We Tried the 12 Best Foot Masks and Peels for Smooth, Baby Soft Skin
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Our top pick is the viral Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel
People / Kristin Kempa
We spend a lot of time focused on our complexions and treating the skin on our faces to the best masks, treatments, and more. But, what about the rest of our body? Our feet, in particular, are one area that, with the exception of pedicures, can easily become overlooked, resulting in dry, cracked, and callused soles.
“Masks and peels for the feet provide a wide range of therapeutic values, from hydration to exfoliation,” Dr. Yolanda Ragland, DPM, a podiatrist and foot surgeon, tells PEOPLE. “They primarily remove dead skin cells, soften calluses, and moisturize dry, rough areas of the feet,” she adds.
When thinking about head-to-toe skincare, Dr. Ragland says these benefits of foot peels are important to consider because keeping the soles of the feet soft and supple can improve overall foot health by decreasing cracked feet and calluses, which can actually lead to infection in more extreme cases. On top of that, a routine foot mask or peel can enhance the appearance of our feet and allow for better absorption of nourishing formulas.
When we think of foot masks and peels, we almost always think of the Baby Foot Peel — which is actually so impressive that it ended up being our top pick for the best formula. However, there are so many more effective foot mask and peel treatments out there, including a deeply nourishing and revitalizing option from Aquaphor as well some more budget-friendly and value foot peel options.
To find the best foot masks and peels, our PEOPLE Tested team conducted 800 hours of testing on 25 different formulas to determine which ones are worth trying (after all, these masks take time). See our top picks, ahead.
Best Overall: Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
Pros
Immediately upon using and for the first couple of days after the application (before peeling), our feet felt soft and smooth.
The booties are relatively easy to apply and comfortable to wear during the application process.
We experienced an ultra-satisfying peel that ultimately left our soles feeling super soft and smooth.
Cons
The adhesive is not strong enough to hold the booties in place for the duration of the treatment.
There’s a reason why the Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel has a following — it’s one of the best and most effective foot peels out there. Formulated with a potent blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, and 16 botanical extracts, the coveted foot peel is a one-hour treatment designed to slough away dry skin on the surface to provide an immediate softness while also promoting a gentle chemical peel experience that results in the softest soles.
The peel comes with one pair of booties that contain the peeling formula inside, so all you have to do is slip your soles into the sleeves and let them sit for the one-hour treatment time. After that, you rinse your feet and reveal soft and smooth feet that last for several days before the peeling process begins.
While testing this foot peel, the mask met its high expectations. We were excited to experience such a successful peel — yes, our skin came off in sheets, as seen on social media — and even more pleased by the results after the peel process ended. This peel removed some surface skin and targeted more stubborn areas, such as our heels, for a more invigorating chemical exfoliation.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, 16 botanical extracts | Size: 1 pair | Type: Foot peel
Best Socks: ALIVER Foot Peel Mask
Pros
These socks come in a pack of three for under $10.
It has an incredible lavender scent, which is a nice change from some of the more chemical aromas that usually accompany foot masks.
It provides a gentle and effective exfoliation.
Cons
The application time is 90 minutes, which is a lot longer compared to some other options on our list.
For a more budget-friendly foot peel, consider the Aliver Foot Peel Mask, which is our top pick for the best socks. These socks come in a pack of three for under $10, making them one of the best value options, too. The application process is similar to the Baby Foot peel mask — they are a pair of socks filled with the peel formula that you step into to cover your soles — and they’re fairly easy to use (though the application time is around 90 minutes, which is much longer than other options on our list).
Formulated with a blend of gentle botanical extracts, this foot peel utilizes chemical exfoliants to slough away dead skin cell buildup and reveal softer and smoother soles after application. While it’s not as intense as the Baby Foot, we love this option for maintenance as it can effectively smooth and soften feet in a much more efficient manner than foot files and other scrubbers.
Key Ingredients: Botanical extracts | Size: 3 pairs | Type: Foot peel
People / Sukhman Rekhi
Best for Dry Feet: Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Repairing Foot Mask
Pros
This foot mask effectively targets calluses on the soles.
