The 10 Best Foot Scrubs That Make Dry, Rough Heels Feel Baby Soft
Smoother, softer soles start here.
I have what I lovingly—or, really, not so lovingly—refer to as crater heels. The skin around them gets so dry and cracked that I’m genuinely self-conscious about anyone seeing my feet, especially in the midst of sandal season. It’s also why I take foot exfoliation way more seriously than the average person. A good pedicure and consistent urea treatment help, but I’ve tested enough foot scrubs as a beauty editor to know that the right at-home formula can make a very noticeable difference between appointments. (They also make for a luxury at-home spa sesh.)
“When choosing a foot scrub, look for a combination of physical and chemical exfoliants to effectively remove dead skin and smooth calluses,” says board-certified dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD. She recommends physical exfoliants like pumice or sugar, AHAs such as glycolic or lactic acid, and hydrating ingredients like urea, glycerin, and shea butter to soften skin while you exfoliate. I also tapped board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, DO., for his advice on what actually works—and what’s better left to the professionals.
Between their guidance and my own very high-maintenance heels, I narrowed it down to the 10 best foot scrubs on the market. Ahead, you’ll find budget-friendly staples, more indulgent formulas, and plenty of first-person reviews to help you figure out which one is worth adding to your shower. Keep scrolling for all of my favorites, plus an expert-backed foot scrub FAQ for everything you need to know about exfoliating your feet without overdoing it.
The Best Foot Scrubs
- Best Overall Foot Scrub: Tenoverten The Sole Scrub
- Best Drugstore Foot Scrub: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic Exfoliating Foot Scrub
- Best Multipurpose Scrub: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
- Best Foot Scrub Bar: Soft Services Buffing Bar Exfoliating Body Bar
Tenoverten started as a NYC-based nail salon with a mission to prioritize nail health as much as aesthetics, using clean, non-toxic formulations. In recent years, the brand has expanded into hand and foot care, and this chicly packaged foot scrub is a perfect example. Formulated specifically for feet, it features hardworking exfoliants and brightening, antibacterial citrus oils. But if you're feeling generous, it also doubles as a body scrub for smoothing dry spots elsewhere.
Size: 6.8 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Sugar and orange peel (exfoliating); Grapefruit essential oil (antibacterial)
What I Love: Formulated by a beloved NYC nail salon; Uses both physical and mild chemical exfoliants; Uplifting citrus scent
What I Don't: Lacks deep hydrators, so you’ll want to follow up with a moisturizer
Customer Review: "This is the best scrub I have ever used. It left my feet buttery soft and has the perfect combination of exfoliation with a little bit of a soapy lather. It smells amazing too." — Tenoverten
Samantha Holender's feet before and after the Tenoverten The Sole Scrub.
If you’re after a no-fuss foot scrub that gets the job done, Palmer’s has you covered. It’s the most budget-friendly option on our list, yet it doesn’t skimp on performance, combining two types of physical exfoliators with deeply hydrating ingredients to smooth and soften in one step. Bonus: you can apply it to dry spots and slip on a pair of socks for an overnight treatment that works while you sleep.
Size: 2.1 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Pumice and walnut shell powder (exfoliating); Cocoa seed butter, shea butter, and glycerin (moisturizing)
What I Love: Contains two types of physical exfoliants; Widely-available; Most affordable option on our list
What I Don't: Some shoppers wish the bottle came in a tub
Review for MC: "I’ve always been a fan of Palmer’s signature cocoa butter scent. (It’s a rich, indulgent departure from my usual citrus or herbal products.) As for the texture, it strikes the perfect balance between grit and creaminess. It’s not overly dense or packed with exfoliants like a sand-like scrub but instead feels like a luxe treatment that smooths and hydrates in one go." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic Exfoliating Foot Scrub.
The First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub is a different experience from the ultra-moisturizing Palmer’s formula. Instead of a lotion-like base, it has a thick, creamy texture with a gritty, sand-like consistency that provides intense exfoliation. You don’t need much to see a difference, thanks to a blend of fine pumice beads and 10 percent glycolic and lactic acids, which work together to buff away rough patches and improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris over time.
Size: 10 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Pumice, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and willow bark extract (exfoliating); Glycerin (hydrating); Colloidal oatmeal and bisabolol (soothing); Vitamin E (protective antioxidant)
What I Love: Sensitive skin-friendly; Combines physical and chemical exfoliants; Comes in multiple sizes
What I Don't: Some find it difficult to squeeze out of the bottle due to the product's thickness
Review for MC: Not to brag, but as a beauty writer, my product stash is borderline out of control, which is exactly why I gravitate toward multipurpose formulas like this one. The super-gritty texture tackles everything from my dry, cracked heels and elbows to my husband’s keratosis pilaris, so it gets a ton of use in our respective routines." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca uses the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub.
