14 Expert-Approved Callus Removers For Silky-Smooth Feet in a Flash

Sure, the massage and precise polish application are nice, but our favorite part of a pedicure is undoubtedly the part when theyslough all the dead skin off your feet. Is there anything more satisfying than having your calluses buffed away, leaving your soles silky smooth? We think not.

“Calluses are thick layers of tough skin that serve to protect your feet—but don’t look good,” says celebrity nail artist and founder of Nails of LA, Brittney Boyce. Calluses do offer your feet some protection so it’simportant not to remove too much skin, which can also be painful and lead to infection. While our experts agree it’s best to go to a professional manicurist to have them removed, you canuse approved callus removers as long as you’re careful. Boyce recommends proven methods likemanually buffing them off with tools such as a pumice stone or gently exfoliating and breaking apart the dead skin using chemical exfoliants such as acids and potassium hydroxide.1

Deals of the Day

Rikans Foot File and Callus Remover is 21% off at Amazon

PurOrganical 40%Urea Cream Callus Remover is 20% off at Amazon

Pumice Valley Pumice stone is 23% off at Amazon

The Body Shop Peppermint Foot Scrub is 20% off on Amazon

Amope Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electric Foot File is34% off at Amazon

We conducted hours of research on the best callus removers we could find on the market, evaluating them on ease of use, effectiveness, and safety. We also tried a few products ourselves in our everyday lives. After consulting with three experts, and considering dozens of options, we landed on these pro callus-removing picks.

Best Overall

Rikans Foot File and Callus Remover

Amazon

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Over 50,000 people have purchased (and loved) this Amazon best-seller. It’s sosimple yet so effective, quickly removing everything from flaky skin to calluses to corns. While yes, it does work a bit like a cheese grater, you’ll quickly get over that mental block once you see just how well it works, whether youuse it on wet or dry feet. Just be warned: it does get a bit messy since the remover doesn’t come with anything to collect the flaked off skin.

Who It’s For

This callus remover is seriously effective at buffing away dead skin, fast. Perfect if you are prone to calluses and dry soles in general.

• Key Ingredients: Metal, Plastic
• Type: Manual

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Best Drugstore

AmLactin Foot Repair Foot Cream Therapy

Amazon

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Products like this one use chemical exfoliants which are highly effective and a lot less messy. “This formulacontains a variety of different acids to help chemically exfoliate the skinwhile also moisturizing it,” says Boyce of one of her top picks. Namely, it’s a combo of different alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help leave your feet softer and smootherwith continued use.2 (The affordable price and drugstore availabilityis a nice bonus.) We like to slather on a nice thick layer before bed, then slip on a pair of socks and let it work its magic overnight.

Who It’s For

This chemical callus remover is perfect for those who prefer less mess but don’t need immediate results.

• Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycerin
• Type: Exfoliating Cream
• Size: 3 ounces

Best Cream

PurSources PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream + Pumice Stone

Amazon

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The hero ingredient in this cream isurea, a skin softener that loosens dead cells while also imparting moisture.3Another Amazon standout, reviewers note that it’s great for softening and decreasing calluses, andyou can even use it on other dry spots on the bodylike the elbows and knees. The formulatakes time to work, but with a bit of patience, this velvety cream will leave your soles soft and smooth. 

Who It’s For

Best if you’re not in a rush, this gentle cream will improve the texture of your feet day after day. Pair it with a pumice or other buffer to speed up results. 

• Key Ingredients:Urea, Tea Tree, Aloe Vera, Chamomile
• Type: Exfoliating Cream
• Size: 4 ounces

Best Pumice Stone

Pumice Valley Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone

Amazon

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A pumice stone is the most classic of the callus removers. It’smade of pure volcanic lava(as you can tell by the pure black color). When rubbed onto feet, itbuffs away dead skin and helps stimulate circulation. Follow Boyce’s lead andtry using it after applying one of the other chemical-based callus removersfor a super effective two-step process. The buffing process takes some elbow grease, but it’s worth it.

Who It’s For

If you’re drawn towards old standby products over the new and buzzy, thisquintessential callus remover is for you.

• Key Ingredients:100% Pumice Stone
• Type: Manual, stone

Best Professional Strength

Orly Callus Eraser

Orly Beauty

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There’s a reason this formula is used often in nail salons. “Because it wasformulated for in-salon use, it works really fast and isvery effective, yet still gentle,” explains Boyce. Credit the addition of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory clove and soothing aloe vera oil which leaves your feet feeling moisturized.44 Apply onto any callus, let the product sit for three to five minutes, then rinse off and use a pumice stone to buff away any dead skin. Just remember to wear the included glovesor your hands will be heavily exfoliated, too.

Who It’s For

This professional-strength formula works fast, making it a good option for anyone who wants calluses gone as quickly as possible.

