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12 Best Callus Removers in 2023 That’ll Leave Your Feet Soft and Smooth as Hell, Tested and Reviewed
Bring on the summer sandals.
The one thing I hate about summer? How my super cute sandals cause not-so-cute calluses on my heels. And because I'm not willing to sacrifice comfort in the name of fashion, I've learned to manage. Enter: Callus removers—i.e., the quickest, easiest solution for dry, cracked heels. While you can certainly slough away dead skin with your classic pumice stone or foot "shaver," I find that the best way to remove calluses at home is with a treatment that includes a keratolytic, i.e., an ingredient (often a chemical exfoliant) that breaks down the built-up keratin in your skin responsible for roughness. The best-tested? Urea, ammonium lactate, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid.
Chemical and keratolytic callus treatments are powerful enough to break down hard skin over time with less risk of infection that can occur from hacking away at your skin with a sharp, razor-like tool—especially in those who have a higher risk due to diabetes, certain skin conditions, or neuropathy. And while an at-home treatment can help for minor calluses, if you're dealing with a severe case—or you have any health conditions—you should absolutely consult a medical professional. So to help you out, I personally tested and reviewed the best callus removers, and tapped our own experts, board-certified dermatologists Karan Lal, MD, and Sheila Farhang, MD, for their take on what works best when it comes to callus removal and how to choose the best treatment, below:
✔️ FYI: We updated this article in June 2023 to give you the most up-to-date info on how to get of calluses, including new products and treatments that dermatologists recommend, as well as how to choose the best callus removal treatment yourself.
Our top picks for the best callus removers in 2023
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So if calluses aren't a part of your spring and summer agenda, do yourself a favor and shop the entire list of the best removers of all time below that I personally tested and reviewed. And make sure to keep scrolling for everything you need to know about removing a callus at home, courtesy of our board-certified dermatologists.
Isdin Uradin Podos
Isdin Uradin Podos
Pros
- Very lightweight formula that dries super quickly
Cons
- Takes time to see results
Dr. Farhang personally loves this urea-based keratolytic (i.e., ingredients that break down outer layers of your skin to encourage more moisture) gel that works wonders on callused feet. Along with urea, it contains a combo of lactic acid (an AHA that further exfoliates dead skin) and glycerin (a humectant that draws moisture into your skin). When my heels are super dry, I apply a pea-sized amount of this gel to affected areas twice daily for two weeks and I swear my skin feels like I had an intense foot scrub.
- Key ingredients: Urea, glycerin, lactic acid
- Product type: Gel-oil
THE REVIEW: "This is an exceptionally good cream for your feet," one reviewer notes. "It made my hard-edged heels soft. My dermatologist recommended it and I echo that recommendation."
Dr. Scholl's Duragel Callus Removers
Dr. Scholl's Duragel Callus Removers
Pros
- Water-resistant and stays put
Cons
- Covers a very minimal area
Not only are these convenient little patches from Dr. Scholl's super easy to use, but you'll also hardly notice you even have them on. Just stick 'em directly onto your calluses, and the formula's high dose of salicylic acid will help soften the hardened skin while you live your life, callus free.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (40%)
- Product type: Medicated patch
THE REVIEW: "This worked like a charm," writes one tester who has had a callus they have been struggling to get rid of for months. "So happy I can walk normally for the first time in months, amazing!"
AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy
AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy
Pros
- Dissolves dead skin without affecting the new skin underneath
Cons
- Feels a bit sticky when worn with socks overnight
When you smooth this cream over your rough calluses, the formula’s exfoliating lactic acid and ammonium lactate work together to noticeably soften your skin. Use a dollop of this bb every night, throw on a pair of cotton socks, and your skin will feel softer by the time you wake up.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, ammonium lactate, glycerin
- Product type: Lotion
THE REVIEW: "After applying AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy to my feet twice a day for a week, my feet were smoother than they have been for ages and the dead skin was gone," reads one review.
Earth Therapeutics Pedi-Glass Stone-Green
Earth Therapeutics Pedi-Glass Stone-Green
Pros
- Dual-sided so it can be used on rougher and delicate areas
Cons
- May crumble with time
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.
- Product type: Pumice stone
THE REVIEW: "I use this once a week in the shower to keep my feet super soft," notes one reviewer, adding, "the green side is abrasive enough to get rid of any dry skin, and the white side smoothed everything out!"
Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure Foot Treatment
Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure Foot Treatment
Pros
- Uses a combo of chemical exfoliants to shed layers of dead skin away
Cons
- This mask is a process and your feet will be legit shedding for up to three weeks
This exfoliating callus remover is basically like a face mask for your feet. All you have to 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.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid
- Product type: Peel
THE REVIEW: "It took about eight days for my feet to peel and that lasted an additional seven more days," writes one reviewer, adding, "when they stopped peeling, my feet were incredibly soft and youthful in appearance."
Tweezerman Sole Smoother Anti-Bacterial Callus Stone
Tweezerman Sole Smoother Anti-Bacterial Callus Stone
Pros
- The handle allows for better reach
Cons
- Can be quite the arm workout
It doesn't get more classic than this double-sided callus stone from Tweezerman. After soaking your feet (or after a warm 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.
- Product type: Pumice stone
THE REVIEW: "I can’t say enough good things about this callus stone! I initially bought it for my feet," writes one reviewer, adding, "the coarse side, used while my feet are softened from a shower, is the most effective tool I’ve used for smoothing rough, callused feet."
Lee Beauty Professional Callus Remover Extra Strength Gel
Lee Beauty Professional Callus Remover Extra Strength Gel
Pros
- Works incredibly quickly
Cons
- If you leave it on too long, it can remove too much skin
Okay, this stuff should really not go into the hands of an amateur, but because I know you won't listen to me anyway (considering it's a top-rated callus remover on Amazon), you'll want to follow the directions to a T or you can risk the formula taking off too much skin (that includes wearing gloves while you apply it and rinsing it off after 10 mins max). Its ability to zap dry, dead skin in legit 10 minutes due to its concentrated active ingredients makes it so appealing, but be mindful that it's super easy to overdo it.
- Key ingredients: Urea
- Product type: Gel
THE REVIEW: "Works fast!" writes one reviewer. "I used gloves and put a small amount all over my foot and heel, then waited three minutes; the amount of skin that came off was amazing—I've never seen that much come off at one time before."
Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File Extra Coarse
Amope Pedi Perfect Electronic Foot File Extra Coarse
Pros
- Does the work for you, no manual scrubbing involved
Cons
- Takes a long time physically holding the foot file
If basic foot files aren't really doing it for you (which, TBH, been there), this electronic callus remover is a no-brainer. Turn this baby 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 foot cream.
- Product type: Pumice stone
THE REVIEW: "I spent an hour and a half this evening working on my feet that I had neglected for far too long," writes one reviewer adding, "I was just hoping to get the cracks reduced, but they are gone and my heels are soft—amazing!"
Earth Therapeutics Purifying Foot Scrub
Earth Therapeutics Purifying Foot Scrub
Pros
- Tea tree oil works well for odor and athlete's foot
Cons
- You will have to follow up with a stronger callus treatment to see significant results
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 the foot cream.
- Key ingredients: Charcoal, tea tree oil
- Product type: Scrub
THE REVIEW: "I have been using this for the past couple of days, and I can already notice the difference in my feet as they are now soft and smooth, instead of their usual callused, rough, cracked selves," reads one review.
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
Pros
- Thoroughly removes dry, dead skin like a charm
Cons
- Dead, loose skin will peel anywhere from a few days to weeks
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.
- Key ingredients:
- Product type: Peel
THE REVIEW: One tester with thick, dry, callused feet tried other treatments to no avail until this: "I waited for an hour, then took them off—they didn't look any different, so, I patiently waited to see some action. Today is the third day and I cannot believe my eyes! The skin is literally coming off in big sheets!"
M3 Naturals Premiums Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak
M3 Naturals Premiums Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak
Pros
- Very gentle treatment that is beneficial for odor and athlete's foot
Cons
- You'll have to follow up with a stronger exfoliant to really slough away dead skin
Full disclosure: No soak will remove your calluses as efficiently as a chemical exfoliant 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 moisturizing 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).
- Key ingredients: Coconut oil, tea tree oil
- Product type: Scrub
THE REVIEW: "I have had pitted keratolysis for a couple of years, and nothing worked—my feet were just deteriorating," writes one tester. "One soak of this stuff and the peeling skin was gone and the pits are cleared up!"
Colossal Foot Rasp Foot File and Callus Remover
Colossal Foot Rasp Foot File and Callus Remover
Pros
- Will give you quick results
Cons
- Super easy to cut/injure yourself
Ideally, you’d go to your doctor to remove severe calluses because DIYing it at home can lead to cuts and therefore infection. But if you’re set on trying it yourself, and won't try out the other less risky treatments, this callus shaver will indeed remove dead skin. To mitigate damage and cuts, make sure your skin has been softened with a foot soak or warm shower, and gently (gently!) rub it back and forth on your heels making sure to not apply any pressure.
