Between school runs, standing all day, and dry indoor air, feet take a beating. When heels look chalky or start to crack, you need more than a regular lotion. The winning routine is simple: exfoliate gently, hydrate + repair, and seal overnight. Below are three foot creams that consistently work for busy mums—plus a quick routine, tips, FAQs, and a See Also section.
Quick Picks
- Best Everyday Barrier Repair: O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet — glycerin-rich, non-greasy cream that pulls in moisture and seals cracks with regular use.
- Best Smoother for Rough, Flaky Heels: AmLactin Foot Repair (AHA 15%) — lactic acid softens thick, scaly skin so it stops snagging on socks.
- Best Intensive Rescue for Calluses/Cracks: Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair (Urea 10% + Salicylic Acid) — softens and loosens hard callus build-up fast.
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1) O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet — Best Everyday Barrier Repair
Finish: Non-greasy, fast-dry
Great for: Daily maintenance, work shoes, sandal season prep
Why it works
A high-glycerin formula pulls water into the outer skin layer, then forms a thin protective film so moisture stays put. With consistent use, small surface cracks close and heels feel comfortable.
How to use (real-world)
Massage a pea-size per heel morning and night. For extra oomph, apply after a shower and pop on cotton socks for 30 minutes.
Pros
- Affordable, family-sized tubs
- No strong scent, won’t leave floors slippery
Cons
- Not strong enough alone for thick calluses—pair with a weekly exfoliant
2) AmLactin Foot Repair — Best Smoother for Rough, Flaky Heels
Finish: Light cream
Actives: Lactic acid (AHA ~15%) + emollients
Why it works
Lactic acid melts the “glue” between dead skin cells and attracts water at the same time. Used a few nights per week, it eats away flakes and makes heels look satin-smooth.
How to use
3–4 nights a week, after a shower: apply a thin layer to heels and rough areas. Let it sink in for a few minutes, then add a plain cream (like O’Keeffe’s) on top. Wear socks.
Pros
- Noticeable smoothing within a week
- Great prep before a holiday or event
Cons
- Can sting on open cracks—use barrier cream until skin closes
3) Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair — Best for Calluses & Deep Dryness
Finish: Ointment-gel
Actives: Urea 10% + Salicylic acid
Why it works
Urea at 10% softens thickened skin and pulls in water; salicylic loosens dense build-up. This combo targets stubborn calluses that lotions can’t shift.
How to use
Apply a rice-grain amount on the thickest areas nightly for up to 2 weeks, then switch to every other night. Always seal with socks. Do not use on broken skin.
Pros
- Fast visible improvement on hard heels
- Small amount goes a long way
Cons
- Medicinal feel; overuse may over-exfoliate—follow directions
How to Choose (quick map)
- Everyday dryness, small cracks: Start with O’Keeffe’s twice daily.
- Rough, flaky “chalky” heels: Add AmLactin several nights per week.
- Thick calluses / very hard heels: Short course of Kerasal, then maintain with O’Keeffe’s.
Safety notes: If you have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation, skip sharp tools and aggressive acids. See your clinician or a podiatrist for guidance.
10-Minute Weekly Routine (busy-mum edition)
- After shower: While skin is soft, pat feet dry.
- Light mechanical exfoliation: Use a fine foot file or pumice for 10–20 seconds per heel (optional; skip if diabetic).
- Active step:
- Use AmLactin (AHA) on flaky areas or Kerasal on thick calluses (not both the same night).
- Seal: Apply O’Keeffe’s over the top.
- Socks on: 30–60 minutes, or overnight if comfortable.
Daily maintenance: O’Keeffe’s AM + PM; SPF on tops of feet if they’ll see sun.
Tips that actually help
- Socks matter: Cotton or bamboo socks hold moisture in; avoid barefoot on cold floors.
- Shower timing: Actives work best when applied to warm, dry skin right after bathing.
- No picking: Let acids + urea do the lifting. Picking can cause deeper cracks.
- Hydrate + shoes: Drink water normally and rotate supportive shoes; backless sandals + hard floors = faster cracking.
Wrap-Up
You don’t need a pedicure to fix dry heels—just a sensible rotation:
- O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet twice daily for barrier repair,
- AmLactin Foot Repair several nights weekly to lift flakes, and
- Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair short-term for stubborn calluses.
Keep application quick and consistent, wear socks after your night routine, and you’ll see softer, smoother feet within a week—no salon trip required.
FAQ
Can I use body butter on my heels?
Yes for moisture, but it won’t remove thick build-up. Pair it with AHA or urea a few nights per week.
How long until I see results?
With O’Keeffe’s twice daily, comfort improves in 2–3 days. AmLactin or Kerasal typically show visible smoothing in 5–7 days.
Is a metal foot rasp safe?
Go gentle and avoid if you have diabetes or thin skin—overdoing it can cause micro-tears. A fine pumice is safer.
My heels crack and bleed—what now?
Pause acids. Use a plain barrier cream (O’Keeffe’s) plus a thin layer of petrolatum on the cracks, cover with socks, and allow to close before reintroducing actives. If cracks don’t improve, see a clinician.
Can I use these during pregnancy?
Urea and lactic acid in OTC strengths are generally considered acceptable topically, but always check with your healthcare provider.
See also
If your heels need more than cream alone, explore these foot care kits for stubborn cracked heels that bundle files, exfoliators, and balms.
– If dry, reactive skin isn’t limited to your feet, these body lotion picks for sensitive, reactive skin keep everything moisturised without sting.
– Support your routine with gentle bar soaps for sensitive, dry skin so cleansing doesn’t worsen cracking.
– For a non-stripping shower step, choose from the best body washes for sensitive skin types to maintain softness.
– If your hands are also flaring, see our guide to hand creams that calm eczema and repair cracked knuckles.