9 Best Callus Removers to Keep Feet Soft & Smooth

To find the best electric callus removers, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab conducted a consumer study involving 22 testers. Participants used each device at home on one foot and compared the results to a manual foot file on the other. Products were evaluated based on performance, safety, and ease of use.

For non-electric callus remover tools in this list, which were not part of the consumer test, we included options based on recommendations from dermatologists we consulted, editor picks based on personal use, and products with consistently high ratings in retailer reviews.

"When treating calluses the goal is to help hydrate the skin and remove excess dead cells," says Dr. Zeichner. To that end, you'll want to keep the following factors in mind:

✔️ Removal method: There are two main ways to remove dead skin: Manual and chemical. Manual exfoliation is the process of physically removing dead cells from the outer skin layer. "This could be accomplished using scrubs or abrasive materials like pumice stones, blades, or sanding devices," he says. Just be careful not to overdo it. "Remember that calluses are there for a reason." Meanwhile, gels, masks, creams, and peels fall under the category of chemical removal. "Chemical exfoliation uses hydroxyacids (like glycolic or lactic acids) to help dissolve connections between skin cells so they more easily can be shed," says Dr. Zeichner.

✔️ Ingredients: When it comes to chemical removal, Dr. Zeichner suggests looking for foot creams that contain ingredients like lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids, all of which help to dissolve thick skin.

✔️ Strength: Depending on the severity of your calluses, you'll want to look for something that is strong enough (but not overly so) to help remove calluses and soften feet. Creams, gels, and soaks tend to be more gentle while electric options work faster and are generally more intense. When choosing an electric callus remover, it's helpful to have different strength rollers on hand to customize your foot filing based on your skin's needs.

"Calluses develop because of the chronic friction of your skin against shoes and the outside world," explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital. "Think of them like nature’s bodyguard for your feet. Without calluses, feet would be at risk for daily trauma. But in some cases, if calluses become very thick, they can be uncomfortable—or even crack."

To get rid of calluses permanently you have to go beyond simply treating current calluses—you also need to prevent future calluses from forming.

All of the products featured on this list are meant to address smaller, less severe calluses and therefore may not be able to address deeper calluses. If you are prone to stubborn, thick calluses that require stronger treatments, you should speak with a doctor about prescription callus prevention products, like medicated patches, or treatment, like in-office procedures to trim away excess skin or surgery. Your doctor may also recommend shoe inserts to prevent recurring calluses.

One note of caution: You should never attempt to cut a callus at home. "You may accidentally cut too deep and cause tissue damage, cause infection, or take off healthy skin," says Dr. Husain.

In addition to using callus prevention products and tools, here are a few simple things you can do on your own to help prevent and treat calluses on your feet, hands or anywhere else on your body:

✔️ Wear shoes that fit comfortably. "You don't want running shoes that are too tight or narrow," says Stefani Sassos, a certified personal trainer and registered dietitian at the GH Institute. Cushioned shoes, therapeutic shoes, and inserts can help.

✔️ Exfoliate regularly. Dr. Husain recommends regularly soaking and cleaning skin with epsom salts or apple cider vinegar. The ADA advises diabetics to use a pumice stone on wet skin every day.

✔️ Moisturization is key. Good hydration helps to soften the skin and protect it from hardening. Use a nourishing cream or lotion daily to keep skin supple, especially after exfoliating.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) , people with diabetes can experience calluses more often because of the high-pressure areas on the bottom of feet. In this case, it’s crucial to have a healthcare professional remove them because poor circulation in diabetics' feet can weaken their ability to fight off infections in the feet.

Dori Price has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories, combining her first-hand knowledge of the market with the expertise of top industry professionals, including dermatologists and aestheticians.

As an avid exerciser, she has experienced calluses firsthand and loves testing out the different ways to safely remove them. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from epilators to dermaplaning tools, toners, serums, and more.

For this story she also consulted Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital; Zain Husain, M.D., dermatologist and founder of New Jersey Dermatology and Aesthetics Center; Danusia Wnek, Senior Chemist in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab; and Stefani Sassos, a certified personal trainer and registered dietitian at the GH Institute.