It’s formulated with Aquaphor’s signature ingredients, plus avocado oil and shea butter.
Cons
The effects of the mask only last a few days — though more consistent application can help promote long-term results.
When we have intense dry hands, we always reach for Aquaphor — so we weren’t surprised to learn that the brand makes one of the best foot masks for dry feet. Kind of like a sheet mask for your feet, this Aquaphor foot mask comes with six pairs filled with nourishing ingredients, including avocado oil, shea butter, Provitamin B5, glycerin, and bisabolol.
While testing this formula, we saw a significant improvement in our dry skin, especially in the areas with calluses, which were much softer than before. While these results only last several days, the multiple masks allow you to create a more consistent regimen, and with regular use, more long-term results are achievable.
Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, shea butter, Provitamin B5, glycerin, bisabolol | Size: 6 pairs | Type: Foot mask
People / Elizabeth Leonard
Most Hydrating: Barefoot Scientist Reboot Exfoliating Foot Peel
Pros
You only need to apply them for around 10 minutes, which is much shorter compared to other options on our list.
We experienced peeling four days after the initial application process, and this foot peel helped effectively minimize calluses.
Cons
The adhesive doesn’t stay on very well during the application process.
For an exfoliating foot peel mask that can slough away dry, dead skin and also promote softer, more nourished soles, consider the Barefoot Science Reboot Exfoliating Foot Peel. This foot peel is formulated with a blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, lemon fruit extract, and papaya fruit extract to deliver a revitalizing peel experience while also soothing and nourishing the skin.
We love this option because, in addition to its hydrating benefits, the peel only takes 10 minutes to apply and four days to start seeing results, so it’s an excellent choice for those with little time.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, lemon fruit extract, papaya fruit extract | Size: 1 pair | Type: Foot peel
People / Kathleen Tenefrancia
Best Smoothing: Beauty Pie Dr Glycolic Soft Feet 7-Day Peel Socks
Pros
This formula helped target roughness on the heels and sides of the feet to reveal softer and smoother skin.
It’s enriched with chemical exfoliants that effectively slough away dry skin as well as deeply nourishing botanical extracts.
Cons
The application process takes 90 minutes.
If you experience rough skin on your soles, we recommend trying the Beauty Pie Dr Glycolic Soft Feet 7-Day Peel Socks. These exfoliating socks are formulated with a blend of lactic acid and glycolic acid as well as grapefruit, orange, lemon, sweet almond, and coconut extract to slough away dry, dead skin cell buildup while softening and soothing the feet.
During the testing period, we were impressed by how this foot peel helped target roughness on our heels and sides of our feet. While it doesn’t promote peeling in the same way that Baby Foot does, it still works well at gently dissolving skin cell buildup and revealing fresh skin that can better absorb hydrating formulas.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acids, grapefruit extract, orange extract, lemon extract, sweet almond extract, coconut extract | Size: 1 pair | Type: Foot peel
Best Peel: Boscia Fruit Acid Smoothing Foot Peel With Plant-Based Alcohol
Pros
After removing our feet from the socks, we noticed an immediate improvement in our skin texture.
It takes only a few days for skin to start peeling.
Once the peeling process is over, soles feel much softer and smoother while also dissolving some calluses.
Cons
Since it features a blend of chemical exfoliants, feet can experience a tingling sensation that might be too intense for sensitive skin types.
In addition to our top pick for the best foot peel overall, we also love the Boscia Fruit Acid Smoothing Foot Peel with plant-based alcohol as an alternative (and more budget-friendly option). This foot peel is enriched with a blend of AHAs, papaya extract, orange extract, apple extract, and lemon extract to slough away dry, dead skin cell buildup on a cellular level.
It only takes a few days for the soles to start experiencing the peeling effects. And, once it does, the skin comes off in sheets to reveal much softer and smoother skin underneath. On top of that, calluses are much less intense and, in some cases, even dissolved.
Key Ingredients: AHAs, papaya extract, orange extract, apple extract, lemon extract | Size: 1 pair | Type: Foot peel
Best for Dead Skin Removal: DERMORA Foot Peel Mask
Pros
This is an excellent option for preventative care.
