Your feet are incredibly important and also highly unique. For example, the skin on your feet is up to 8x thicker than the skin on the rest of your body, making them highly prone to dryness and calluses. Your feet deserve specialized care, just like your face, body or hair. Learn more about how (and why) to keep your feet healthy here.
Starting a regular, proactive care routine is the best way to take care of your feet. Read more about how to start your routine here.
Podiatrists recommend paying attention to how your feet look and feel on a daily basis, particularly watching for any signs that your feet need better care, including:
Using products and tools formulated specifically for feet—like our comprehensive collection—is also recommended.
Company
At Barefoot Scientist, we believe in creating a happier, healthier you from the ground up. It's our mission to simplify comprehensive foot care by formulating the best products in the world to help nourish your skin, freshen your step, ease your pain, revive your nails and save your soles.
No. We love our furry (and not furry) friends. Barefoot Scientist is Leaping Bunny Certified, which means that each ingredient in every product is verified with the manufacturer as cruelty free and our final formulations are never tested on animals.
All of our products are cruelty free, Leaping Bunny certified and all of our products are vegan, except Twinkle Toes™ deodorizing purification spray. We’re animal lovers here at Barefoot Scientist and wanted our entire line to be vegan-friendly. When we were developing Twinkle Toes™, we ultimately decided to include manuka and manuka oil in the formulation because it is an extremely effective, natural anti-microbial ingredient, and a byproduct of the work the bees are doing naturally.
Yes, all of our products are gluten free.
We take pride in sourcing high quality ingredients from a network of trusted partners. Our suppliers provide ingredients that are proven to be safe and effective.
All Barefoot Scientist formulations are manufactured in the United States. Select accessories and hardware items are designed in the USA, but may include international components or construction.
All of our formulations are independently clinically tested for safety and efficacy. They are all hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, free of phthalates and parabens, and cruelty free. In addition, every product is certified “clean” by Ulta Beauty’s rigorous standards.
We are working on adding a referral program to our website. Please check back later.
Orders, Shipping, Returns & Exchanges
Standard shipping is $3.99. We also offer free shipping on all orders of $60 or more.
We process and fulfill orders as quickly as possible. While most orders arrive within 7-10 business days, carriers are experiencing delays for some shipments that are beyond our control. You can check the status of your order by clicking on the tracking info provided in your shipment confirmation email.
We do not currently ship internationally. Please email us if you'd like information on where we have international distribution.
We use all major carriers and local courier partners.
Due to strict regulations on shipping aerosols, we can only ship PreHeels+® to the 48 contiguous states at this time.
We provide the tracking info on all orders via email after the shipment is fulfilled. If you do not see this email update, please make sure that you check your spam folder for the email used to place the order at least one business day after the order is placed.
Providing our customers with a safe and secure shopping experience is critical for us. Your credit card transactions are encrypted and our servers are secure to protect you and your information.
Once your order is confirmed, we cannot guaranteed a modification or cancellation. However, if you email support@barefootscientist.com as soon as possible, we will do our best to make the update. Please include your order number and any relevant details in the email request.
We accept American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Discover and we also take payments from PayPal and Amazon Pay.
You can edit your account information for future orders by visiting barefootscientist.com/account. Once your order is confirmed, we cannot guarantee a modification or cancellation. However, if you email support@barefootscientist.com as soon as possible, we will do our best to make the update.
Returns & Exchanges
We stand behind the quality of our products. If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, please contact us at support@barefootscientist.com for assistance. Returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt, and must be unopened and unused. We do not offer free shipping for returns. Please note that for orders of 10 or more of the same product, customers are required to pay for return shipping plus a 25% restocking fee.
Please email our support team at support@barefootscientist.com to request the return or exchange. Please include your name, order number & return or exchange details. Our rep will give you further instructions.
You will receive your refund after the shipment is returned and receipt is confirmed.
PreHeels+®
PreHeels+® creates an invisible barrier on the skin to block the friction that causes hot spots, irritation and blisters. It provides around ~6 hours of protection with a typical application (which is 20x the protection of wax sticks), works with all types of shoes (not just heels), is hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested and naturally breaks down for easy removal with a washcloth, soap and water.
