How Exfoliating Socks Work & The Best To Try

Sandal season is here, so it might be time to give your feet some attention. If you've neglected yours, foot peels and exfoliating socks offer a minimal-effort solution for some at-home maintenance. Alpha hydroxy acids and hydrating glycerine work to break down the top layers of your skin, with the results usually lasting for months at a time. Keen to give them a go? Here are the ones we rate…

  • 14 June 2021
  • By Rebecca Hull

By Rebecca Hull

  • 14 June 2021
  • By Rebecca Hull

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Footner Exfoliating Socks, £9.99

BEST FOR: Long-Lasting Results

WHY WE RATE THEM: Considered the 'OG' of foot peelers, these clever socks are pricey, but so worth it. The mandelic acid-formula works hard to remove dead skin, so leave them on for an hour before rubbing in any excess formula for optimum results. After about four days, the peeling and shredding will begin, revealing super-smooth skin underneath. Just don't be tempted to peel anything off yourself – leave the skin to flake naturally, instead.

Available at Boots.com

1.

Holika Holika Baby Silky Foot One Shot Peeling Mask, £9.95

BEST FOR: Speedy Peeling

WHY WE RATE THEM: Designed to bring puffy, swollen feet back to life, this Korean mask sheds dead skin within ten to 14 days. It can be used monthly for ongoing maintenance, but the smooth and hydrated results should last for at least two months initially. Try wearing a soft loose sock over your booties to ensure the liquid is distributed evenly. We also love how well the non-sticky formula absorbs, so you're never left with any tacky residue when you put your shoes on or go to bed.

Available at LookFantastic.com

2.

Lumiline Newskin Foot Peeling Socks, £8.99

BEST FOR: A Gentle Formula

WHY WE RATE THEM: These socks are an Amazon bestseller, and it's easy to see why. Formulated with aloe vera and papain, they soften hard calluses and rough areas – ideal for those who walk or run a lot. While they lend feet a full exfoliation, shea butter and coconut oil ensure skin is never stripped and always replenished with moisture. Unlike others on this list, they also get to work within just two days – a great option if you're tight on time or are planning a last-minute holiday.

Available at Amazon.co.uk

3.

Oh K! Peeling Foot Mask, £6.80

BEST FOR: Those On A Budget

WHY WE RATE THEM: One of the best budget options out there, this affordable foot mask is great for getting rid of hard, dry skin quickly. Using exfoliating AHAs, it's gentle, while still providing effective results. Pop the socks on and leave them for at least an hour. Immediately after, they'll feel smoother and flake-free, but in terms of the shedding process, be patient – you'll find results take at least a week to manifest. When they do begin to work, skin will appear fresher and feel softer to the touch. They work particularly well on cracked heels, too.

Available at LookFantastic.com

4.

STARSKIN Magic Hour Exfoliating Foot Mask Socks, £13.50

BEST FOR: Really Rough, Dry Patches

WHY WE RATE THEM: Tough calluses and hard skin don't stand a chance against these aloe-vera infused socks. Ideal for a night-in, apply them for a full 90-minutes, allowing the glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid to get to work exfoliating and breaking down dry patches. Don't expect to see results immediately – give it up to ten days to start to see some shedding and peeling. This lasts for about three days (so leave the sandals at home). The best bit? The results last for at least three months.

Available at LookFantastic.com

5.

BeautyPro Foot & Callus Peel, £7.95

BEST FOR: Natural, Kind-To-Skin Ingredients

WHY WE RATE THEM: Dual-layered, this foot peel harnesses the benefits of 16 botanical fruit extracts to swiftly break down dead skin. It gets to work gradually over seven days, which is when the foot surface begins to peel and shed away. Despite its efficacy, it's gentler than other peels, so you can use a foot file to remove any excess that isn't breaking away on its own.

Available at LookFantastic.com

6.

Skin Republic Foot Peel Mask, £9.99

BEST FOR: Skin Softening Benefits

WHY WE RATE THEM: If you're after a peel that isn't too intense, this is the one for you. Brimming with fruit extracts and AHAs, it offers light shedding in just a few days. It doesn't just exfoliate though – it also deeply hydrates thanks to vitamin E, rosemary leaf extract and olive fruit extract, providing instant relief to hard, dry soles. Added anti-inflammatory ginkgo biloba leaf extract makes them a treat for overly hot feet, too.

Available at Superdrug.com

7.

Beauty Pie Dr Glycolic™ Soft Feet Peel Socks, £15

BEST FOR:Dry Callused, Dehydrated Feet
WHY WE RATE THEM:Designed to give you baby soft feet, these comfortable socks pull on like boots, then you simply tape them around your ankles and wait an hour. After washing them, you'll wonder if anything is happening, but allow at least four days. Gradually, you'll start to see skin shed - don't worry it satisfying - thanks to exfoliating glycolic and lactic acids, as well as natural fruit extracts which lock in some moisture, too. Unlike similar foot masks, the peeling is impressive, but it doesn't go on for days, which is great if you feel self-conscious of your skin shedding. The only key thing to note is you should avoid moisturising your feet for seven days post-use - this will only interfere with the process, so hold off.

Available at BeautyPie.com

8.

*PLEASE NOTE: The skin on your feet should be treated the same as your face. If you're suffering with any skin conditions, inflammation or irritation, always speak to a professional before applying exfoliating socks. Likewise, if you have a reaction, speak to your GP or local pharmacist immediately.

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