Corns and calluses are painful areas of thickened skin, where the epidermis is exposed to excessive pressure or friction. They can cause major discomfort and usually occur as a result of long-term friction or constant, unevenly distributed pressure on specific locations.
The most important fact about corns and calluses is that they won’t get any better unless the cause, provoking the pressure is removed. If you don’t eliminate that cause, the skin could even become thicker and more painful over time.
How to choose effective corn and callus remover?
People are constantly seeking for effective solutions which will help them get rid of the annoying thickened skin. We prepared a detailed list of the best corn and callus remover products that successfully eliminate the problem, providing the fastest healing effect. Most of the formulas listed below are recommended by podiatrists, others – by people who are satisfied with the results obtained.
The best corn and callus removers
Lee Beauty Callus Remover
 
- Professional grade corn and callus remover
- Eliminates corns and calluses in 1-2 applications
- Stong effect, dissolving the thickened skin
- Recommended by beauty professionals
Just imagine – one single application – less than 10 minutes and the painful calloused skin is gone! This professional-grade corn and callus remover can eliminate up to 20 years worth of calluses within 1-2 uses.
LeeBeauty’s Callus Remover has impressive reviews and rating, according to those who tried it, the product is enough for many applications.
The best about the Lee Beauty callus remover is the immediate results you can get. People who tried it only needed 1-2 applications depending on how thick the calluses are, many of them consider it the best corn and callus remover on the market.
Someone shared a before and after picture of the improvement after trying this Professional callus remover. It turned out that scrubbing, pedicures, and soaking just made the condition worse but this LeeBeauty callus remover eliminated the hardened skin in no time, without leaving pain or discomfort:
A lady with very rough, calloused feet says she almost completely managed to remove the hardened skin after the first application of the product. She hopes the next one will help her completely eliminate it.
My feet are very soft and I think after round 2 they will be perfect.
Another promising review says the product is amazing. The pictures posted are the only proof needed:
Just follow instructions and you will have amazing results.
Someone with a giant callus, causing immense pain if finally relieved from the discomfort every single step was causing:
I can walk normal again!
Note: Many of those who tried LeeBeauty corn and callus remover recommend not to wait too long after the application of the product (no more than 5-10 minutes). Always wear gloves or wash your hands immediately after they get in contact with the liquid substance. Be careful not to get it on the surrounding skin, as the product is indeed potent and may damage it!
PurSources Urea 40%
 
- Contains organic botanicals for instant relief of the pain
- Proven to remove corns and calluses without damaging the normal skin
- Provides deep skin hydration and a strong healing effect
- Reduces the redness and discomfort, associated with corns and calluses
This urea cream is often recommended by beauticians which proves its’ high efficacy. It rehydrates the dried, hardened skin, gently exfoliating the dead skin. Urea 40 corn and callus remover stimulates the new cell regrowth, leaving a natural, pleasant smell.
Urea is a naturally-occurring compound. Its role within the skin is to maintain its’ hydration and protection.
Urea [1] gently dissolves the intercellular matrix which results in loosening the horny formations and shedding the scaly skin at regular intervals, thereby softening hyperkeratotic areas. The compound is often added to corn and callus removers. Urea also hydrates and gently dissolves the intercellular matrix of the nail plate, which can result in the softening and eventual debridement of the nail plate.
People are extremely happy with the effect of this product.
Also, the way it works makes it a better option, compared to the harsh acidic solutions. You need to apply the Urea Cream 2-3 times daily for several days. The creal will soften the corns or calluses to the point that you can use a dead skin scraper or a pumice stone to remove most of it.
Here’s what someone, suffering severe callouses shared:
Every since using this ointment, the callouses that form during healing has begun to loosen up and flake away.
Another one, who got a recommendation from her beautician, says:
It really seems to work! The calluses seem to shrink after 2-3 weeks!
Dr. Scholl’s Liquid Kit
 
- 17% Salicylic acid liquid product to completely cover the affected area
- Eliminates corns and calluses in 1-2 applications
- Suitable for people with a darker skin tone
You can see both extremes people’s experience with this salicylic acid-based product. There are people who are extremely satisfied with their results, and those who are utterly disappointed with their purchase.
Here’s how to properly use this corn and callus remover:
- Apply the solution twice daily (in the morning and before bedtime)
- Wear socks during the application period – warmth and moisture will promote faster healing
- As soon as you start noticing the callus is drying up, start peeling the dead skin (using a pumice stone)
- After the second week, the callus will still be there but it will be less visible and will keep fading
There’s a very important thing you should remember – you cannot expect permanent effect if you haven’t eliminated the initial reason for the appearance of both corns and calluses. For instance, if the trigger happens to be your favorite pair of shoes and you keep wearing them, corns and calluses will keep forming on your soles.
Dr Scholl’s Duragel Corn Remover
 
