13 Best Callus Removers, Gels, Creams, and Treatments of 2021

13 Callus Removers That'll Legit *Transform* Your Dry, Winter Feet

(Image credit: Khadija Horton)

published 28 February 21

Wanna know my least favorite thing about winter? Good, bc I'm telling you anyway: Cold, dry weather does an effing number on my feet. Cute, I know. That’s why I’ve become lowkey obsessed with the at-home antidote to dry, cracked heels: callus removers. Whether it’s a cream, a gel, or a stone, there are so many callus treatments on the market right now that you don't even need a salon appointment to get smooth, soft-AF skin. And I'm not just talking about those classic foot files you have hidden away in your bathroom drawer—today's callus removers are super innovative (think: peels, patches, and even soaks) and are powerful enough to break down hard skin fast. So if calluses aren't a part of your agenda for spring and summer, do yourself a favor and shop the 13 best removers of all time, below.

1. Dr. Scholl's Duragel Callus Removers

I get it: Sometimes hards calluses on your heels and feet can feel super uncomfortable—and even painful—when you're walking around in chunky boots all day. That's where these convenient little patches from Dr. Scholl's come in handy. Just stick 'em directly onto your calluses and the formula's salicylic acid will help soften the hardened skin while you live your life.

2. Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure Foot Treatment

This exfoliating callus remover is basically like a face mask for your feet. All you gotta do is pour the formula (which is spiked with alpha and beta hydroxy acids) into the socks, stick your feet into them, wait 60 to 90 minutes, then rinse it all off. You'll obviously be pretty immobile while the formula is doing its thing, so cue up your Netflix and get cozy.

3. Earth Therapeutics Pedi-Glass Stone-Green

The hundreds of five-star reviews on Ulta don't lie: This stone is a legit godsend for hard, cracked skin. Quickly brush your heels and feet with the green side for coarse filing, then flip it over and smooth delicate areas (like your ankles or even your elbows) with the finer, white side. Your calluses don't stand a chance, honestly.

4. DERMORA Foot Peel Mask

This callus remover is really similar to a face peel, only it targets dead, rough skin on your feet. Slip on the mask for an hour, wash it off, and expect your feet to look and feel softer in three to seven days (during which your dead skin cells will slowly peel and flake off). And as with any peel, your skin might look worse before it gets better—just be patient.

5. Tweezerman Sole Smoother Anti-Bacterial Callus Stone

It doesn't get more classic than this double-sided callus stone from Tweezerman. After soaking your feet (or, you know, standing in the shower), run the coarse side over your callus to gently smooth and exfoliate your skin. Then flip it over and rub the smooth side over the bottom of your feet and around your toes. Boom—soft-AF feet in just a few mins.

6. Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File Extra Coarse

If basic foot files aren't really doing it for you (which, TBH, been there), this electronic callus remover from Amope is a no-brainer. Turn this bb on and the extra-coarse roller head works to gently—but effectively—buff away your dead, dry skin. Just make sure you follow up with plenty of moisturizer.

7. M3 Naturals Premiums Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak

Full disclosure: No soak is going to remove your calluses as efficiently as a scrub or foot file, but I love using this formula before my scrubs (it helps soften my skin a little before I really go in). Alongside soothing and hydrating coconut oil, it's got a hefty dose of tea tree oil (which is great for treating things like athlete's foot and tough odors).

8. Lee Beauty Professional Callus Remover Extra Strength Gel

This mysterious little gel is the top-rated callus remover on Amazon (for real), thanks to its ability to zap dry, dead skin in legit 10 minutes. Just keep in mind that this formula is pretty strong, so you'll want to follow the directions to a T (that includes wearing gloves while you apply it and rinsing it off after 10 mins max).

9. AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy

Gently-exfoliating lactic acid is the hero ingredient in this reparative foot cream, which, when smoothed over rough calluses, works to noticeably soften your skin. Use a dollop of this guy every night, throw on a pair of fuzzy socks, and your skin will feel softer by the time you wake up.

10. Earth Therapeutics Charcoal Purifying Foot Scrub

Bamboo charcoal and tea tree oil are the hero ingredients in this callus remover foot scrub. Massage the gritty formula on clean, dry skin to smooth out any rough patches on your heels and toes, rinse it off with warm water, and load up on moisturizer.

11. Colossal Foot Rasp Foot File and Callus Remover

Yes, this callus remover looks like a cheese grater. And, yes, it actually really works. Use it like you would any foot file, but just be suuuper mindful when you're buffing—you definitely don't want to go overboard with this one, so use a light hand and keep it gentle.

12. Gehwol Med Callus Cream

Think of this callus remover as your longterm solution—it's basically a super-intense moisturizer (it's got avocado, sea buckthorn oil, and glycerin which work to loosen and soften your calluses) that helps keep dry skin at bay. Slather it on every night for 28 days and you'll definitely see a difference.

13. Dionis Pure Goat Milk Foot Fizzies

How cute are these baby bath bombs?! Formulated with vitamin A-rich goat milk, these fizzing foot soaks are the perfect way to soothe stressed out, callused feet. Add them to your pedicure routine before or after you scrub for a super-hydrating treat.

Ruby Buddemeyer

Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.