Can foot soaks help alleviate pain?

Potentially. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) and lavender are popular additions to foot soaks, and magnesium can reduce inflammation and itching, while lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety . Even without additional ingredients, foot soaks have been shown to improve circulation.

What are the benefits of soaking your feet?

Aside from being a relaxing experience, soaking your feet in warm water helps stimulate circulation, which brings congested blood to dilated vessels in the feet and lower legs.

Is it OK to soak feet in Epsom salt every day?

While not dangerous,eps Epsom salts may dry out the feet, so we advise sticking to a schedule of once or twice a week.

The 14 Best Foot Soaks of 2023

Immersing your feet in warm water can help soothe your muscles, reduce strain, and ease tension. After a long day, it feels amazing, but the benefits of soaking your feet can go far beyond relaxation. "It may help soften the skin, making it easier to exfoliate dead cells," New York dermatologist Rachel Maiman, MD, tells Byrdie.

Meet the Expert

Rachel Maiman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Marmur Medical in New York City.

Granulated soaks often contain mineral-rich Epsom salt (aka magnesium sulfate). "While magnesium's mood-boosting, muscle-improving benefits are well known, this mineral can also be good for the skin by reducing inflammation," Dr. Maiman explains. She also recommends looking out for moisturizing ingredients, like coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and aloe, when scanning the label.

Byrdie Tested & Approved

Our best overall pick is Epsoak Detox + Cleanse Epsom Salts, which not only contains Epsom salts, but is full of hydrating aloe, vitamin E, and a blend of essential oils. We love that it soothes inflammation and alleviates aches. If your feet crave a bit more moisture, consider Herbivore Coconut Milk Soak, which not only has a luxe skin feel, but also smells heavenly.

We conducted hours of research on the best foot soaks, evaluating each according to active ingredients, scent, and results. We also looked for any extra product features, like whether the soak helps relieve inflammation or aches, or softens dry skin.

Meet the Expert

Dana Murray of Babe + Beauty is a licensed esthetician, product developer, and beauty blogger. Her work focuses on educating people on the chemistry of ingredients and the physiology of the skin.

Ahead, find the best foot soaks to help you unwind.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Epsoak Epsom Salt at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Foot Soak at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Johnson's Foot Soap Powder at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Gilded Body Nero Bath Soak at Gildedbody.com

Jump to Review

Best Moisturizing:

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Soak at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Aromatherapy:

Aveda Soaking Salts at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Relaxation:

Pursoma Recovery Foot Bath at Maisonette.com

Jump to Review

Best for Tired Feet:

EiR NYC Foot Soak at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Sore Feet:

Milk + Honey Muscle Soak

Jump to Review

Best for Calluses:

Daily Remedy Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak at Walmart

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Epsoak.com

What We Like

Affordable
Generous amount
Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don’t Like

Nothing

Epsoak is a dermatologist favorite, as it's filled with a roster of must-have ingredients. "It contains Epsom salt to promote relaxation, fight inflammation, and relieve aches and pains, as well as hydrating aloe, vitamin E, and a blend of essential oils," says Maiman.

If you ask us, Epsom salt is something every home should have on hand, like aspirin or ice packs. And this generously sized bag contains a blend of extras to optimize its therapeutic benefits. Just add about a half-cup to your soaking basin (or a few cups if you're taking a proper bath), and then sit back and relax while it does its thing.

Price at time of publish: $10

Amount: 8–64 ounces | Scent: Eucalyptus | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Salt Revitalize & Refresh Foot Soak

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Walgreens

What We Like

Affordable
Generous amount
Reduces foot odor

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

"A good-old bag of Epsom salt from your local drugstore, like Dr. Teal's, works wonderfully as well," says esthetician Dana Murray. In addition to muscle-relaxing magnesium, this budget-friendly pick contains baking soda, which acts as a natural deodorizer for your feet.

Price at time of publish: $5

Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Peppermint | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Johnson's Foot Soap Quick Dissolving Powder

Walmart

View On Walmart

What We Like

Soothes tired feet
Leaves skin soft
Reduces foot odor

What We Don’t Like

No scent

This tried-and-true soak has been on the market since 1870. It contains salt, baking soda, and a blend of minerals to help soothe tired feet, alleviate itchiness, soften your skin, and absorb funky odors.