Soft Services calls itself “the body skin experts,” and anyone who’s tried the brand—including the Marie Claire team—can confirm it delivers. This buffing bar is a standout in its curated lineup, especially for those who prefer a solid exfoliator over a squeeze tube formula. It uses two types of physical exfoliants embedded in a soap bar, making it an easy, mess-free way to smooth skin. While it’s a no-brainer for dry, rough areas like feet, the brand also recommends it for keratosis pilaris, ingrown-prone areas, and prepping skin for sunless tanning.
Size: 3.75 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Magnesium oxide and alumina (exfoliating); Shea butter, glycerin, and aloe vera (hydrating)
What I Love: Fragrance-free; Solid formula makes it easy to use (no dipping or squeezing required); Works well for keratosis pilaris and rough skin on the body
What I Don't: Some reviewers say it doesn’t last as long as they’d hoped
Review for MC: "I first got hooked on this bar for use on my body. Trust me: you'll never feel smoother skin in your life. But as someone with pretty icky heels (I'm just being honest), I pretty intuitively started using this on my feet every time I showered. It's gritty texture—over time—has helped buff away white dryness and smooth out cracks." — Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor
A Soft Services customer before and after using the Buffing Bar on their heels.
For those who’d rather invest in an all-over body scrub than a targeted foot treatment, Osea’s luxurious formula is hard to top, especially if you don’t mind splurging on high-end beauty. It uses mineral-rich salts sourced from around the world for next-level exfoliation, plus a blend of botanical oils that leave skin feeling silky-smooth.
Size: 12 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Mineral salts and silica (exfoliating); Shea butter, safflower seed oil, olive fruit oil, avocado oil, and babassu seed oil (moisturizing); Vitamin E (protective antioxidant)
What I Love: Highly rated at retailers across the board; Jar and cap are made of 50 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic; Free of synthetic fragrance
What I Don't: Most expensive option on our list
Customer Review: "This exfoliating body scrub is so luxurious. A small amount on my palm, worked into my skin, then lightly scrubbed with a washcloth leaves my skin so soft. It is very moisturizing, with very little scent. Strongly recommend." — Amazon
When you think of a quintessential sugar foot scrub, this one should come to mind. Created by Le Mini Macaron—the brand behind the cult-favorite at-home gel kit—it’s proof that they’ve mastered hand and body care, too. The formula features thick, hardworking granules for intense exfoliation, paired with hydrating ingredients and a soothing scent that'll mentally transport you to a luxe spa.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Sugar (exfoliating); Glycerin and cotton seed oil (hydrating)
What I Love: Soothing chamomile and mint scent; Part of a larger foot-care line for maximum care; Travel-friendly
What I Don't: Not for those who are sensitive to fragrance
Customer Review: "A wonderful texture and smell that worked wonders in softening my feet' skin. I've been using it along with the Très Hydrated Serum, and I'm so happy to have found this perfect match!" — Le Mini Macaron
Unlike scrubs packed with harsh, gritty exfoliants, Nécessaire’s gel-like formula takes a gentler approach. It blends fine physical exfoliants like pumice and charcoal powder that smooth without irritation, plus chemical exfoliants (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid) that work overtime to dissolve dead skin cells and help prevent future calluses. The result is softer, smoother skin from head to toe, without the risk of irritation.
Size: 6.1 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Pumice and quartz ( physical exfoliators); Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid (chemical exfoliators); Charcoal (cleansing); Marula seed oil (hydrating); Niacinamide (skin-strengthening)
What I Love: Mild exfoliation is gentle on sensitive skin; Contains salicylic acid for deep exfoliation; Hypoallergenic
What I Don't: The brand discontinued its fragrance-free version
Customer Review: "After just one use, I already can see a huge difference in my skin! My legs always look so scaly after getting out of the shower, but after using this scrub, they looked hydrated and shiny! The scent is very earthy, but it’s nice. Just smells natural and feminine." — Sephora
Birkenstock is one of those brands that hardly needs an introduction. Its iconic clogs are everywhere, whether you wear them daily or they are just a familiar sight. Less widely known is the brand’s expansion into foot care. Two years ago, Birkenstock introduced a lineup to keep feet as pampered as they are stylish, including a foot scrub packed with physical and chemical exfoliants, plus gentle cleansers and refreshing peppermint and rosemary leaf oil.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Pumice, silica, and lactic acid (exfoliating); Glycerin (hydrating); Peppermint and rosemary leaf oil (Cooling and refreshing)
What I Love: Uses mild surfactants to cleanse without stripping moisture; Vegan; Formulated by the iconic footwear brand
What I Don't: No online reviews just yet
Multiple shoppers compare this foot scrub to sand on the beach for its no-joke exfoliation, but what sets it apart is how its texture transforms. Once mixed with water, true to its name, it lathers into a soft, foamy texture that feels much more like a special spa add-on than a barefoot stroll by the ocean. Infused with a blend of essential oils, it delivers a soothing scent that helps you tap into your zen.
