We are stronger than
Diabetes
Menu
- Last updated on October 22, 2021 - Original publication from April 29, 2020
- 12 Comments
SweetTrip is reader-supported and I sometimes use affiliate links. When you buy a product through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed are my own.
The 8 Best Diabetic Lotions & Foot Creams in 2021
Let’s be realistic: diabetic lotions & foot creams do not exist! It’s nothing more than a marketing name. Like one cream could cure all diabetes-related skin and foot problems at once? It does not take a genius to understand that you don’t need the same cream or lotion whether you suffer from diabetic neuropathy foot pain, severely dry skin, calluses, blisters, fungal infections, cracked heels, itchy skin, or foot ulcers.
I’ve scrutinised dozens of so called “diabetic” lotion and foot creams. I’ve interviewed podiatrists and dermatologists as well as diabetic patients. Here are their favourite lotions and creams for the most common diabetic skin and foot problems.
- Quick Navigation
- The 10 Best Lotions & Foot Creams for Diabetics
- Diabetic Lotions & Creams: FAQ
Diabetic feet are very fragile. Seek your doctor’s advice before applying anything on your feet!
#1 Best Diabetic Lotion
Gold Bond Diabetic Lotion - Ultimate Foot Skin Relief
- Pros
- Best Seller
- Formulated for Diabetic Skin
- Non-greasy
- Long-lasting moisturizer
- Contains Aloe Vera
- Fragrance Free
- Paraben Free
- Hypoallergenic
Gold Bond Diabetic Lotion - Ultimate Foot Skin Relief
Gold Bond’s Ultimate Diabetic Skin Relief Foot Cream is a best seller and it’s highly recommended by foot professionals. It’s been specially formulated for diabetic skins. The intensive formula provides long-lasting moisturising effects. It’s non greasy and absorbs very quickly. Plus, the aloe vera extract has great soothing effect against irritations and diabetes-related discomforts.
Gold Bond proudly advertises that “9 out of 10 people with diabetes saw skin improvement within an hour” after using its diabetic foot cream. Definitely worth the try!
- Best for:
- Feet & Body
- Diabetic normal & dry skin
- Small to moderate skin discomfort
#1 Best Diabetic Foot Cream
CeraVe Foot Cream for Diabetics' Dry Skin
- Pros
- #1 Recommended by Dermatologists
- Formulated for diabetics
- Long-lasting Moisture
- Restores Skin's Natural Barrier
- Urea
- Anti-oxidant
- Ceramides
- Paraben Free
- Fragrance Free
CeraVe Hand & Foot Cream for Diabetics' Dry Skin
CeraVe brand is from the L’Oréal Group and is now the #1 skincare company recommended by dermatologists in USA. The company has formulated an excellent hand and foot cream for diabetics’ dry and cracked skin. Packed with anti-oxidants, Urea, and essential ceramides, this moisturising cream is great for dry, very dry, and cracked skins. It’s non greasy, fast absorbing, and soothing. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-irritating.
High blood sugar levels often cause dehydration that leads to dry skin. If not taken care of, dry skin can lead to more serious foot problems. It can peel or crack and get infected, causing further complications such as foot ulcers. A good feet moisturiser plays a major role in diabetic foot care.
- Best for:
- Hands & Feet
- Diabetic dry to very dry skin
- Cracked skin
Best Diabetic Neuropathy Pain Relief Cream
Zatural CBD Pain Relieving Hot Cream
- Pros
- Intense & Immediate pain relief
- Contains CBD
- All natural & Organic
- +20 plant extracts
- Helps regenerate nerves
- Boosts blood circulation
- Cooling effects
- Good moisturizer
- Naturopathic-doctor formulated
Zatural CBD Hot Cream for Peripheral Neuropathy
People living with diabetes are often affected by neuropathy in the feet. Symptoms vary from mild to extremely painful. Zatural CBD Hot Cream is the most potent and effective topical cream for diabetic foot pain caused by damaged nerves.
It’s infused with 2000mg of high-quality organic broad-spectrum CBD to immediately neutralise the pain. Plus, it contains more than 20 plant extracts and essential oils among which Helichrysum flower oil (helps regenerate damaged nerves), Basil (nerve tonic), as well as Peppermint (boosts blood circulation), Camomile, Aloe Vera (soothes), and Menthol Crystals (cooling effect).
The perfect all-natural combo to fight diabetic neuropathy foot pain!
