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Most of us develop calluses on our feet from time to time, but don't worry! They're easy to remove at home with these tools and products.

Meghan Herlihy is a full-time writer for LifeSavvy and has written across a wide variety of topics, genres, and formats, including radio talk shows, local sports journalism, and creative original fiction. She received her bachelor's degree in communications from Ithaca College and a master's in writing from Johns Hopkins University. When she's not writing, you're most likely to find her reading a book, petting every dog within eyesight, and indulging in her love of travel. Read more...

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Calluses are patches of dead skin that have become tough, thick, and extra dry. They’re most common on the feet, but you can get calluses on your hands, elbows, and knees as well. They’re typically not a health risk unless one cracks and gets infected. You can take care of them at home by filing them down with specialized devices.

Why buy a callus remover?

You should never try to cut away calluses on your own, as you risk cutting too deep and injuring yourself. Instead, use a specialty callus remover to gradually file down calluses to get rid of them gently and safely. The products we review here are all geared toward safe and successful callus removal in the comfort of your own home.

What should you look for in a callus remover?

Which callus remover is best for your feet?

There is no succinct answer to this question because many factors come into question. It partly depends on how advanced your calluses have grown. We review a great gel product below, but if you have very thick calluses, it might make more sense to start with a file first. It depends on the type of sensation you like, too. Pumice stones are gentler and have an exfoliating effect and feel. If convenience is a priority, the electric wand callus remover may be the answer.

A large, efficient manual callus remover made with sharp, surgical-grade stainless steel

Pros: Made with surgical-grade stainless steel, this foot rasp works equally well on dry or wet feet. The stainless steel is manufactured with the appropriate sharpness to shave off layers as quickly and efficiently as possible. This callus remover is large enough to cover bigger parts of the foot and is lightweight, so you won’t break a sweat. There’s a small hole at the end of the handle that allows you to hang this callus remover from your shower rack for easy storage. Plus, it comes with a handy storage bag.

Cons: It’s a double-edged sword.: while users find the Ricans’ callus remover effective, they warn about how sharp it is. So, go lightly with this foot rasp.

Bottom Line: This manual callus remover is made of high-quality stainless steel and sharpened just right for the best results. With the included storage bag, it works as a nice gift.

A natural approach to removing tough calluses, this pumice stone comes in a pack of four.

Pros: A porous volcanic rock, pumice was around long before the company Maryton. But the company has a long history, too; they’ve been working for decades to improve their blue, double-sided pumice stone callus remover. Spa professionals rely on Maryton’s pumice stone callus removers, so there’s no denying this product is of great quality. It’s recommended that you soak your feet between 5 to 10 minutes before use. The process is simple: just grip the stone and rub away! The light blue side is gentler, and the dark blue side is coarser. Use it in or after the tub or shower.

Cons: Pumice is much gentler on the skin than a steel callus remover. If you have very thick and hardened calluses, you may want to start with a sharper rasp, then use the pumice to maintain smoothness.

Bottom Line: This is an excellent product if you’re looking for a gentler method for callus removal. Since it’s a tool made from volcanic rock, you can trust this pumice stone is natural! Use it to exfoliate your skin, too. It just feels good.

A powerful callus-removing gel that is fast-acting and effective while also renewing and hydrating.

Pros: Who knew you could just apply gel to a callus and avoid rubbing and scraping to remove it? The people at Lee Beauty seem to have known; just check out their gel! Here’s what you do: put on some gloves, soak your feet in warm water until they’re wrinkly, pre-scrub a bit with a foot rasp or pumice stone, apply the gel, then wait for 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t touch the area before the time’s up! Rinse, and use the pumice again to remove the dead skin. That’s it. If there’s still callus left, don’t worry. The gel is working. It just means you had some super-tough calluses.

Cons: If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to consider another product. Some users report skin irritation.

Bottom Line: The high-end gel formula removes the skin you don’t want and rescues the rest from developing other rough skin patches. Light a candle, put on some music, and enjoy not spending a ton of money for a spa-quality treatment.

A cordless, rechargeable electric callus remover that won't cut or irritate your feet or skin.

Pros: This callus remover is certainly a step up in terms of technology. This electronic callus remover runs on batteries, so it’s cordless and portable and even comes with a USB cord charger. Choose from two speeds and two roller heads. The fine roller head is great for everyday polishing, while the coarse roller is for tackling stubborn calluses. Switch from low to high speed as needed, moving the wand back and forth across any area of the foot that needs attention.

Cons: The electronics may be less than ideal in quality. Also, the file isn’t tough enough for everyone, even with the course roller on high speed.

Bottom Line: If you want convenience in a good callus remover, this pedi wand is it. Charge it up and throw it in your purse for a long weekend. Change the settings to make the experience your own.

A high-quality foot rasp and callus shaver with classy style.

Pros: This kit offers a unique, solid wood and stainless steel foot rasp and callus shaver. The handles for each instrument are coated with nonslip ABS material and feature a hanging hole for convenient storage. The kit includes 10 replacement callus shaver heads and one foot file head, all of which are anti-rust. The shaver is essentially a razor but with a 0.5-millimeter gap precision for safety, and it’s the best option for thick skin. Use the rasp for extra-rough skin patches.

Cons: Many users report that the handles are not wood but plastic. Some also warn that the shaver heads are sharp and that one should use caution when using them for the first time.

Bottom Line: It’s nice to have options, even when it comes to callus removal. This kit includes all you need to attend to your feet in whatever stage of roughness the skin has developed. Plus, having extra shaver heads means you can replace dulled ones and thus prevent injury.

Calluses can be an unpleasant nuisance, so tackle them with an effective callus remover. These products will help you keep your feet nice and smooth for the sandal seasons.

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