PreHeels+® works with ALL types of shoes as a fast-drying, super strong—yet flexible and breathable—skin protectant. High heels and strappy shoes are some of the worst offenders, but virtually all shoes can irritate your skin: flats rub over the toes, sandals irritate between your toes, and even boots and running shoes often blister the back of your heel.
PreHeels+® is safe and effective for use on other areas that clothing-induced friction occurs, like under bra straps. It can even be used to protect from sports-related chafing. Note: If using for skin-on-skin friction, it is essential that you allow the barrier to dry fully on both sides before allowing the surfaces to touch, or they can stick together.
Wax sticks work by temporarily lubricating your skin, but then rub off on shoes within ~15 minutes, quickly leaving your feet vulnerable to hot spots and blisters. Bandages and inserts are unattractive, quickly fall off, are uncomfortable and can cover only small areas of your foot. PreHeels+® is clinically proven to provide more than 20x better protection against blisters than wax sticks and won't rub off on your shoes. Unlike bandages and inserts, PreHeels+® is completely invisible and provides 100% comfortable protection for any part of the foot.
We spent several years working with a team of talented cosmetic scientists who specialize in skin protectants to create PreHeels+®. Every ingredient was thoughtfully selected to create a hypoallergenic formulation that's safe and gentle on skin, yet tough on friction. Here's what each ingredient does:
• Dimethyl Ether: a propellant that enables the formulation to be sprayed evenly in a mist. This is an organic compound and common aerosol propellant that does not harm the ozone. • SD Alcohol: a liquid designed to evaporate quickly to leave the protective barrier on your skin. This has been shown to be completely safe over decades of use in skin care and cosmetics. • Acrylates copolymer: safe, friction-blocking particles that sit on the skin and bond together to form a strong, flexible, breathable barrier. These polymers are also used in nail polishes and other common coatings. • Dimethicone Copolyol blend: allows the barrier to feel soft and smooth on your skin. This is a common smoothing agent used in deodorants, hair sprays and facial moisturizing creams. • Purified cosmetic-grade PEG-8: helps make the barrier flexible so that it can move and flex with your skin.
Extensively! In addition to choosing individual ingredients with excellent safety profiles, we have had our formulation reviewed in 3 separate independently run clinical studies of over 150 human volunteers. These studies were performed under the care and observation of clinical dermatologists to ensure the product is effective, safe and completely non-irritating.
A typical application of PreHeels+® lasts ~6 hours. It may last for a longer or shorter period depending on many factors, including how thickly you apply it, how aggressive your shoes or activity are, or how humid the weather is. If the coating begins to wear down sooner than desired, you can apply a second layer while on the go. The PreHeels+® coating is designed to resist light sweat and water, and to be flexible and breathable enough to stay comfortably in place while you walk, run or dance. After several hours, the PreHeels+® coating is designed to begin to break down and flake off, allowing for easy removal with a normal wet washcloth or loofa and light scrubbing. No chemical remover is typically required, but for a little extra help softening the barrier, you can use nail polish remover (acetone), ethanol alcohol (like vodka) or most common body oils.
You will receive effective coverage with one layer, but can apply a second layer for added protection. Generally, two layers is plenty; three layers may cause the coating to become so thick that it begins to break down sooner.
No. PreHeels+® is designed only to prevent blisters by creating a protective coating on your skin. It will not help to heal existing blisters, and you should be careful NOT to spray it on existing blisters or broken/irritated skin as it can sting.
No. We designed PreHeels+® to help prevent the most common source of skin irritation and blisters: the friction that results from your shoes repeatedly rubbing against the skin on your feet. The product will not help to prevent the types of blisters that are caused by pressure or poorly fitting shoes. We don't recommend spraying it onto the bottoms of your feet.
No. PreHeels+® is designed to prevent blisters by creating a protective coating on your skin. It will not help to heal existing blisters, and you should NOT to spray it on existing blisters or broken or irritated skin as it can sting.
Prevention is better than a cure. That’s why PreHeels+® blocks friction from where shoes might rub, working to stop blisters before they even form, rather than treating them once they’re there.