The mask comes in different scents for a more spa-like experience.
It only takes three days for feet to peel.
Cons
We wish the booties came in different sizes.
The Dermora Foot Peel Mask is a great choice for dead skin removal as well as foot maintenance. While testing this formula out, we were impressed by how fast the formula takes to work. Our feet began to peel just three days after the application process and then continued to shed dead skin for around two days straight until the process was complete.
After the peeling period, we noticed an overall improvement in our soles, especially on the rougher areas with more dead skin buildup. Aside from the peel, we love that this option comes in different aromas, providing a more spa-like and enjoyable experience.
Key Ingredients: Not listed | Size: 2 pairs | Type: Foot peel
People / Jasmine Smith
Best Value: Grace & Stella Dr. Pedicure Foot Peeling Mask
Pros
Our feet felt much softer and more hydrated after the initial use.
The skin starts to peel after around three days of the application process, so there isn’t too much downtime between when you apply the mask and when you start to peel.
Cons
The peeling process lasts around 10 days.
The Grace & Stella Dr. Pedicure Foot Peeling Mask is our top pick for the best value because it comes with four pairs of sock masks for $10 at Amazon. However, this isn’t the only noteworthy thing about this foot mask formula. In addition to its value, the formula only takes around three days after the application process to start peeling, so there isn’t a lot of downtime between when you apply the mask and when your soles begin to peel. From there, softer, smoother, more hydrated skin is revealed, and these results can last up to six weeks.
With all of this said, it’s worth noting that the peeling process can last up to 10 days, which is a lot longer than some options on our list. For less downtime, consider trying the Dermora Foot Peel Mask.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, arginine, glycerol | Size: 2 pairs | Type: Foot peel
People / Roxanne Allen
Best for Long-Term Results: KISS Super Peel Socks-Naturally Exfoliates
Pros
This mask softens calluses and keeps them at bay long after the application process.
The peeling process only lasts around four days.
It’s powerful enough to target hardened skin, especially around the heels.
Cons
We wish the sock adhesive were designed differently to make it more durable.
For long-term results, consider trying the Kiss Super Peel Socks-Naturally Exfoliates mask. These foot-peeling socks come in a pack of two and are designed to gently soften stubborn, hardened skin, especially around the heels. While testing this formula out, we were impressed by how easy the process is and love that it only takes around 30 minutes for the formula to activate and start working its magic.
After removing the mask, our feet felt much softer and smoother. Just three days after the initial application, we started to experience some peeling, which increased over four days before revealing softer, smoother soles, especially on the callused areas.
Key Ingredients: Not listed | Size: 2 pairs | Type: Foot peel
Most Moisturizing: Nails Inc. Thirsty Feet Moisturizing Foot Mask
Pros
The application only takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
The formula features nourishing ingredients such as sweet almond, green tea, and ginkgo leaf extract.
Our feet felt moisturized immediately after using this foot mask.
Cons
After removing socks, soles are left with a lot of excess product so we recommend slipping on a pair of socks to help it soak in even more.
If you want to maintain your freshly peeled feet, consider reaching for the Nails Inc. Thirsty Feet Moisturizing Foot Mask. Formulated with a nourishing blend of green tea, ginkgo leaf extract, sweet almond, and peppermint extract, this foot mask provides a softening and soothing burst of hydration while revitalizing the soles.
The mask is super easy to use and an excellent choice for beginners who want to reap the benefits of a foot mask but not quite step into (literally) the world of peels. Upon the application process, soles are left with some excess product. Instead of wiping it off, we slipped on a pair of socks to help seal in some of the nourishment. As a result, our feet felt much smoother and softer.
Key Ingredients: Green tea, ginkgo leaf extract, sweet almond, peppermint extract | Size: 1 pair | Type: Foot mask
People / Annie Probst
Best Exfoliating: Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure
Pros
The adhesive is long enough to provide a secure fit around the ankle (which isn’t usually the case with these types of foot peels, even many of our top-rated options).