Amount: 4–8 packets | Scent: None | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Gilded

View On Gildedbody.com

What We Like

Soothes inflammation
Leaves skin soft
Refills available

What We Don’t Like

Expensive

Boasting a mineral-rich medley of sea salts from around the world, Nero Bath Soak helps ease muscle tension, soothe inflammation, address dryness, and soften the skin. This one is priced pretty steep, but if you can swing it, it might be a worthwhile splurge. Plus, you can buy a refill for the marble container or just go without the fancy dish altogether.

Price at time of publish: $220

Amount: 8 ounces | Scent: Botanical | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Experts Say

"A common misconception people have is that, if their skin is dry, they should look for a soak that primarily exfoliates, rather than moisturizes, but this can be counterproductive by stripping the skin of natural oils it desperately needs." —Rachel Maiman, MD, Dermatologist

Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Dermstore

What We Like

Luxurious
Nice scent
Dermatologist-recommended

What We Don’t Like

High price per ounce

Maiman stands behind this luxuriously moisturizing bath product from Herbivore. "This product contains coconut milk and coconut pulp, both of which provide immediate and lasting hydration," she says. "The scent is awesome and reminiscent of a tropical destination, so it can make you feel like you're on vacation even when you aren't."

Price at time of publish: $20

Amount: 8–16 ounces | Scent: Coconut-vanilla | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Aveda.com

What We Like

Calming scent
Naturally fragranced
Leaves skin soft

What We Don’t Like

Pricey

"Essential oils can provide a surplus of aromatherapy benefits," says Maiman. Aveda's Stress-Fix infuses mineral-rich salt with the natural scent of lavender, which has been shown to help people wind down and feel more at ease.

Price at time of publish: $62

Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Herbal lavender | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Experts Say

"If you have sensitive skin, you might want to stay away from essential oils, just to be safe, as they can cause irritation." —Rachel Maiman, MD, Dermatologist

Revolve

View On Maisonette.com View On Net-a-Porter View On Revolve

What We Like

Soothes inflammation
Hydrating
Leaves skin soft

What We Don’t Like

Nothing

After a long day on your feet, Bain de Pied is just what the doctor ordered. This foot bath contains pure sea salt to offer a soothing effect and relieve muscle tension, while algae helps hydrate and calm inflammation.

Price at time of publish: $36 for 6oz

Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Herbal | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

EiR NYC Tired Feet Minty Conditions Foot Soak

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Eirnyc.com View On Verishop.com

What We Like

Soothes inflammation
Reduces foot odor
Calming scent

What We Don’t Like

Sells out quickly

We're also big fans of EiR NYC's Minty Conditions Soak. Formulated with tired feet in mind, it serves up a generous dose of tension-relieving, inflammation-reducing Epsom salt, plus tea tree oil to exfoliate and keep odor-causing bacteria at bay and aromatherapy from mint and lavender essential oils. As Maiman explains, "Lavender oil can promote relaxation."

Price at time of publish: $22

Amount: 8 ounces | Scent: Lavender-mint | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

What We Like

Relaxes tired muscles
Soothes inflammation
Contains organic ingredients

What We Don’t Like

High price per ounce

If you're dealing with overworked, achy, or otherwise sore feet, Muscle Soak No. 18 is an ideal choice. With a blend of Epsom and sea salts, plus a medley of organic essential oils, this potent tincture helps stimulate circulation, ease tension, and relax tired muscles.

Price at time of publish: $28

Amount: 10 ounces | Scent: Herbal | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Amazon

View On Walmart

What We Like

Affordable
Gently exfoliates
Leaves skin soft

What We Don’t Like

Nothing

Calluses got you down? This product combines tea tree oil with Epsom salt and sea salt to provide gentle exfoliation without the need for any harsh ingredients or abrasive scrubbing. "Soaking your feet can help soften the dead skin and make it easier to remove," says Murray.

Price at time of publish: $17

Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Botanical-mint | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

What Our Experts Say

"For calluses, I recommend soaking your feet for ten minutes in lukewarm water (hot can really dry your feet out), then follow with a pumice stone to slough off rough dead skin." —Dana Murray, Esthetician

Pardo Naturals

View On Pardonaturals.com

What We Like

Frothy bubbles
Calming scent
Naturally fragranced

What We Don’t Like

High price per ounce

When you crave a little bubbly action, reach for this foot soak from Pardo Naturals. Sprinkle a little into the tub, and sit back while it creates a frothy foam that feels amazing between your toes. The eucalyptus-mint aromatherapy isn't so bad either. "Mint oil has been shown to reduce anxiety," Maiman tells Byrdie.