• Key Ingredients: Potassium Hydroxide, Clove, Glycerin, Aloe Vera
• Type: Gel
• Size: 4 ounces

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Best Peel

Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel

Amazon

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If you think that the whole foot-sloughing process at the nail salon is satisfying, wait until you try the Baby Foot peel. (Let’s just say theres a good reason why it’s acult classic.) Pop on the single-use plastic bootiesfor an hour and let the gel (a blend ofbotanical extracts and exfoliating acids) do its thing. Wash your feet after, and then wait. Theeffects start to show up about a week later when your feet begin to shed layer after layer of skin.

“You have to be patient, but it really does give you super soft, baby feet,” says Boyce, who says this is one of her faves for at-home use. As you can imagine, the shedding process is messy and a little gross—but also weirdly satisfying.

Who It’s For

Dr Pimple Popper lovers will find these skin-sloughing booties extremely satisfying.

• Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid
• Type: Peel socks
• Size: 2.4 ounces

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Best Scrub

The Body Shop Peppermint Reviving Pumice Foot Scrub

The Body Shop

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Scrubbing your own feet may not be as enjoyable as when someone else does it but it is a good way to start to break down dead skin. It also works especially well at helping toprevent new calluses from building up. We love this particular scrub with its tiny, volcanic rock granulesthat do the buffing (not unlike a pumice stone, as the name suggests). But our favorite part is the addition of peppermint oil, which makes the scrub feelsuper cooling, soothing, and refreshing. We reach for it time and time again after long runs.

Who It’s For

This instantly soothing peppermint scrub is best for athletes and anyone intent on preventing calluses from forming in the first place.

• Key Ingredients:Pumice, Peppermint Oil
• Type: Scrub
• Size: 3.45 ounces

Best Electric

Amope Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electric Foot File

Amazon

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All you have to do is switch on this handy-dandy,battery-operated deviceand let it go to town to turn those tough foot calluses into baby soft skin. Theexfoliating head is made up of diamond crystals and spins 360 degrees, essentiallysanding down calluses.It’s effective and pretty easy to use, though reviewers note that if you accidentally get it near non-callused, thinner skin, itcan be a little bit painful.

Who It’s For

This electric exfoliating gadget is best for anyone with seriously tough calluses, which it can remove effortlessly.

• Key Ingredients: Metal, Plastic
• Type: Electric, roller

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Best for Smaller Calluses

Dr. Sholl’s Duragel Salicylic Acid Callus Remover Cushion

Amazon

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• Only four come in a pack
• Not for larger areas of rough skin

If you have just one or two super stubborn, smaller calluses, try these convenient stickers. Thecushiony gel patches are infused with a whopping 40 percent concentration of salicylic acid, which is a well-known peel and rejuvenating agent for skin.5Since they’re adhesive, theyre also super easy tostick onto individual calluses. Then you can just sit back and let them work.

They’re meant to be worn for 48 hours, though you’ll likely need to repeatwith another sticker for at least one more round, which is why we wish there were more than four per pack.

Who It’s For

If you don’t have the time or inclination to buff calluses, let these convenient, targeted stickers do the job while you go about your day.

• Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid
• Type: Gel Sticker

Best Foot Soak

Asutra Tea Tree & Lavender Therapeutic Foot Soak

Amazon

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If you’re looking for a spa-worthy experience at home, try this therapeutic foot soak. The star ingredient is dead sea salt, which is shown to soften and moisturize dry skin.6Essential oils like coconut and peppermint further help smooth your soles (and smell amazing). We love that the soak ispackaged with a free pumice stoneto complete the at-home treatment and leave feet with a velvet finish. It does take time though, so set aside at least 20 minutes for the soak.

Who It’s For

This great value spa-like soak will make dealing with calluses feel like a treat. 

• Key Ingredients: Dead Sea Salt, Tea Tree, Peppermint
• Type: Scrub
• Size: 16 ounces

Best Splurge

Bare Hands The Natural Pedicure

Bare Hands

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This beautiful pedicure setnaturally softens soles in two steps. First, the unique glass file buffs rough skinmore gently and precisely than a regular file. Then, theslightly verbena- scented balm, which includes hydrating cocoa butter, rolls right on, distributing acreamy layer to lock in moisture.7It comes in a paperpush-up tube so the balm is less messy than a regular lotion, and you can easily apply it to other dry areas of the body like your elbowsand cuticles. We love that you can take this luxe set anywhere with itsreusable pouch. 

Who It’s For

This luxurious set will turn callus removal into an indulgent self-care practice. Ideal for anyone who likes towind down the day with a beauty ritual. 

• Key Ingredients: Glass File, Balm: Verbena, Cocoa Butter, Calendula
• Type: Manual file and Balm
• Size: 2 ounces

Best for Sensitive Skin

Skin Buttr Pomango Scrub

Skin Buttr

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Yes, even those with sensitive skin can get the softest soles without irritation. Thissugar scrub deeply nourishes skin with shea butter and coconut oil which repair the skin barrier.8 Sugar gently exfoliates skin to soften calluses and smooth soles. When it comes to scrubs, consistency is key, so we recommend using this one a few times a week for the best results.

Who It’s For

Sensitive-skin folks will love this soothing formula that’s gentle enough for everyday use.