It’s formulated with a potent blend of AHAs and BHAs for a more effective chemical exfoliation.
It softened and smoothed the calluses on our feet.
Cons
It takes around 10 days to start peeling (but, once you do, you peel like a snake).
With its potent ingredients lineup and impressive peel promotion, the Patchology PoshPeel Pedi Cure is our top pick for the best exfoliating foot masks. Formulated with a blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and botanical extracts, this foot peel mask provides a deep and highly effective sloughing of dry skin.
While it does take around 10 days for the feet to start peeling, once they did, they peeled like a snake, so it was well worth the wait. In addition to peeling layers of dry skin, the mask also effectively softened calluses for a smoother surface.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, botanical extracts | Size: 2 pairs | Type: Foot peel
People / Shannon Bauer
Best Scent: Plantifique Foot Peel Mask
Pros
It’s enriched with aloe vera for a refreshing burst of hydration.
It only takes around three days for feet to start to peel.
It comes in seven different scents.
Cons
The application period is between 60 and 90 minutes.
The peel period lasts up to 10 days long.
The Plantifique Peach Foot Peeling Mask is our top pick for the best scent category because it comes in seven different scents. However, it’s so much more than that. In addition to its aroma, the foot peeling mask can gently and effectively slough off dry, dead skin cells as early as three days after the initial application (though feet can continue to peel for up to 10 days).
We also love this mask’s ingredient lineup, which includes peach kernel for its ability to increase cellular regeneration, in addition to exfoliating lactic acid and hydrating aloe vera.
Key Ingredients: Peach kernel, lactic acid, aloe | Size: 2 pairs | Type: Foot mask
People / April Bracelin
You'll Also Need
Looking to really care for your feet? Try one of our PEOPLE-Tested foot massagers to take your self-care game to the next level.
Our top pick, the Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager, delivered the best and deepest foot massage of all the massagers we tried. It has five pressure settings and four different massage modes. Plus, it includes a handy remote so you can change settings without having to move a muscle. Plan on taking a snooze during your massage? That's perfectly fine because there's a built-in timer, too.
Things to Consider Before Buying Foot Masks and Peels
Primary Goal
When shopping for a foot mask or foot peel, it’s important to consider what your main goal is so you choose the right option for your needs. “If you don’t have calluses and want to maintain your health and smooth heels, I recommend finding a hydrating mask, like the Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Repairing Foot Mask,” Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine, tells PEOPLE. “With ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil, its primary purpose is smoothing and moisturizing the skin,” she adds. Those with dry or cracked heels will require a moisturizing formula but will also want to use something a little more exfoliating. “I recommend looking for a mask with exfoliating ingredients like the Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel before hydrating,” Dr. Graf adds.
Wait Period
In many cases, foot masks will show results almost immediately after use. However, when using a foot peel, Dr. Graf says it’s worth considering the overall wait period. “One caveat to a foot peel like Baby Foot is that you have to wait one to two weeks for the peeling process to begin, and then another few days for the peeling process to be complete,” she notes. So, if you are using a foot peel in preparation for an upcoming vacation or might be in a situation where your feet are exposed a couple of weeks after using, it’s worth considering the downtime to ensure your feet are done peeling beforehand.
Ingredients
Just like you would a face mask or chemical exfoliant, Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, also recommends reviewing the ingredients list. “Lactic and glycolic acids are good hydroxy acids to look for in a foot peel,” she notes. These chemical exfoliants will help gently and effectively slough away dry, dead skin and reveal softer and smoother soles after use.
With that said, your foot peel — and foot mask, for that matter — should also include more hydrating ingredients. “Make sure any foot peel formula is also balanced by nourishing and soothing ingredients to offset the exfoliants, otherwise you risk causing irritation or sensitivity,” Dr. Engelman adds.
Prep Work
Before using a foot peel, make sure you read the instructions for prepping the skin. For best results, Dr. Graf says to first soak your soles in warm water and Epsom salts. Then, apply the peel or mask to each foot and add a sock over the sheets to secure them in place. Most foot peels can be left on for between 45 and 90 minutes, but always double-check the manufacturer's instructions before adding or subtracting time. Once your time is up, Dr. Graf says to rinse your feet well, and within several days, you’ll start to see your skin peel.