- Best for:
- Peripheral neuropathy foot pain
- Diabetic foot pain
- Burning feet
Diabetic Neuropathy: Warning!
You’re experimenting symptoms such as shooting pain, cramps, burning, prickling, tingling, reduced ability to feel pain or temperature changes, increased sensitivity to touch, or numbness in your feet? You might suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a serious yet common diabetes complication. Before applying any cream on your feet, you should first seek advice and proper diagnosis from your medical team.
Best Diabetic Cream for Burning Feet, Tingling & Itching
MagniLife Diabetic Pain Relief Foot Cream
- Pros
- Soothes tingling, burning & itching
- Relieves stabbing & shooting foot pain
- Good moisturizer
- Softens calluses
- Restores cracked skin
- Cooling effect
- No harsh chemicals
MagniLife Diabetic Pain Relief Foot Cream
MagniLife DB pain relieving foot cream is a best-seller that’s naturally formulated to relieve foot pain and soothe diabetic skin discomforts. It has a strong cooling effect that helps reduce stabbing and shooting pains often caused by diabetic neuropathy. It contains potent moisturizers to rehydrate severely dry and cracked and fissured skin. It’s odorless, non-greasy and compact enough to carry in your bag for immediate application.
- Best for:
- Tingling & burning feet
- Shooting & stabbing pain
- Itching & sensitive skin
- Very dry skin
- Cracked & fissured skin
Best Diabetic Wound Healing Ointment
Terrasil Diabetic's Ulcer & Sore Healing Ointment
- Pros
- Formulated for diabetics
- Enhanced healing properties
- Minimizes scarring
- Improves diabetic foot ulcers
- Activated minerals
- Soothing
- No chemicals
- FDA-registered
Terrasil Diabetic's Ulcers & Sores Healing Ointment
Terrasil Diabetic’s ulcers and sores healing ointment has been formulated with one of the most serious diabetes complications in mind. Foot ulcer affect around 15% of people living with diabetes and can lead to partial amputation if not properly taken care of.
This over-the-counter diabetic healing ointment is a great product which activated minerals help speed the healing process up. According to the company, it “helps minimise scarring with noticeable improvement for most diabetic ulcers in 2 days“.
- Best for:
- Diabetic foot ulcer
- Diabetic wounds
- Pressure sores
- Blisters
Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Warning!
Diabetic foot ulcers are very serious. If you have a diabetic foot ulcers, you must seek your doctor’s advice before applying any lotion or healing ointment.
Best Diabetic Body Lotion for Dry Skin
Aveeno Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion
- Pros
- Formulated for diabetics
- Great body moisturizer
- Skin protectant
- Soothes & relieves skin
- Triple Oat complex
- Shea butter
- Fragrance free
Aveeno Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief Body Lotion
Aveeno’s very rich diabetic body lotion has been specially formulated to soothe most common diabetic skin discomfort. With an high content in natural shea butter, it’s very moisturising yet fast-absorbing and non-greasy. The Triple Oat complex helps soothe sensitive and itchy skin and build a strong protective barrier for the skin.
- Best for:
- Body
- Diabetic dry skin
- Itchy & sensitive skin
Best Lotion for Diabetics' Itchy Skin
Eucerin Itchy Relief Intensive Calming Lotion
- Pros
- #1 Pick by Dermatologists
- Immediate relief
- Intensive calming effects
- Up to 12 hours itch relief
- Menthol cooling effect
- Soothing ingredients
- Ceramide 3
- Good moisturizer
Eucerin Itchy Relief lotion is the #1 pick by pharmacists and dermatologists when it comes to itchy skin. It contains menthol known to provide an immediate cooling and soothing effect for up to 12 hours of itch relief. The formula is enriched with Ceramide 3, an efficient moisturiser that helps improve the skin barrier function. This lotion is fast-absorbing, penetrates deeply into the skin, and does not leave a greasy feel.
Eucerin is one of the leading and most recommended brand, so you can trust their products. It’s fragrance-free and harsh chemicals-free.
