Dry Feet Hack: Glycolic Acid for Softer Skin

Dermatologist-approved glycolic acid exfoliants fix dry feet without pedicures.

Oct 21, 2026

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Dry Feet Hack: Glycolic Acid for Softer Skin

Dermatologist-approved glycolic acid exfoliants fix dry feet without pedicures.

In brief

Dermatologist-approved glycolic acid exfoliants fix dry feet without pedicures. Using glycolic acid exfoliants like The Ordinary’s 7% solution improves foot skin texture and hydration. Originally reported by BuzzFeed.

My Dry Feet Problem

My feet felt like corn husks after aging, causing rough spots and cracks.

Dermatologist Advice

Medicated skincare jar labeled "medicube Zero Pore Pad" with a blue lid on a textured pad background

Dr. Jenna Queller says glycolic acid exfoliants loosen dead skin cells on feet.

“[u]sing a facial exfoliating toner containing glycolic acid on the feet can help loosen and remove some of the buildup of dead skin cells, so it’s not surprising that people are seeing smoother skin.”

Why Feet Get Dry

Older skin produces less oil and loses moisture faster, especially on feet.

“Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can contribute to increased dryness as estrogen levels decline.”

The Solution

Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid improve skin texture and hydration on feet.

Product 1: The Ordinary

Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, 4 oz bottle. Key text: "Skin Perfecting" with salicylic acid for all skin types

The Ordinary’s 7% glycolic acid toner reduces irritation with Tasmanian pepperberry.

Product 2: Medicube Zero Pore Pads

Product 2: Medicube Zero Pore Pads

Medicube Zero Pore Pads exfoliate feet before moisturizing, improving softness.

“They are designed to help exfoliate, balance and brighten skin while reducing oil production.”

Product 3: The Ordinary AHA 30%

DRMTLGY Concentrated Foot Cream tube, features text: "Soften and moisturize with lactic acid and ceramides." 5 oz/142 g size

The Ordinary’s AHA 30% peel resurfaces skin with glycolic and salicylic acid.

Product 4: Green Tea Toner

Product 4: Green Tea Toner

Green tea toner with salicylic acid soothes dry skin without irritation.

Product 5: Plantifique Mask

Nécessaire The Body Peel bottle with 12% AHA/BHA/PHA, 150 ml size, for skincare routines

Plantifique mask peels off dead skin, working up to 30 years younger.

“This peel works 100% better than Babyfoot and the other brands I’ve tried.”

Product 6: Drmtlgy Cream

Tube of Soft Services Smoothing Solution, a calming gel exfoliant for body, 10% AHA, 100ml

Drmtlgy cream with lactic acid and ceramides repairs dry, cracked feet.

“After my pregnancy my feet were constantly dry, scratchy and visibly cracking.”

Product 7: Maree Toner

Maree toner with 10% glycolic acid is affordable for dry feet.

“a miracle in a bottle.”

Product 8: Necessaire Peel

Necessaire body peel with 12% exfoliating acids targets rough foot skin.

Product 9: Foot Lotion Set

Foot lotion set exfoliates calluses while moisturizing dry skin.

“my feet feel smoother, softer, and much more comfortable.”

Product 10: Dermora Peel

Dermora peel masks treat dry skin and foot fungus with lactic acid.

“great for people battling fungus.”

Product 11: Soft Services Gel

Soft Services gel exfoliates feet with lactic acid and soothing ingredients.

“feel like a super soft dolphin.”

The essence

Using glycolic acid exfoliants like The Ordinary’s 7% solution improves foot skin texture and hydration.

Read the original on BuzzFeed

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