• Key Ingredients: Shea, Castor Oil, Pomegranate
• Type: Scrub
• Size: 3.4 ounces

Best Antibacterial

Tweezerman Sole Smoother Antibacterial Callus Stone

Amazon

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There is no denying the simplicity and ease of this antibacterial callus stone. Made with anergonomic handleto increase your control and grip, thisgentle yet effective surface hugs the curves of your foot. The rough sidequickly sloughs off calluses while the opposite side smooths. Infused with silver to provide antibacterial benefits, its also waterproof, so it’s perfect to use and store in the shower.9And who doesn’t love combining skincare routines into one shower?

Who It’s For

This antibacterial callus stone effortlessly removes dead skin while ensuring your feet don’t become vulnerable to infections.

• Key Ingredients:Ceramic stone, Silver
• Type: Ceramic Stone

Best Moisturizing

Barefoot Scientist High Dive Intensive Hydration Cream

Amazon

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Formulated with over a dozen ingredients that restore moisture, thisultra-nourishing cream takes foot hydration to the next level. Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin, while hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycerin, and ceramides restore moisture.101112All you have to do is apply an even layer, slide your socks on, and let the sole softening begin.Leave this cream on overnight and wake up to supple feet. 

Who It’s For

Keeping the skin on your feet ultra-hydrated is essential if you want to treat and prevent calluses. This moisturizing lotion will aid even the driest of feet.

• Key Ingredients: Urea, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Ceramide NG
• Type: Cream
• Size: 4 ounces

Where We Stand

Our top pick is the Rikans Foot File and Callus Remover; this physical callus remover works safely and effectively without taking too much skin off. We also loved our budget pick,Asutra Tea Tree & Lavender Therapeutic Foot Soak, which delivers spa-like pampering and comes with a pumice stone.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best callus removers on the market, evaluating their key features, such as effectiveness and ease of use, in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also consulted experts for their opinions, and even tried out a few products ourselves. We then used this research to choose the best callus removers that appear on this list.

Attributes we evaluated each callus remover on:Effectiveness at removing calluses and dead skinEase of useSafety as a DIY method

What to Look for in a Callus Remover

 

Physical vs. Chemical Callus Removers: 

Callus removers come in multiple forms, from physical pumice stones, foot files, and razors to treatment gels and creams. Nail artist and LeChat Nails educator Syreeta Aaron says the first thing to look into when shopping for a callus remover is whether a physical or chemical (or both) remover is best suited for your needs. “If there’s not a lot of buildup or dead skin, a cream is sufficient to use, along with a pumice stone,” she says. “A foot file is the least abrasive option and is great for in-between maintenance after a callus has already been addressed.” Rikans Foot File and Callus Removeris a no-fuss foot file that gets the job done. For calluses that are more intense, consider opting for something stronger. “If you really need to attack a callus, use a razor or a gel treatment, as these will work for more severe cases,” says Aaron. She notes that razors are illegal in most states, and they can leave your feet more prone to infection. “I wouldn’t trust myself at home on my own using a razor because you can take off too much skin, which can leave your feet burning when you walk.” Yup, we’ll stick to gel, like theOrly Callus Eraser.

Safe and Gentle Removal:

Board-certified Podiatrist and Founder of Coddle & Cure, Dr. Danielle McNeil, tends to stay away from aggressive at-home devices as there is a higher risk of tearing or cutting your skin and causing injury. Aaron also stresses the importance of using a product thats safe and gentle, even if you’re trying to remove a tougher callus. We’ve already mentioned the potential dangers of razors, but gel treatments—which are formulated with a mix of skincare acids to remove dead skin—can be very strong and irritating if not used correctly. They’re safe, but be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. For an ultra-gentle solution, we recommendSkin Buttr Pomango Scrub—an exfoliating sugar scrub with hydrating plant oils. 

Ease of Use:

Callus removers that are easy to use and don’t involve much manual labor are our favorite options. An electric foot buffer, likeAmope Pedi Perfect Extra Coarse Electric Foot File, requires little to no effort, making callus and corn removal a breeze. Foot masks with plastic booties, likeBaby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel, are an easy way to kick back and relax while addressing any pesky rough patches, however, they can get messy when the skin starts to peel.

FAQ

Do callus removers work?

According to Aaron, callus removers—both physical and chemical—do work as long as they are used properly. McNeil recommends starting with callus removers containing acids like salicylic, lactic, and glycolic to soften the hard skin and exfoliate. Amlactin Foot Repair is a lotion containing alpha-hydroxy acids that you can use daily to soften your feet. “Depending on how thick the callus is, try using a mechanical method like a pumice stone, lava stone,” says McNeil. Pumice Valley Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone uses natural rock to slough off dry skin.

What should I do if my callus remover breaks skin?

It’s unlikely that a callus remover will break the skin (unless you’re using a razor, which experts don’t recommend), but if it does, your best course of action is to clean the area with mild soap and water, then apply antibacterial ointment and use a bandage or bandaid to keep the wound clean. If you suspect the callus might be infected, make an appointment with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment.

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