O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet vs Flexitol Heel Balm: Which Should You Buy?
A glycerin-based moisturising foot cream against a 25% urea heel balm aimed at cracked heels.
O'Keeffe's O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Jar 91g - Foot Cream
Flexitol Flexitol Cracked Heel Balm, Visible Results in 1
Side by side
| O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Jar 91g | Flexitol Cracked Heel Balm, Visible Results | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6 | ★★★★★ 4.7 |
| Review count | 87,752 | 12,576 |
| Brand | O'Keeffe's | Flexitol |
| Highlights |
|
|
Our verdict
For genuinely cracked, hard heels, Flexitol is the more targeted choice because it is a 25% urea formula and is sold for exactly that. O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet is a glycerin-and-allantoin cream for very dry skin that is unscented and gentler to use all over the foot. If your heels are only dry and rough, start with O'Keeffe's. If they split, go for Flexitol.
Which one is for you?
- People with very dry, rough feet who want an unscented everyday cream they can apply as often as needed. Read our full look at the O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Jar 91g →
- People with hard, cracked heels who want a urea-based balm made specifically for them. Read our full look at the Flexitol Cracked Heel Balm, Visible Results →
What is in each tub
Flexitol's UK page says its heel balm contains 25% urea with ProVitamin B5 and shea butter, and describes it as medically proven to treat dry, cracked skin with visible results in one day. That is the brand's own claim. The listing for the Flexitol Cracked Heel Balm adds that it removes hard skin.
The O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet cream leads with glycerin, which a UK pharmacy listing says helps draw in and retain moisture, plus allantoin, which that listing says suits rougher heel skin. The ingredient list also includes dimethicone, paraffin and mineral oil, which sit on the skin to slow moisture loss. It is unscented.
Heel cracks versus general dryness
Urea is the active that sets the two apart. A urea balm at this strength is aimed at thickened, cracked heels, whereas a glycerin cream mainly hydrates and protects. Neither brand's page tells you how long a crack takes to heal, so ignore any promise that sounds too exact.
O'Keeffe's retailer copy says dry, cracked feet could improve in as little as two days. Flexitol says one day. Both are brand claims, and your results depend on how deep the cracks are and how often you apply.
How to use them
The pharmacy listing for O'Keeffe's says to apply as needed through the day, and that applying after exfoliating helps it get into thicker sole skin. Flexitol's page doesn't give directions, so follow the pack. Sizes on Flexitol's page run from 40 g to 485 g, so you can try a small tube first.
Flexitol's page lists everyday use, dry cracked heels and people with diabetes among its uses. The O'Keeffe's listing we checked made no diabetes statement, so if you have diabetes, ask a pharmacist or podiatrist rather than relying on either listing.
Who should skip both
If a crack is bleeding, infected or painful to walk on, see a pharmacist or GP instead of treating it with a cream. People with sensitive skin should patch test any urea product before covering both heels.
Questions people ask
Is O'Keeffe's or Flexitol better for cracked heels?
Flexitol's heel balm is the more targeted option, with 25% urea. O'Keeffe's is a glycerin cream for very dry skin.
Does Flexitol contain urea?
Yes, Flexitol's UK page lists 25% urea with ProVitamin B5 and shea butter.
Is O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet scented?
No, the listing describes the cream as unscented.
Can you use both together?
They do the same job, so there is little reason to layer them. Pick one and use it consistently.
Is Flexitol suitable for diabetics?
Flexitol's page lists people with diabetes among its uses. Check with a pharmacist or podiatrist about your own feet.
Sources
- Flexitol UK, Flexitol Heel Balm
- Medino, O'Keeffe's Healthy Feet Foot Cream 91g
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Manicure & Pedicure or see the whole Beauty department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.