At the moment, there are a variety of options if you’re looking for a foot exfoliator. Each with the same intended purpose, to remove the dead and dry skin that slowly accumulates on your feet over time.
Three of the most popular foot exfoliators people use to get rid of the thick, dead skin on their feet are pumice stone, at-home foot scrubs, and exfoliation foot peels. As a result, we thought it would be worthwhile to explore which is the best.
Pumice Stone for Feet
Pumice stones are one of the most commonly used tools for exfoliating dry, dead skin from the feet. Made from natural volcanic rock, they offer a textured surface that helps slough off rough patches, especially around the heels, balls of the feet, and toes.
To get the best results, always use a wet pumice stone on wet skin. Using a dry pumice stone on dry feet can cause micro-tears, abrasions, or irritation. Soaking your feet in warm water for 5–10 minutes beforehand softens the skin and makes exfoliation more effective and comfortable.
When used safely, pumice stones can help soften corns and reduce thick calluses, though they should never be used to dig out corns or warts. Trying to dig into the skin can cause injury or infection. If you’re dealing with stubborn corns or suspect a wart, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider rather than self-treating with exfoliation tools.
That being said, you mustn’t rub too hard. Often people find that their feet are raw, red, and painful after rubbing them with a pumice stone. As a result, this might not be the best option for those with sensitive skin on their feet. It can also harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly, which is why it’s important to rinse it thoroughly after each use and let it air-dry. Bacteria can grow on pumice stones, so replacing them every few weeks is recommended to keep things hygienic.
DIY Exfoliating Foot Scrub
If you prefer a hands-on approach or want to skip store-bought products, making a homemade foot scrub is an easy option. Ingredients like sugar, Epsom salt, coconut oil, or lotion can be combined in minutes to create an effective exfoliator. Gently massaging the mixture into your feet helps slough off dry skin and improve circulation.
The best DIY exfoliators pair a gritty texture with a moisturizing base. A mix of Epsom salt and coconut or olive oil is a go-to for soothing sore feet while exfoliating. Sugar scrubs are ideal for sensitive skin, thanks to their smaller, gentler granules. Sugar scrubs are gentler, better for light exfoliation. Salt scrubs are more abrasive, great for thick calluses and tough feet. Choose based on your skin’s needs.
Despite how easy it is to make your own foot scrub at home, its effectiveness is, at times, less than ideal. Scrubs can start to dissolve before fully exfoliating, especially if your feet are damp or the mix is too thin. You may also struggle to reach tight areas like between the toes, where dead skin often lingers.
Quick Recipe: Soothing Epsom Salt Foot Scrub
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil
Optional: a few drops of essential oil (lavender or peppermint)
Mix ingredients in a bowl and apply to clean, damp feet. Scrub for 2–3 minutes per foot, then rinse thoroughly and moisturize.
Do Foot Peels Work
Exfoliating foot peels use a mixture of natural ingredients, including fruit acids and extracts that are kind to the skin on your feet. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re any less effective in removing the dead skin on your feet. In fact, because foot peels soak the entirety of your foot in their formula, it takes care of every place you may have dead or dry skin.
Unlike scrubs or pumice stones, foot peels work over time, usually within 5 to 7 days, as the dead skin naturally sheds. If you’re wondering how to remove calluses from feet permanently, consistent exfoliation combined with moisturizing can make a big difference. Baby Foot peels are especially popular for this purpose, as they’re both gentle and thorough.
If you’re not sure how to use a Baby Foot exfoliating foot peel, check out our post detailing ways to make your foot peel work for you.
When you’re ready to try the best foot exfoliator on the market check out the Original Exfoliation Foot Peel from Baby Foot!