- Pain relief cushions for corn and callus removal, suitable for all-day application
- Duragel technology, proven to eliminate corns and calluses
- Removes callused skin after 2 application
Dr. Scholl’s Duragel is one of the best products for corn and callus removal currently available on the market. And this is not just advertising – it appears that Dr. Scholl’s has helped dozens of consumers to eliminate the unpleasant formations, without causing painful sensation during the application period.
The active ingredient in the formula, Salicylic acid [2], seems to have a very positive effect for removing the hardened skin.
For instance, Reddit u/Cazberry managed to successfully eliminate the corns and calluses on her foot after her podiatrist failed to do so:
The thin and flexible duragel technology offers all-day pain relief, while it successfully removes the corns and calluses. It is water-resistant, which makes it even more effective for those with sweaty feet.
After 48 hours of application, you will notice the corn or callus you are treating is already white. This means the skin is dead and will eventually come off without much effort. Some users prefer cutting the skin using a file or a pumice stone.
However, there are people that aren;t completely satisfied with the product who still have hardened skin, causing discomfort. The problem is that sometimes the pads don’t stay on – the bandage is too fragile.
Poor quality – the corn remover does not stay on even when used with the cushions
Good news is that there are many people who saw improvement and successfully got rid of their corns.
Mosco
 
- Contains #1 Doctor Recommended ingredient – Salicylic acid, 17%
- Comes with a convenient brush applicator
- Works well on both corns and calluses, provides fast results
- Safe and easy to use
Mosco is developed for both calluses and corns removal. The active ingredient in the liquid is Salicylic Acid: 17.6%. The substance should be applied directly to the affected area (the product comes with a convenient brush applicator).
Mosco Liquid corn and callus remover has a great reputation among people who tried it. They claim it is indeed effective but it should be applied a couple of times before the corn or callus is completely eliminated,
I have used this product before and it really works. Glad they could fixed it so fast. I recommend this product
You should be aware that if you apply the product to the area, where the skin integrity is impaired, you may experience a severe burning sensation.
Comments report about the healing time required
„ It took about two weeks for the callus to get so I could cut it off with clippers. Pain-free finally.”
There is also very useful advice you can follow while applying Mosco callus remover – someone recommends getting the little square bandages and brushing the ointment on the bandage instead of directly onto the skin and then applying the bandage over the callus or corn, as the formula is very strong and may irritate the normal skin.
Corn and callus FAQs
A corn and callus remover is a product (usually in the form of a liquid substance or an adhesive patch) aiming to dissolve the hardened skin, so it can be easily removed. Such products aim to promote faster skin healing, they contain strong acidic compounds, such as salicylic or lactic acid and are intended for topical application only.
It is highly recommended to avoid contact with the normal skin, surrounding the affected area as it may get irritated or you may experience a severe burning sensation.
Corns are usually caused by pressure from shoes or surfaces that rub against the toes or cause friction between them. They are usually quite stiff and dense, slightly transparent. The softer ones are mostly located between the fourth and fifth toe. Some professions or hobbies can also lead to the formation of corns. Guitarists, violinists, gardeners, and many other specialized activities lead to the formation of corns.
Calluses are a build-up of hardened skin, usually on the underside of the foot. They are larger than corns and are often found at the base of the toes or the soles. Strong thickening of the skin is often accompanied by pain and discomfort while walking and standing upright.
Both problems may cause major discomfort while walking, this is why the timely, adequate measures are very important. Corn and callus removers are recommended for any stage of the development of the skin formation, these products are available over-the-counter, without a perscription.
People of all races can be affected by corns and calluses. In women, it is more common than in men, because of the tendency for wearing tighter and uncomfortable, often high-heeled shoes.
Any age group may be affected by corns and caluses, but most individuals fall under risk factors after puberty.
Toddlers and children are very unlikely to develop corns and calluses.
- Three to four nights in a row, the feet are soaked in hot water, then a piece of lemon is applied to the corns and tied with a piece of cloth or bandage. Instead of lemon, you can also use onions. When the hardened skin softens, it can be easily removed with a pumice stone.
- Cut a piece of lemon and sprinkle with sugar. The lemon slice is placed on the affected area – during the next 48 hours, it is reapplied 4 to 6 times. Citric acid softens the skin and dissolves it while sugar peels the dead skin.
- A piece of bread is dipped in vinegar, on top if it, you can apply a cloth, dipped in wax. The corn or callus is then bandaged. You can perform the procedure before bedtime and repeat it several times until the corn or callus is removed.
- Grind some onion and mix with vinegar. The mixture is applied in the evening to the problem spot. Onions biologically active substances that act bactericidal and anti-inflammatory. The compress reduces the inflammation caused by rubbing the skin.
- Apply a plantain leaf to the damaged skin. Attach it with a bandage and leave it for the night. Plantain has strong anti-inflammatory and healing action.
- Mix equal parts of hemp oil and chalk and apply the corns and calluses until the problem is eliminated (it usually takes less than a week).
- Smash some garlic and add a little honey. Apply to the affected area and cover with a band-aid. Repeat until the corns or calluses are completely removed.
Important
Everyone's skin is unique, and even if you have chosen the best product for your skin issue, the containing ingredients may still cause some irritation, burning sensation, rash or allergy.
To avoid potential skin reactions, we highly recommend performing a patch test before using the product (you can download printable PDF version here)
References
- What is urea?
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/urea/F - Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4554394/
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API