- Product type: Foot razor
THE REVIEW: "Alright, y'all, this ain't your basic foot rasp—if you have mild calluses, I really suggest you look elsewhere," writes one reviewer, adding, "if you, like me, basically have hooves for heels, then this may be your new holy grail of extraneous foot skin removal."
Can you completely remove a callus?
Can you completely remove a callus?
Yes, you can completely remove a callus, say both Dr. Lal and Dr. Farhang. "Apply a keratolytic such as urea (ISDIN Uradin is my go-to), salicylic acid (Compound W), or ammonium lactate," says Dr. Farhang, adding that if the callus is thick, the best results are from a compound cream that's formulated with a higher concentration of urea and salicylic acid that only a doctor can prescribe. To prevent a reoccurring callus from coming back, you must make a few lifestyle changes to avoid pressure, repeated trauma, or friction to the area, explains Dr. Farhang.
Do sandals cause calluses?
Do sandals cause calluses?
Yes, sandals can be a cause of calluses. "Sandals are often ill-fitting and not the ideal shoe for bearing weight," says board-certified dermatologist, Karan Lal. The pressure on your feet due to the sandals can cause your skin to react by getting thicker to protect itself, which causes calluses and cracked heels, he explains. So while this doesn't mean you have to swear off sandals forever, it does mean that you should switch it up every now and then with a supportive, closed-toe shoe.
How to choose the best callus remover:
How to choose the best callus remover:
Identify where and how the callus has formed
"First, it's important to identify how the callus has formed and mitigate that if possible," says board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang. Because a callus is formed in areas of repeated trauma, the key is to limit pressure, explains Dr. Lal. If the calluses are on your feet, "you can do this by wearing socks at all times and choosing shoes that fit your feet well," he says, adding that if they're occurring on your hands from lifting weights, wear gloves.
Decide which type of callus remover is best for you
Before grabbing any callus remover, or going at it with a sharp razor-like tool, you should assess the situation: Are your feet incredibly callused and dry, or is it a minor problem? If it's on the more severe side, pretty please speak to a podiatrist or dermatologist beforehand, because DIYing at home can lead to cuts and infection. A doctor can prescribe a strong topical cream or gel that is keratolytic to help exfoliate, slough off the extra skin, and soften the callus in certain situations, says Dr. Farhang.
Dr. Farhang recommends soaking your calluses in warm water before attempting removal. This will soften it so removal will be easier. From there, both Dr. Farhang and Dr. Lal suggest an over-the-counter callus remover: Callus removers can be chemical like salicylic acid/urea/lactic acid that help chemically exfoliate the callus, or they can be physical, like pumice stones that mechanically remove the excess skin, explains Dr. Lal.
Understand the risks of removal
As tempting as it can be to take a sharp callus remover and slough away at the dry, cracked skin, it must also be done with caution. Both Dr. Lal and Dr. Farhang agree that removing a callus at home is not necessarily bad, but improper removal (i.e., taking too much skin off) can lead to bleeding, pain, and even infection. So, at the end of the day, if you have any hesitations, the best thing to do is consult your doctor.
Meet the experts:
Meet the experts:
- Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
- Sheila Farhang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, skin cancer surgeon, cosmetic dermatologist, and founder of Avant Dermatology and Aesthetics in Tucson, AZ.
Why trust Cosmo?
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty, and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best ingrown hair treatments and the best blackhead removal tools, and feels especially knowledgable in callus removers, thanks to her own struggles with extremely dry feet and hands due to calluses and eczema. She regularly tests and analyzes callus removers on her own feet for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists, and podiatrists to assess new formulas and products.
Ruby Buddemeyer was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly three years, and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrity news across print and digital, including the best pumice stones on the market, and the best nail drills for an at-home manicure. Her callus remover picks were based on product reviews, ratings, dermatologist, and podiatrist recommendations.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty in the makeup, skin, and hair spaces, as well as some fashion and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to achieve ridiculously glowing skin, a super bouncy blowout, or exactly how to use that viral face mask? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As NYC's newest resident, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini this city has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram where you'll see that her account is mostly dedicated to pics of her cute dog and that magazine life.
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.
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