Best Foot Creams: A Podiatrist's Recommendations for Dry Feet
Updated: Oct 18
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?
Not necessarily, although specialist foot creams can be particularly beneficial for very dry feet and thickened skin.
The skin on the soles of your feet is naturally thicker than the skin on many other areas of your body. This means that feet with particularly dry or hard skin may benefit from creams containing ingredients such as urea.
Urea-based creams can help hydrate the skin and soften areas of hard or thickened skin. However, a good-quality body moisturiser may be perfectly suitable for everyday foot care if your skin is only mildly dry. [1]
What Ingredients Should You Look For in a Foot Cream?
Urea
Urea is one of the most useful ingredients for treating dry, thickened skin. Lower concentrations primarily improve hydration, while higher concentrations can also help soften and break down hard skin.
Lanolin
Lanolin is an emollient that helps soften the skin and reduce moisture loss. However, it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains water in the skin, helping to maintain hydration.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid has keratolytic properties, meaning it helps remove excess dead skin. It can be useful for thickened skin but isn't suitable for everyone. People with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced sensation should seek professional advice before using products containing salicylic acid on their feet. [2, 3]
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 Fusskraft Intensive 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.
Why we recommend it:
High-strength urea for severe dryness
Excellent for cracked heels
Widely available in the UK
A long-standing favourite in our podiatry practice
CCS Foot Care Cream – Best for Thicker Cream Lovers
CCS Foot Care Cream contains 10% urea and glycerin to help hydrate and soften dry skin. It's a great option if you prefer a richer cream, particularly as part of your evening foot-care routine.
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
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
Apply foot cream daily, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Apply after bathing or showering, once your feet are clean and dry.
Massage the cream gently into dry areas, particularly your heels.
Avoid routinely applying moisturiser between your toes.
Consider wearing cotton socks overnight after applying your cream.
Consistency is important. Regular moisturising helps maintain skin hydration and can reduce the build-up of dry, hard skin. [4, 5]
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.
References
DermNet. Urea. Read Article
DermNet. Emollients and Moisturisers. Read Article
Piquero-Casals J, et al. (2021). Urea in Dermatology: A Review of its Emollient, Moisturizing, Keratolytic, Skin Barrier Enhancing and Antimicrobial Properties. Read Study
NHS. Diabetic Foot Care Guidence. Read Guidence
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