Urea cream is one of the most effective treatments for dry, cracked, and callused feet — and one of the most commonly recommended products in Australian podiatry clinics. It works as a keratolytic, which means it breaks down the protein bonds in thickened, hardened skin, softening calluses and rough patches so they can be gently filed away or naturally shed.
But not all urea creams are the same. The concentration matters, the formulation matters, and using the wrong strength on the wrong area can cause irritation. Here's what podiatrists actually recommend.
How urea cream works on feet
Urea is a naturally occurring compound found in human skin. At low concentrations (5–10%), it acts as a humectant — drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it hydrated. At higher concentrations (15–25%), it becomes keratolytic — actively breaking down hard, dead skin cells. At 40%+, it's used clinically for debridement of very thick calluses and damaged nails.
For most foot care purposes, 25% urea is the sweet spot — strong enough to soften calluses and cracked heels effectively, gentle enough for regular home use.
Best urea creams for feet in Australia
Walker's ULTRA 25% Urea with Ceramides
This is our top recommendation and best seller for cracked heels and callused feet. The 25% urea concentration provides effective keratolytic action, while added ceramides help repair the skin barrier — important for heels where deep cracks can become painful or infected.
- Walker's ULTRA 25% Urea 500ml — the standard size for home use
- Walker's ULTRA 25% Urea 1L — clinic size for professionals or heavy users
How to use urea cream on feet
- Wash and dry feet thoroughly
- Apply a generous layer of 25% urea cream to the heels, ball of the foot, and any callused areas
- Massage in firmly — the cream needs contact with the hard skin to work
- Cover with cotton socks and leave overnight for best results
- In the morning, use a foot file or pumice stone to gently remove the softened skin
- Repeat nightly for 1–2 weeks for significant calluses, then 2–3 times per week for maintenance
What concentration of urea do I need?
- 10% urea — for mildly dry skin, daily moisturising. Not strong enough for calluses or cracked heels.
- 15% urea — moderate dry skin and early callus formation. Good for maintenance after initial treatment with a higher concentration.
- 25% urea — the podiatrist-recommended concentration for cracked heels, calluses, and hard skin on the feet. This is what we stock and recommend.
- 40%+ urea — clinical strength used by podiatrists for thick, resistant calluses and damaged nails. Not recommended for unsupervised home use on cracked skin.
Urea cream vs other foot creams
Standard moisturisers (like sorbolene or aqueous cream) hydrate the surface of the skin but don't break down hard, thickened tissue. Urea cream actively softens and dissolves the hard skin — it's a treatment, not just a moisturiser. For feet with significant calluses or deep heel cracks, a standard moisturiser won't provide meaningful improvement.
For related conditions: if your hard skin is concentrated around a corn, see our guide to corn and callus treatments. If your heels are cracking and bleeding, a urea cream should be combined with a protective heel sleeve like the Silipos Gel Booties for intensive overnight treatment.
When to see a podiatrist
If your cracked heels are deep, bleeding, or painful — see a podiatrist. Deep fissures can become infected, especially in people with diabetes or poor circulation. A podiatrist can professionally debride the hard skin and recommend a treatment plan that includes urea cream for ongoing home maintenance.
Browse our full range of cracked heel and dry skin treatments →