- Best for:
- Body, Feet & Hands
- Diabetics' itchy skin
- Dry skin
Best Diabetic Foot Cream for Cracked Heels & Calluses
PurOrganica Urea 40% Callus Remover & Moisturizer for Cracked Skin
- Pros
- Deep Foot Moisturizer
- 40% Urea content
- Prevents water-loss
- Promotes new cell growth
- Aloe vera & chamomille
- Calming & relaxing
- Premium quality ingredients
- Made in USA
PurOrganica Urea Callus Remover & Moisturizer for Cracked Skin
Made with premium quality ingredients, PurOrganica Urea 40% Foot Cream is one of the most potent foot moisturizers if you have severely dry skin, cracked heels, rough skin, or calluses. Also known as carbamide, Urea is a strong humectant that dissolves the intercellular matrix of the cells promoting desquamation and softening of the skin. This cream contains 40% urea and it’s remarkably efficient. It deeply re-hydrates, nourishes, softens the skin to get rid of or prevent any painful calluses.
Plus, this cream contains Chamomille, Tea Tree, and Aloe Vera extracts, which add natural antibacterial, calming, and relaxing effects for diabetics’ irritated and itchy skins.
- Best for:
- Feet & Hands
- Severely dry skin
- Cracked heels
- Rough, thick & dead skin
- Calluses
Best Diabetic Foot Cream to Boost Blood Circulation
Neoteric Diabetic Advanced Healing Foot Cream
- Pros
- Improves blood circulation
- Speeds healing process
- Protects the skin
- Soothing Aloe vera
- Hydrating Urea
- Non-greasy & fast-absorbing
Neoteric Diabetic Advanced Healing Foot Cream
I did not know the Neoteric brand before investigating the diabetic foot cream topic, and it came as an unexpected good surprise recommended by a diabetes nurse I’ve interviewed. She said she only swears by this product and all of her patients with diabetes absolutely love it.
Due to high levels of blood sugars and damaged nerves, diabetics tend to have a poorer blood circulation as well as a slower healing process. Neoteric’s new patented formula helps speeding the healing process up and improving blood circulation in the feet. Plus, it’s a strong moisturizer that can help restore dry and cracked skin. The aloe vera it contains also helps soothing irritated and itchy skin. A great diabetes-friendly combo!
- Best for:
- Feet
- Circulatory problems
- Wound healing
- Irritated skin
Body Lotions and Foot Creams for Diabetics: FAQ
What is a diabetic lotion?
As I said before, “Diabetic” foot creams actually do not exist! There is no such thing as a diabetic cream that will cure all diabetes-related foot problems. Putting the word “diabetic” on a foot cream is simply an efficient marketing strategy to sell more and at a higher price.
That being said, foot creams that are labelled “for diabetics” usually share common features that are indeed “diabetes-friendly”. Before buying a foot cream when you have diabetes, you want to make sure it won’t do you more harm than good. That’s actually what diabetic foot creams are about. First and of course, they’re all good moisturisers without doubt. Second, a good diabetic foot cream should not be irritating (that means no allergens, no fragrances, no artificial colouring, etc). Third, it should not be too greasy (the contrary could lead to fungal growth….). Fourth, your new diabetic foot cream should be soothing and help alleviate common small skin irritations, itchiness and other unpleasantnesses. And last but not least, a real diabetic foot cream should help promote peripheral blood circulation. That’s a lot…
Here are 3 of the best diabetic foot creams you can get in 2021. All three of them have the above-mentioned necessary effects. For excessive dryness and cracked skin, I’d recommend using one of the most moisturising foot cream in the next section.
What is the best foot cream for diabetics?
There is no such thing as the best diabetic foot cream, but the best foot cream for your own foot problems! Diabetics are more prone to develop various foot problems but each foot problem has different causes (poor blood circulation, dehydration, sensitivity, slow healing process, etc.) and different remedies.
Your first need to identify which foot problems you have and their causes with your medical team. You can then refer to my list of best diabetic foot creams by category to choose the one that will best suit your needs.
If you do not have any specific foot problem but need an overall good foot cream for diabetes, refer to section 2 of our article.
If you suffer from diabetic foot pain caused by diabetic neuropathy and nerve damage, have a look at section 1 where I’ve listed the most efficient pain relief creams for diabetics.
If you have excessively dry or cracked skin, or calluses, your best choices are in section 3 of this article.
Should diabetics put lotion on their feet?
When living with diabetes, you should always seek your doctor’s advice before putting any product on your feet. Some products could do you more harm than good and aggravate your foot problems.
Diabetics can use lotion and cream on their feet, and it’s even often recommended. Part of a good diabetic foot care routine is to keep your feet hydrated, moisturised, and in an healthy environment. Because of high blood sugar levels, diabetics often have dry skin. Foot lotions and creams definitely help with that and are an essential element of our daily life with diabetes.
But don’t put just any foot lotions. Choose one that best suits your skin and addresses your own foot problems.
