Dr Mahto says that glycolic acid will give soles a brilliantly quick, superficial smoothness, but both she and Streets think that urea is worth an honourable mention when it comes to feet. “Urea, in particular, is the gold-standard dermatological ingredient for feet,” says Dr Mahto, “because it actively draws moisture deep into the skin while simultaneously breaking down hardened proteins [that lead to calluses], which is crucial for long-term barrier repair.”
Streets adds that urea improves cracks by restoring flexibility to thickened skin. “It’s also a little less harsh to use daily [compared to strong acids] every night,” says Streets, but it can be even more effective when combined with a gentle percentage of glycolic acid. “Together, they balance effective exfoliation with barrier support and long-term skin health,” adds Streets.
Ultimately, whether you opt for glycolic acid or urea largely comes down to personal preference. That said, the Flexitol Advanced Overnight Foot Cream, £8.99, and CCS Foot Pro All in One, £16.49, both combine glycolic acid and urea for a double-pronged approach to exfoliating and softening hard, dry skin. While the formulas promise fast results, they’re also gentle enough to be used nightly.
