the peels, their cracked, rough feet look smooth. They also don't experience any skin irritation.
Foot peel treatments can sound easy to undertake. However there are a few preparations to do before you use the mask. Once you begin the treatment, patience is the key before you start seeing any difference.
While the use of foot peels comes with the advantage of getting rid of dry and cracked skin, it also offers a sudden change to your feet' skin and makes it become more sensitive.
Those with skin conditions should consult with a dermatologist before trying a foot peel. If you are worried about having an allergic reaction, try a patch test on another area of your body first.
Also, during pregnancy and lactation, your hormone levels increase, making your skin become extra sensitive. If you're pregnant or nursing, don't use foot peels as the exfoliating acids in them might damage your skin.
We recommend washing your feet thoroughly with soap and water before commencing the treatment. After washing, soak your feet in warm water for 15 minutes or more, depending on the time it takes to soften the skin of your feet. Once done, dry your feet completely.
Then it's time to wear the mask. To secure the masks in place, use the tapes or securing devices that normally come with the pack; or you can put your socks on top of the peels to secure them in place.
Also, keep in mind that the amount of time you need to wear the masks vary from product to product. So check the instructions for more information!
Once you remove the foot peel masks, rinse your feet and pat dry. When your skin starts peeling off, you might get tempted to finish the job yourself. This won't help, because the skin is supposed to fall off naturally. You can put on a pair of socks to stay away from picking on the peels - the dead skin will come off on its own.
Do not moisturize your feet with a heavy lotion or oil-based moisturizer until the peeling is complete. Drenching your dead skin with heavy moisturizers might actually slow down the peeling process.
If you feel like you need a foot cream, use a lightweight and oil-free moisturizer that won't interfere with the exfoliation process. Once the peeling is complete, keep moisturizing your brand-new foot skin to retain its baby soft feel.
When your feet get rid of the calluses, they might be more sensitive and tender than usual. This is because the hard skin is removed until your skin gets restored and re-conditioned. You need to be careful while walking on hard terrains or barefoot. You might also want to pick your footwear wisely.
You may have decided on which foot peel to buy, but you might still have some lingering questions. That's why Dr. Levy is here to answer some commonly asked questions from the Internet.
Dr. Levy says, "If you leave a foot peel on for too long, there may be more peeling, and the new skin underneath may be more sensitive or irritated. For extremely thick heels and all calluses, though, you may need to leave the peels on slightly longer for the best effect.
That being said, I would not recommend leaving a peel on for several hours longer than recommended. This could lead to excessive peeling and possibly harmful absorption of the ingredients. Instead, I'd recommend doing the peel more frequently rather than leaving peels on for excessive periods of time."
Dr. Levy says, "Yes. Foot peel masks are generally safe when used correctly and in moderation. Overusing the foot peel can cause issues such as irritated and chapped skin, as the acids in the peel can be harsh.
If you have diabetes or are prone to foot infections, I would take caution in using foot peels as the peeling can lead to sensitive skin that may be infection-prone. In addition, do not use a peel if you have open sores on your feet; it can lead to burning and irritation."
Dr. Levy says, "It takes time for the acids to break up the thickened skin and callus. The acids must first penetrate the skin while the mask is on. Then, over time, the acids work to break up and exfoliate the dead skin."
If you're looking for some after-peel care or other ways to maintain your feet besides foot peels, take a look at some of the choices below!
No. 1: Baby Foot|Exfoliation Foot Peel
No. 2: Dermora|Coconut Foot Peel Mask
No. 3: Plantifique|Peach Feet Peeling Mask
No. 4: Bealuz|Foot Peel Mask Exfoliant for Soft Feet
No. 5: Scala|Foot Peel Exfoliating Mask
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