Yes. All sizes of PreHeels+® meet the TSA requirements for limited quantity aerosols and are viewed to be safe to bring aboard aircraft. It is important to remember that TSA requires all liquid, aerosol and gel items fit in a clear, sealed 1-quart plastic bag, and only one plastic zip-top bag is permitted per passenger inside carry-on baggage.
Please note that international guidelines might differ from US requirements, so we recommend checking with your airline prior to international travel.
PreHeels+® is an aerosolized product. Please make sure that your international transport arrangements adhere to the specific regulations for both the USA and the country where you plan to send the spray.
Yes, we included arnica montana in the formulation for Rehab™, which is highly effective in treating bruises. By reducing inflammation, and increasing local blood and oxygen flow, our formulation helps support the fast, healthy healing of bruises, cuts, scrapes and burns.
Rehab™ contains a proprietary blend of ingredients including:
This formulation supports the fast, healthy healing of minor cuts, scrapes and burns all over the body, not just the feet.
Rehab™ is designed using airless pump technology for enhanced freshness and thus does not require a pipette to dispense the serum. If you have any trouble dispensing the serum, you may need to "prime" the dispenser by gently tapping the bottom of the bottle 3-4 times on a flat, hard surface. Then, slowly pump the dispenser upside down approximately 20 times until the product is released. Feel free to repeat these steps any time you are unable to easily dispense Rehab™ from its airless pump bottle. We recommend storing the airless pump upside down for quick, easy use. If you continue to experience issues, please contact us and we’ll be happy to make it right.
Sigh Of Relief™
Many people will feel a cooling sensation followed by a warming effect. Depending on your skin, some people feel this immediately, while for others it might take some time. The intensity of the warming effect can also vary depending on your skin type.
Because the product creates warming and cooling effects on the skin, you want to make sure that the sensation is limited to the treatment area. If the cream is left on your hands, it can easily be transferred to other parts of the body—including more sensitive areas— where you don't want or need treatment. If you do get the product on skin where you don't want relief, simply wash carefully with soap and water.
Do not apply to sensitive areas, wounds or damaged skin.
Foot pain is incredibly common and can be the result of many causes. Learn about the most common causes of foot pain here.
Soaking feet in warm water, limiting the amount of weight placed on your feet and using products containing specialized pain relievers—like menthol and capsicum frutescens fruit extract—are good first steps to help relieve foot pain.
Foot pain can be an indicator of several health problems, including:
If your foot pain is a cause for concern, make sure to consult with a doctor or podiatrist.
Sigh Of Relief™ is designed using airless pump technology for enhanced freshness and thus does not require a pipette to dispense the cream. If you have any trouble dispensing the cream, you may need to "prime" the dispenser by gently tapping the bottom of the bottle 3-4 times on a flat, hard surface. Then, slowly pump the dispenser upside down approximately 20 times until the product is released. Feel free to repeat these steps any time you are unable to easily dispense Sigh Of Relief™ from its airless pump bottle. We recommend storing the airless pump upside down for quick, easy use. If you continue to experience issues, please contact us and we’ll be happy to make it right.
Twinkle Toes™
Twinkle Toes™ is clinically proven to eliminate 99.8% of the bacteria that cause foot odor. Our proprietary formulation combines multiple powerful anti-microbial agents, including:
This formulation kills and prevents future growth of the bacteria and fungus that cause odor on feet and in shoes.
Twinkle Toes™ is powerful enough to neutralize and eliminate strong odors on socks, shoes, workout mats and gym bags, yet hypoallergenic, safe and gentle to use directly on your skin.
Stopping your feet from sweating actually won’t solve the problem of stinky feet. Read about the real reasons why your feet smell, including damp, warm shoes, sweaty workouts and increased stress, here.
Practicing good foot hygiene and using a specialized anti-bacterial product can wipe out the bacteria and fungus that cause funky odors.