People / Annie Probst
How We Tested
To find the best foot masks and peels, our PEOPLE Tested team conducted 800 hours of testing on 25 different formulas, including some of the most viral options out there. After six weeks of testing, we’re sharing the best formulas based on ease of use, moisturization factor, comfort, and overall results.
Ease of Use: Foot masks and peels are an investment in time, as some application processes take up to 90 minutes. We considered the overall application process and details like how the socks fit, what the adhesive strip was like, and any other details that might make or break the masking experience.
Moisturization: While most foot peels aren’t very exfoliating, we considered the ingredients and our experiences with each mask to get an idea of how hydrating they truly are. This was especially important when testing masks that are less about peeling and more about maintaining hydration, like the Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Repairing Foot Mask.
Comfort: Similar to ease of use, we also considered how comfortable the processes and formulas are. We made note of what it was like to wear the socks, the product consistency, and if the formula had a tingling effect. We also considered how well the socks fit and what it was like to wear for the duration of the application process.
Overall Results: The thing about foot peeling masks is that you don’t usually experience results right away. With this in mind, we put a lock of stock into the overall results and carefully vet each experience to get an idea of the formulas with the best delivery. While looking at the results, we considered the masks that not only left soles softer and smoother after application but also had impressive peeling periods and revealed baby soft soles at the end of the testing period (and beyond).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foot peel masks actually work?
According to Dr. Engelman, foot peel masks actually work, sometimes a little too well. “Removing dead skin cells is a good thing — it softens the feet, reveals fresher skin, and stimulates cell turnover,” she explains. With that in mind, it is possible to over-peel the feet, which is less than ideal. “Removing too much skin or removing healthy skin can weaken the barrier and cause the feet to feel sensitive and irritated,” Dr. Engelman explains. “It can also make the feet more susceptible to infection,” she adds. With this in mind, it’s always worth consulting with a medical professional before using a foot peel.
What is the strongest foot exfoliator?
Both Dr. Graf and Dr. Engelman recommend the Baby Foot Original Exfoliant Foot Peel as the strongest foot exfoliator. This foot peel contains higher levels of glycolic acid and citric acid, which Dr. Graf says is strong enough to penetrate and dissolve dead skin buildup.
Are foot peels good for cracked feet?
“I would not recommend using exfoliating foot peels on cracked or otherwise injured feet, as the chemical exfoliants in the formula will be too harsh on sensitive or broken skin,” says Dr. Engelman. Instead, she recommends using a nourishing and healing foot mask to soothe dry, cracked feet, such as the Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Repairing Foot Mask, Barefoot Scientist Reboot Exfoliating Foot Peel, or even the Beauty Pie Dr Glycolic Soft Feet 7-Day Peel Socks.
Do podiatrists recommend foot peels?
According to Dr. Ragland, podiatrists will recommend foot peels to patients who need them. “As a podiatric surgeon, I believe everyone should consult with their podiatrist or healthcare professional before using a foot peel,” she explains. It’s important to check in with your doctor first because many foot peels contain chemicals that, according to Dr. Ragland, can cause adverse effects if not used properly. Because of this, Dr. Ragland says a foot care specialist is most equipped to advise on whether you should or should not use a certain peel.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best foot masks and peels, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights to learn more about their experience with each of the 25 formulas selected for real-world testing. She also connected with top skincare and podiatry experts Dr. Jeannette Graf, Dr. Dendy Engelman, and Dr. Yolanda Ragland to learn more about what to look for in foot masks and peels, what makes them highly effective, and which ones are the best options for cracked heels. As a result, she curated this list of the best foot masks and peels, tested and reviewed by PEOPLE.
Meet Our Experts
Dr. Jeannette Graf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, NYC.
Dr. Yolanda Ragland, DPM, is a podiatrist and foot surgeon specializing in correcting bunions and hammertoes using the Tiara-Toe™ technique.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Related: The 8 Best Sheet Masks for Glowing, Supple Skin
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