Size: 4 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Pumice, quartz, salt, and lemon and orange peel extract (exfoliating); Glycerin and safflower seed oil (hydrating); Eucalyptus leaf oil (antimicrobial and soothing)
What I Love: Starts as a dry scrub but transforms into a foamy lather with water; Herbal, spa-like scent; Available with fast shipping via Amazon Prime
What I Don't: Some users felt it didn’t deliver on its promise for callus removal
Customer Review: "I love the way this smells, and it invigorates my skin. It comes as a dry, grainy powder (kind of like clumpy sand). When it's wet, it lathers up and the pumice sloughs off the dead skin to leave my feet super smooth and soft. The eucalyptus makes my feet feel cool and relaxed. I love this product." — Amazon
For just $10, this foot scrub means business. The formula goes beyond basic exfoliation, blending hardworking physical exfoliants with antibacterial tea tree oil, a cooling hit of mint and menthol, and soothing chamomile and sage extracts.
Size: 6 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Pumice, jojoba seeds, and apricot shells (Exfoliating); Tea tree oil (antibacterial); Mint and menthol (cooling); Chamomile and sage extracts (soothing)
What I Love: Affordable; Thoughtfully formulated with botanicals to address every foot concern; Sustainably packaged
What I Don't: Packaging isn't the chicest
Customer Review: "I used this product on my feet and my hands, and they ended up so smooth and soft. I love having soft skin everywhere, and this is just what I need for my feet. Totally recommend! And it smelt good, and the cooling effect is just enough and not too much or too strong." — Ulta
What Should I Look for In a Foot Scrub?
When it comes to choosing the best foot scrub for you, texture, price, and purpose all come down to personal preference. Maybe you’re into creamy, gentle formulas over super-grainy ones, or you want a foot-specific treatment rather than an all-over body scrub to maximize results. But according to Dr. Collins and Dr. Lal, what matters most is the ingredients.
Dr. Collins recommends choosing a formula that blends physical and chemical exfoliants to effectively buff away dead skin and smooth calluses. Physical exfoliants manually slough off rough patches, while chemical exfoliants, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), work beneath the surface to dissolve dead skin cells for a softer finish. Dr. Lal, in particular, prefers chemical exfoliants like AHAs, which he says are generally gentler on the skin than physical scrubs, perfect for anyone prone to irritation
How Often Should I Use a Foot Scrub?
When it comes to how often you should use a foot scrub, start by checking the packaging. (Some brands provide specific recommendations based on their formula). If there’s no clear guidance, Dr. Collins and Dr. Lal suggest sticking to one to three times per week.
"For most people, using a foot scrub two to three times per week is ideal," says Dr. Collins. "If you have very thick calluses, you can exfoliate more frequently, but avoid excessive scrubbing, as it can lead to irritation or even make calluses worse by triggering skin thickening as a protective response."
Dr. Lal, on the other hand, recommends a more conservative approach. "I usually tell patients once a week for normal feet and maybe two to three times a week for those with very thick skin," he explains.
Should I Use a Foot Scrub Before or After Showering?
Exfoliating at the right time can make all the difference in how effective your foot scrub is. "For best results, use a foot scrub after showering when your skin is softer, making exfoliation more effective," says Dr. Collins. "If your feet are particularly rough, you can also soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. Avoid scrubbing dry skin too aggressively, as this can cause irritation or small tears in the skin." Afterward, she suggests applying a rich, emollient moisturizer "to keep feet soft and prevent dryness."
Who Shouldn't Use a Foot Scrub?
If you're wondering whether your skin is in the right condition for a foot scrub, it's always best to check in with a medical provider first. "If you have open cuts and fissures, you need to see a dermatologist or podiatrist first because you may have something else going on and may require in-office treatment," warns Dr. Lal. "Sometimes thick skin on the feet can actually be due to warts, and if you are overdoing it, you could spread these warts even more, so before you start, it may be worthwhile to see us."
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
For this story, we sourced editor and beauty enthusiast-loved foot scrubs and tested over 15 top-selling formulas. We evaluated each foot scrub based on texture, ingredients, price, and results.
Meet the Experts
Kristina Collins, MD, is a double-board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas, specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the co-founder of Austin Skin Physicians and founder of Foy by Dr. Kristina Collins MD.
Karan Lal, DO, is a double board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale, Arizona, specializing in pediatrics and adult dermatology, laser surgery, and soft tissue filler augmentation.