What about foot cream for foot ulcer?
You might have noticed I have not recommended any foot cream for diabetic foot ulcers. That’s because diabetic foot ulcer is a very serious condition that requires medical advice. Treatments for foot ulcers are often other than creams and are not available over the counter.
If you think you might have a foot ulcer, do not put any product on your foot until you see a doctor. You could aggravate the problem.
How to apply diabetic foot cream?
Each foot cream has its own notice and “how to use” advice. As a common rule, it is generally recommended to apply any foot cream on clean and dry feet. Remember that when living with diabetes, it is important to gently wash your feet daily and to carefully dry them.
Once your feet clean and dry, you can apply your diabetic foot cream and gently massage your feet insisting on painful areas. Avoid the in-between toe areas: it’s better to keep it a bit dryer in order to avoid fungal infections.
Should I get diabetic socks or orthotics too?
Diabetic socks and diabetic foot creams can totally complement each other. In many cases, it’s actually recommended to use both as they both have their own part to play in the prevention against diabetes-related foot problems.
Diabetic socks have 4 main functions: improving blood circulation; providing extra cushioning and padding; protecting your feet against rubbing and irritations; keeping your feet dry and healthy. They’re different from regular socks, and have more technical features such as non-binding tops, moisture-wicking materials, anti-fungal and bacterial treatments, extra padding, seamless construction, etc.
If you want optimum protection and prevention for your feet, you should consider wearing diabetic socks as well as orthotics specially designed for diabetes and neuropathy.
I hope this article has helped you. Please leave a comment and share your thoughts on the subject. I’d also appreciate you sharing the article so it can help more people!
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on email
Share on whatsapp
Share on print
Follow Sweet Trip!
Search a topic
Best Foot Cream For Diabetic Neuropathy
POST CATEGORIES
- Covid-19 & Diabetes (3)
- Diabetes & Oral Health (1)
- Diabetes Bags (1)
- Diabetes Foods & Recipes (4)
- Diabetes Management (2)
- Diabetic FootCare (8)
- Diabetic Insoles (1)
- Diabetic Shoes (9)
- Diabetic Socks (10)
- Family & Diabetes (1)
- Footcare & Footwear (23)
- Insulin (7)
- Neuropathy Pain Relief (2)
- Travel Destination (5)
- Traveling with Diabetes (13)
About the author
I’m Laura. Type 1 diabetic. Mother. Traveler. Writer. Researcher. I started this blog 5 years ago to investigate diabetes-related topics and share different views on the subject. I hope you find it useful!
12 Responses
Is diabetaderm available anymore
Hi Carol! Diabetiderm seems to be currently unavailable. I will update the article if it comes back to the market.
Any organic foot cream for neuropathy?
Hi Daniel, sorry for late reply. I don’t know about organic diabetic foot cream, but I’ve recently published an article about essential oil products for neuropathy foot pain relief. You can find there several organic all natural blends that actually work! Let me know!
Can you recommend foot wash for diabetics? I have itchy irritated skin and can’t find foot wash that helps, thank you
Hi Kiki40. I have not investigated the topic yet, but it will be the subject of a new article soon. After a quick look, it seems that costumers are very satisfied with the CeravE Diabetic Body Wash. It’s free of paragons and fragrance, very gentle on the skin, and formulated to moisturise and sooth the skin. I have not tested it myself though! Let me know if you find a good product so I can share with others 🙂
I have used Pure sciences neuropathy nerve pain that you mention for years and it’s the only one that actually workS and reduces pain for me. I tried so many foot creams over the years, this is the only efficient one.
Hi Karen! Thank you for your comment. I’m glad Pure Sciences neuropathy foot cream helps you reduce foot pain. It’s a great product and many of my readers have reported high efficiency against diabetic neuropathy foot pain! All the best to you, Laura
Thank you for this article, I have extremely dry skin and my heels begin to crack which cream is best?
Hi Patrica, if you have no further problem and dry skin is your only problem (with no infection nor any other suspicious pain) I’d say your best choice would be the PurSources Urea 40% Foot Cream. It’s the most hydrating and deep moisturising you can get!
My feet feel like they’re on fire at night. What can you recommend? There’s so many options and I’m newly diagnosed with diabetes
Hi Chasity! Sorry for such a late reply. I was actually working on a new article about Ice Socks & Cold Therapy Slippers. Maybe it’s worth trying? Or a foot massager for neuropathy might also help.