Yes! In fact, tea tree is an essential oil that’s frequently found in premium skincare. This ingredient acts as a:
Tea tree oil is known for its versatile antibacterial and antifungal properties. Twinkle Toes™ combines this with other anti-microbial ingredients, including:
This proprietary formulation eliminates the bacteria and fungus that cause feet to smell.
Inner Strength™
Yes! Inner Strength™ can be used on both your fingernails and toenails.
Yes. The nail oil will further moisturize nail cuticles and the nail bed to help strengthen, smooth and set the foundation for new nail growth.
A specially formulated nail and cuticle oil like Inner Strength™ is the most effective way to nourish your toenails.
Inner Strength™ works to reverse daily damage and improve nail health, allowing your nails to drink in natural moisturizers and botanicals to prevent and repair chips and cracks. Inner Strength™ also provides anti-fungal support while promoting production of keratin and ceramides for shinier, more resilient nails.
Cuticle oil can be used as often as needed. We recommend using one drop of Inner Strength™ per nail per day.
Your feet and toenails can often be a good indicator of overall health. Learn more here.
It varies depending upon factors like the health of your nails, and how often you use products like nail polish and nail polish removers. However, if used daily, you should start to see changes in the look and feel of your nails within a few weeks.
Clean Slate™
No. You can allow the moisturizing lather to absorb into skin, or you can wipe off the excess with a dry towel, if preferred.
If you don’t wash your feet, you risk an unhealthy buildup of bacteria and even potential infections, including:
Learn all about why washing your feet is important here.
Pure Grit™
No, but a pumice stone will help further exfoliate the feet and slough off dry skin, so you may consider using them together.
Get to know the basics of washing your feet here. To clean more deeply, you need to slough off dead skin cells with a physical or chemical exfoliator.
Pure Grit™ is a gentle, revitalizing foot scrub that is safe enough to be used every day.
Whether you shower in the morning or take a bath at night, exfoliating will be equally effective. Just ensure that you nourish and hydrate your freshly buffed skin with an intensive moisturizer like High Dive™.
High Dive™
We packed this formulation with a combination of 15 of the most potent moisturizing and skin healing agents from nature and science. It features a deep-absorbing and long-lasting delivery system designed for thicker skin AKA the feet.
There are many factors that can lead to dry, cracked skin on your feet, including:
• Exposure to the elements • Hot water • Excessive sweating • The wrong footwear • Eczema & psoriasis • The wrong products • Athlete’s foot
Learn more about the common causes and what to do about them here.
Yes! Shea butter is a naturally occurring fat found in the nut of an African Shea tree. This rich moisturizer promotes cell regeneration and rejuvenates dry, chapped skin down to the skin’s deepest layers, so it is perfect for the extra thick skin on your feet.
Hydroxyethyl urea is a podiatrist-recommended moisturizing agent that is able to penetrate deep into the skin. This potent humectant enhances water absorption and improves the skin's ability to maintain its natural hydration balance. High Dive™ contains hydroxyethyl urea in combination with a blend of other powerful ingredients-—including 4 types of hyaluronic acid, shea butter, glycerin, ceramide NG and healing botanicals—to create the ultimate foot cream.
Practicing regular care and the use of specially formulated products are the best way to moisturize your feet.
Reboot™
Each package includes 2 booties, one for each foot.
We recommend using the product on freshly washed feet. Soak your feet for 10 minutes and then dry before putting on the treatment bootie.
Use scissors to cut a straight line across the top edge of the bootie, so there's an opening for your foot at the ankle area. Make sure you put your feet into the inner liners for treatment.
We recommend keeping the booties on your feet for 90 minutes. Afterwards, you can remove them and wash your feet. Please dispose (do not attempt to reuse) the booties.
Do not pull or tear at skin when it starts flaking. Allow the skin to naturally fall off. You can possibly accelerate the process by soaking your feet and buffing with a wet washcloth daily.
It's important to note that this is a gentle peel and everyone's skin is different. Some people experience large amounts of peeling quickly, while others notice a subtle shedding over a week later. On average, you will experience peeling about 3 to 7 days after the treatment, but be prepared for peeling to occur up to 2 weeks later. Because this is a light peel for the entire foot, we recommend targeting hardened skin and callused heels with The Gratest™ professional rasp from the Barefoot Scientist collection.