Price at time of publish: $22

Amount: 4 ounces | Scent: Eucalyptus-mint | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Nubian Heritage Abyssinian Oil & Chia Seed Bath Bombs

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Vitacost

What We Like

Soothes inflammation
Increases circulation
Moisturizing

What We Don’t Like

Nothing

Bath bombs can work quite well as foot soaks. We're loving these effervescent balls from Nubian Heritage, which call on sea salt to soothe sore muscles and increase circulation, while shea butter and jojoba oil deliver much-needed moisture. The woody-floral scent is pretty great, too.

Price at time of publish: $9

Amount: 6 bombs | Scent: Woody-floral | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

4.6

TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Yesstyle.com

I Tried TONYMOLY's Shiny Feet Super Peeling Liquid and Saw Results in a Week

What We Like

Increases cell turnover
Gentle formula
Drastic results

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs
Results aren't immediate

If you don't have a designated foot basin or want to soak with your feet up instead of down, consider a peel. This Korean favorite leans on a mixture of AHA, BHA, and fruit enzymes to offer gentle exfoliation by encouraging cell turnover. You might not notice anything at first, but after about five days, your skin will start shedding like a snake's.

Price at time of publish: $14

Amount: 1–2 treatments | Scent: Peppermint | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Lush

View On Lushusa.com

What We Like

Gently exfoliates
Reduces foot odor
Leaves skin soft

What We Don’t Like

Slightly messy

Open to a mask-style treatment? Lush has you covered. The brand's Volcano Foot Mask combines kaolin clay with the exfoliating power of papaya enzymes and crushed pumice to slough off dead skin, draw out dirt, and absorb odors. Spread a thick layer onto your feet, wrap them in plastic (optional), let it sit for about ten minutes, rinse off, and voilà! Your puppies will be buttery-soft and oh-so-smooth.

Price at time of publish: $15

Amount: 4.4 ounces | Scent: Earthy | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is Epsoak Detox + Cleanse Epsom Salts, a dermatologist-recommended soak that soothes inflammation and alleviates aches while gracing your senses with relaxing aromatherapy. But if your feet crave a bit more moisture, we highly recommend Herbivore Coconut Milk Soak, which also has the dermatologist's stamp of approval and has an ultra-luxe skin feel.

What to Look for in a Foot Soak

Magnesium

While magnesium's mood-boosting, muscle-improving benefits are well known, the mineral can also be good for your skin. Adding some magnesium to your foot care routine could reduce inflammation and/or itching. Magnesium sulfate (AKA Epsom salt) is a form of magnesium frequently found in foot soaks.

No Essential Oils

Essential oils can provide a surplus of aromatherapy benefits—peppermint oil has been shown to reduce anxiety, whereas lavender oil can promote relaxation. However, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to stay away from essential oils within Epsom salts, as they might irritate the skin.

Moisturizing Ingredients

If you’re worried about dry skin or heels, we suggest looking for a soak that focuses on moisturizing the skin rather than intense exfoliation. When scanning the label, keep your eyes peeled for hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, coconut, and jojoba oil.

FAQ

Can foot soaks help alleviate pain?

Potentially. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) and lavender are popular additions to foot soaks, and magnesium can reduce inflammation and itching, while lavender has been shown to reduce anxiety. Even without additional ingredients, foot soaks have been shown to improve circulation.
What are the benefits of soaking your feet?

Aside from being a relaxing experience, soaking your feet in warm water helps stimulate circulation, which brings congested blood to dilated vessels in the feet and lower legs.
Is it OK to soak feet in Epsom salt every day?

While not dangerous,eps Epsom salts may dry out the feet, so we advise sticking to a schedule of once or twice a week.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland specializes in skincare, wellness, and lifestyle products within the commerce space. She interviewed two experts for this story, including a board-certified dermatologist and a licensed esthetician, who provided product recommendations and insight into ingredients. Theresa has tested products from several brands on this list, including Dr. Teal's, Herbivore, Lush, Johnson's, Aveda, and TonyMoly.

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