The Best Heel Balm for Cracked Heels: Why I Created Our Magnesium Balm for Summer-Ready Feet
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The Summer Feet Problem Nobody Talks About
Every year, as the warmer months arrive and sandal season beckons, so does the annual realisation that our heels have had a tough winter. Dry, cracked heels are incredibly common — and incredibly uncomfortable. They can snag on bedsheets, ache after a long day on your feet, and make you want to hide them away rather than slip into your favourite flip-flops.
I know this feeling well. As someone who has always been passionate about natural skincare, I found myself searching for the best cream for cracked heels — something genuinely effective, clean, and kind to skin. Most products on the market were either packed with synthetic ingredients or simply didn't deliver lasting results. So, I decided to create my own.
Why Heels Crack in the First Place
The skin on our heels is naturally thicker than elsewhere on the body — it has to be, given the pressure it bears every single day. But this thickness, combined with a lack of oil glands in the area, means heel skin is particularly prone to dryness. When the skin loses moisture and elasticity, it becomes rigid and begins to crack under the weight of our bodies.
Contributing factors include:
- Dry air and central heating in winter months stripping moisture from skin
- Walking barefoot or in open-backed shoes that allow moisture to escape
- Prolonged standing which increases pressure on the heel pad
- Mineral deficiencies — including magnesium — which can affect skin cell renewal and hydration
- Dehydration and a diet low in essential fatty acids
The good news? With the right cracked heel treatment, heels can be transformed — softened, healed, and genuinely flip-flop ready.
Why I Chose Magnesium as the Hero Ingredient
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for skin health, yet most of us are deficient in it. When applied topically, magnesium chloride is absorbed transdermally through the skin, supporting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and improving the skin's natural moisture barrier. For cracked feet specifically, this means faster healing, reduced redness, and skin that feels genuinely supple rather than just temporarily coated.
Our Magnesium Balm was originally developed to support sleep and ease menopausal symptoms — and the soles of the feet are one of the most effective places to apply it, as the skin there is highly absorbent. It didn't take long for me (and our customers) to notice a wonderful side effect: heels that were visibly softer and smoother with regular use. It has quickly become our go-to heel balm — and the best lotion for cracked heels we've ever made.
The Ingredients That Make It the Best Moisturiser for Cracked Heels
Every ingredient in our Magnesium Balm has been chosen with intention. Here's what's working hard for your heels:
Magnesium Chloride
The star of the show. Magnesium chloride supports skin cell regeneration and helps restore the skin's natural moisture barrier. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the soreness that often accompanies deep heel cracks, and it aids in the enzymatic processes that keep skin renewing itself properly.
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Organic Argan Oil)
Rich in vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, argan oil is deeply nourishing for dry, thickened skin. It penetrates quickly without leaving a greasy residue, softening the tough outer layers of heel skin and helping to restore elasticity. Its high linoleic acid content supports the skin's lipid barrier — exactly what cracked heel cream needs to deliver.
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil (Babassu Oil)
A lightweight yet intensely moisturising oil derived from the babassu palm. It melts on contact with skin, delivering deep hydration to even the most parched heels. Babassu oil is also naturally anti-inflammatory, helping to calm the irritation that comes with cracked skin.
Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut Oil)
A well-loved natural emollient, coconut oil forms a protective layer over the skin to lock in moisture and shield against further drying. Its antimicrobial properties are particularly valuable for cracked heels, where open fissures can be vulnerable to infection.
Glycerin
A powerful humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, glycerin keeps heel skin hydrated throughout the day. It also supports the skin's natural repair processes, making it an essential ingredient for healing rather than just masking dryness.
Salicylic Acid
In our gentle concentration, salicylic acid works as a natural exfoliant, helping to soften and gradually remove the build-up of hard, thickened skin that characterises split heel treatment. By encouraging cell turnover, it allows the nourishing ingredients to penetrate more effectively.
Candelilla Cera (Candelilla Wax)
A plant-based wax that gives our balm its beautiful texture and creates a protective seal over the skin. This occlusive layer prevents transepidermal water loss — keeping all that moisture locked in where it's needed most.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender Essential Oil)
Beyond its calming, sleep-supporting aroma, lavender essential oil has well-documented skin-healing properties. It supports tissue repair, has natural antiseptic qualities, and helps soothe the discomfort of cracked skin.
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil (Geranium Essential Oil)
Geranium oil is a wonderful skin balancer — it helps regulate moisture levels and supports the regeneration of healthy skin cells. It also has natural astringent properties that can help tighten and tone the skin around the heel.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Oil (Bergamot Essential Oil)
Bergamot brings a fresh, uplifting note to our blend while also contributing its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits — particularly helpful for heels that have developed small cracks or fissures.
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil (Patchouli Essential Oil)
Patchouli has a long history of use in skin healing. It promotes the regeneration of skin cells, helps reduce the appearance of scars and rough patches, and has a grounding, earthy warmth to its scent that rounds out our essential oil blend beautifully.
How to Use It: The Best Heel Cream Routine for Cracked Heels
For foot cracking and dry heels, I recommend making this a nightly ritual:
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly before bed.
- Massage a pea-sized amount of Magnesium Balm into each heel, working it into any cracks or rough patches.
- Pop on a pair of cotton socks to lock in the moisture overnight.
- Wake up to noticeably softer, more comfortable heels.
Consistency is key — most people notice a real difference within one to two weeks of nightly use. Used regularly, it truly is the best heel cream for cracked heels — and the best moisturiser for cracked heels — we know of.
Summer Feet, Naturally
You deserve to feel confident slipping on your sandals this summer. Our Magnesium Balm was made with love, from natural ingredients that genuinely work — no synthetics, no shortcuts, just beautifully effective skincare crafted by hand in Suffolk.
Here's to flip-flop ready feet. 🌿
Emma x
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. If you have a medical condition, persistent skin concerns, or are unsure whether this product is suitable for you, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
