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If you've ever walked in a high heel or gone to the gym, there's a pretty solid chance you've encountered calluses on your feet and hands. And if that's the case, you're well aware that getting rid of them can take a fair amount of trial and error, or the help of a seasoned professional and a whole lot of scrubbing. So in order to save the trip to the pedicure bowl, we took matters into our own hands (quite literally), to find out about a few pro-approved tools and tricks for removing calluses at home.
As Sand Spa CEO and cofounder Gretchen Tiernan tells us, the key is both scrubbing away the callus and hydrating intensely after doing so. The result? Super-soft skin that doesn't require stepping foot in a salon. Read on for the 10 best callus removers, no matter what you're looking for.
Pros
- Gentle on skin
Cons
- Pricey
"Our go-to callus remover is The Natural Pedicure by the brand Bare Hands," Tiernan says of her and fellow cofounder Megan Richardson-Tiernan's must-have. "The balm and file work together to exfoliate and moisturize calloused skin without the abrasiveness seen in most acidic callus removers. The balm turns into an oil when applied to your skin, and the glass file helps to remove rough calluses in a way that's gentler than the pumice stones that we're so used to seeing."
Pros
- Great scent
Cons
- Small bottle
This cream uses lipids and silk extract to strengthen, protect, and soften even the most stubborn calluses. "I can honestly say this is the best foot cream. Silky smooth, effective, and beautiful scent," one user says.
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BEST FOOT SCRUB
Barefoot Scientist Pure Grit
Now 59% Off
Pros
- Unscented
Cons
- Pricey
After soaking feet in Epsom salts, Tiernan swears by this callus-targeting foot scrub to get rid of roughness.
Pros
- Removes almost all dead skin
Cons
- Can take up to two weeks for results
This foot-peeling treatment may not deliver the prettiest process while it works over a two-week period (you'll probably want to avoid sandals), but you're basically left with a new pair of feet once all is said and done. "Had my feet feeling smooth and fresh like a baby's bottom," one reviewer says.
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Pros
- Doesn't leave a greasy film
Cons
- Can be difficult to rub in
"When our calluses are at their worst, we like to use a callus remover at least twice a week, followed by a hydrating lotion or repair cream, like the Intensive Repair Balm," Tiernan says.
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Pros
- Reviewers swear by it
Cons
- Can dry out hands when applying
"Dramatically softens calluses for ease of foot filing. This is more gentle on the skin than other callus-remover leave-on products I have tried," one reviewer wrote.
Pros
- Works very well
Cons
- Very abrasive
When it's time to bring in the big guns, the old faithful, grater-style callus remover is your best friend. "Alas, a miracle occurred," one of more than 88,000 reviewers writes. "I soaked my feet in the bath and after the skin was softened began to use this tool as the instructions described. I watched years of dead skin flake into the bath water."
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Pros
- Good price point
Cons
- Needs to be charged
High-maintenance feet? Try this electric callus remover, which comes with a variety of attachments to cater to different levels of roughness. Nearly 40,000 Amazon reviewers swear by this miracle tool.
Pros
- Works on elbows and feet
Cons
- Pricey
We'll let this review speak for itself: "I have been using this regularly for a couple months," one user says. "My heels are cured. They are normal! No more thick gross cracked heels!"
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use callus removers on both hands and feet?
"Yes," Tiernan says. "I use The Natural Pedicure on my hands and feet when my days of heavy exercise or open-toed shoes lead to particularly stubborn calluses."
What's the best way to treat calluses at home?
"Our favorite at-home remedy for calluses is to soak in Epsom salt. We usually add a few cups to a hot bath, which helps soften and prepare calluses for other treatments (plus, it's relaxing!)," Tiernan says. Then, she adds, "We always follow this up with a scrub, like the Pure Grit Revitalizing Scrub by the Barefoot Scientist. We round out this treatment to help lock in moisture by finishing up with their High Dive Intensive Hydration Cream. Your hands and feet are always left feeling soft and smooth."
Can you get rid of calluses permanently?
Unless you stop putting repeated pressure on the skin (like, stop playing guitar), the answer is unfortunately no. But you can keep them softer over time by using scrubs and exfoliating lotions regularly, rather than waiting until they are hardened to address.