✔️ Look for exfoliators and skin-smoothers: An effective foot cream also contains exfoliating ingredients that help speed skin cell turnover, like salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids. “Getting rid of dead skin is important to keep feet looking their best,” says Dr. Jaliman. While it’s tempting to just use a pumice stone to remove flakes and scale, make sure you’re always following with a foot cream. “Otherwise, you aren’t changing the root of the problem,” Dr. Waldorf says.
✔️ Find hydrating ingredients: Dr. Jaliman recommends looking for hydrating ingredients, specifically humectants that “will draw water into the skin cells,” such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea. You’ll also want to look for occlusives (to seal in other ingredients and moisture), such as petrolatum, ceramides, dimethicone, and shea butter.
✔️ Consider the right formula for your needs. Thick, deeply moisturizing creams are generally ideal for treating dry and cracked feet. If you have sensitive skin, though, you’ll specifically want to look for formulas that are fragrance-free and contain gentle ingredients that won’t irritate your skin. Additionally, if you have tired, achey feet, consider a formula that contains ingredients specifically meant to provide soothing relief, like cooling peppermint oil.