For the most effective exfoliation treatment, don't use moisturizer or creams on your feet until the peeling has stopped.
Use as needed, but we recommend using once per month at most.
The best way to treat dry, dead skin on your feet is by exfoliating away dead skin cells and then hydrating the freshly buffed skin. Reboot™ doesn’t harshly strip skin like other more acidic peels and enables the newer layers of skin cells to remain moisturized while the dead layers subtly shed away.
Maintaining good overall foot health is key to ensuring that your feet look and feel their best every day. The skin on your feet is incredibly unique and needs specialized care. Learn more here.
Since every peel and every person’s skin are unique, it’s important to find the right peel for your skin type. Reboot™ is a very gentle peel, so If you’ve been too worried to try a high acid content foot peel—or you have more sensitive skin—this is the perfect 'starter foot peel' for you.
Some foot peels strip the skin with harsh ingredients and high acid formulations that can be harmful. That’s why we formulated Reboot™ to be a gentle seasonal foot peel that’s suitable for sensitive skin.
Sleep On It™
Our newly resized socks comfortably fit most feet, but can be gently stretched to accommodate larger sizes if needed.
Yes. Simply adding foot cream before you slip on the socks will amplify the results, but it's important to note that wearing the socks alone while sleeping will help hydrate your feet.
You can wear the socks at least a dozen times before the moisturizing formula has been fully released.
Yes, you can hand wash and lay flat to dry. We recommend putting only clean feet into the socks for extended use.
A simple regimen of cleansing and hydrating your skin at night can be a great way to care for your feet. While you’re asleep, your body starts its nightly regeneration cycle to recover and rebuild from the full day’s wear and tear. This is the perfect time to take care of your feet and boost your body’s natural processes.
Using overnight moisturizing socks—with or without the addition of another foot cream—is an easy and enjoyable way to moisturize your feet while you sleep.
Chilly feet at night are incredibly common. Learn why—and how to deal with it—here.
Clip Clip™
Nail clippers are personal items, but we do recommend cleaning them in between uses. You can disinfect the clippers with rubbing alcohol, rinse with hand soap and pat completely dry.
Spaced Out™
These are made out of SEBS which is a safe, flexible silicone alternative with better tear resistance.
You can wash the toe spacers with warm water and soap.
Toe stretchers (also called spreaders or separators) have been used for many years to gently stretch foot and toe muscles. Just a few minutes a day can help to relax, strengthen and rebalance foot muscles.
We recommend wearing Spaced Out™ for 5 to 20 minutes per day to start, then slowly working up to longer periods of time if comfortable.
It’s best to wear toe separators for shorter periods of time when awake so you’re able to monitor the intensity of muscle stretching.
In The Buff™
Our pumice stone is made out of siliglass, which is a cured silicone that makes the material super clear and glass-like in texture—perfect for buffing rough skin patches.
We recommend using Pure Grit™ with the pumice stone for extra exfoliation and buffing of rough skin on feet. You can also use body soap or nothing at all. For best results, always use warm water.
It should stay relatively clean if rinsing after each use. Use dishwashing soap and hot water in between uses in order to further clean.
The Gratest™
No, you can use The Gratest™ carefully on other rough patches of skin on the feet, especially underneath.
We recommend using very light strokes to remove a minimal amount of excess dead skin to start. Take care to not cut the skin or remove too much skin.
Thickened skin can be the result of compressed skin cells caused by the daily compressing forces our feet are subjected to. Some callusing is natural (and needed for feet to function correctly) but a regimen of cleansing, exfoliation and hydration ensures that skin stays as soft and smooth as possible.
A foot rasp (also called a foot file) is a manual exfoliating tool used to efficiently and safely remove built-up layers of dry, hardened, thick or callused skin.
The Gratest™ can be used on wet or dry skin. For more significant exfoliation, first soften calluses by soaking in warm water for 10 minutes or use after Pure Grit™ exfoliating mineral shower scrub.
We recommend soaking feet in warm water for 10 minutes to soften hardened skin and calluses prior to using The Gratest™.