Best Foot Creams for Dry Feet: A Podiatrist's Top UK Recommendations
- cmspodiatry
- Jul 22, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Finding a truly effective foot cream can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with dry skin, cracked heels, sensitive feet or heel fissures.
So, if you're wondering which foot cream is actually worth buying, you're not alone. Dry feet and cracked heels are one of the most common concerns we see in podiatry practice.
The good news is that there are some excellent foot creams available in the UK. The challenge is knowing which one is right for your feet.
In this guide, we'll explain which ingredients to look for, which foot creams we regularly recommend and how to get the best results from your treatment.
Is Foot Cream Better Than Body Moisturiser?
Short answer: Yes.
The skin on the soles of your feet is much thicker than the skin elsewhere on the body and even has an extra epidermal layer, which is why standard body moisturisers often don’t work well.
Foot creams are specifically formulated to:
Penetrate thicker skin
Soften hard or callused areas
Improve hydration and skin elasticity
Reduce cracking over time
What Ingredients Should You Look For In A Foot Cream?
Urea
Urea helps soften hard skin and improve hydration.
Lanolin
Lanolin helps lock moisture into the skin.
Glycerin
Glycerin attracts water into the skin.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid can help reduce thickened skin when used appropriately.
Best Foot Creams Recommended By Podiatrists
Below are some of our favourite podiatrist-recommended foot creams that consistently give great results.
All are budget-friendly and suitable for home use.
Gehwol Foot Cream – Best for Everyday Dry Feet
Gehwol is our go-to foot cream, both in clinic and at home. It absorbs beautifully into the skin and doesn’t leave your feet feeling greasy - perfect if you don’t like waiting around for cream to soak in.
It also has a fresh, spa-like scent, which many patients love.
Why we recommend it:
Absorbs quickly
Suitable for daily use
Contains urea, lanolin and glycerin
Ideal for general dryness and maintenance
Flexitol Cracked Heel Balm – Best for Very Dry or Cracked Heels
Flexitol is a long-standing favourite in podiatry and often the first thing people try for cracked heels. Their heel balm contains 25% urea, making it particularly effective for very dry, thickened or fissured skin.
Flexitol also offers products containing salicylic acid, which can help reduce hard skin when used as part of a proper foot care routine.
Why we recommend it:
High-strength urea for severe dryness
Excellent for cracked heels
Widely available in the UK
Strong clinical track record
CCS Foot Care Cream – Best for Thicker Cream Lovers
CCS Foot Care Cream is ideal if you prefer a richer, thicker cream. It contains urea, lanolin and glycerin and works very well for maintaining soft, smooth skin.
It does take a little longer to absorb, so it’s best used at night or when you’re not in a rush - pop on some socks afterwards for best results.
Why we recommend it:
Thick, nourishing formula
Great for dry skin maintenance
Suitable for sensitive skin
Excellent overnight option
Which Foot Cream Should You Choose?
If one doesn’t quite work for you, try another - everyone’s skin is different, and sometimes it takes a little experimenting to find the perfect match.
How to Get the Best Results from Foot Cream
For best results:
Apply foot cream daily
Use after bathing or showering
Apply a generous amount and allow it to absorb
Wear cotton socks overnight if using a thicker cream
When Should You Seek Professional Advice?
You should seek professional advice if:
heel cracks are painful,
the skin is bleeding,
symptoms are worsening,
home treatment is not helping,
you have diabetes,
you have poor circulation.
Why Are My Heels Cracking? Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Final Thoughts
All of the foot creams listed above are excellent choices and commonly recommended in podiatry practices. With consistent use, they can significantly improve dry skin and reduce cracking over time.
If you’re unsure which product is right for you, or if your heel cracks are painful, bleeding or not improving, it’s always best to seek professional advice.