DIY Cracked Foot & Heel Salve (That Actually Works!)
Last updated on April 8, 2025 by Jess Healey
Originally published on January 20, 2017
If you’re dealing with rough, cracked heels or dry, callused feet—you’re not alone. This DIY cracked heel salve is my go-to for healing and hydration. After a long winter in socks or a summer spent barefoot and in sandals, it’s totally normal for your feet to need some extra love. The good news? You can make your own deeply nourishing DIY cracked foot and heel salve at home with simple, skin-loving ingredients that really work.
This is one of my most-loved recipes—originally published back in 2015 on my Scratch Mommy blog—and thousands of readers have used it to restore their dry, tired feet. It’s easy to make, non-toxic, and works wonders overnight (especially if you slip on socks after applying it). Whether you’re prepping for flip-flop season or just ready to stop hiding your heels, this salve has you covered.
? Why This Salve Works for Cracked Heels
Cracked heels aren’t just a cosmetic issue—they’re uncomfortable, sometimes even painful, and often a sign that your skin is seriously dehydrated. The skin on our feet is thicker and tougher than elsewhere on the body, so it needs richer, more targeted moisture to truly heal.
This salve brings the perfect balance of barrier-boosting butters, nourishing oils, and powerful botanicals that work with your skin—not against it. It helps soften calluses, seal in hydration, and calm inflammation, all while giving your skin the support it needs to actually recover.
What makes this recipe extra special? A deeply restorative oil that’s been used for generations to repair damaged skin (more on that in the next section ?).
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
? Cocoa Butter (deeply moisturizing + protective)
Rich in fatty acids, cocoa butter forms a protective barrier over the skin to lock in moisture—perfect for cracked heels and rough skin. It also contains antioxidants that support skin repair and elasticity.
? Great raw, organic, unrefined cocoa butter
? I’ve written an extensive post about cocoa butter here
? Source: NCBI – Cocoa butter fatty acid profile & antioxidant benefits
? Tamanu Oil (skin-healing powerhouse)
This is the star of this recipe. Tamanu oil has been shown to support wound healing, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria—making it incredibly effective for repairing cracked heels and dry feet.
? This is the tamanu oil I trusted in my skincare line
? Learn more about carrier oils in this detailed post
? Source: NCBI – Tamanu oil skin healing
? Source: PubMed – Antimicrobial and healing properties
? Avocado Oil (penetrating & softening)
Packed with oleic acid, avocado oil penetrates deeply to restore the skin’s barrier and reduce dryness. It’s rich in vitamins E, D, and potassium, which nourish and soften skin.
? Grab nourishing avocado oil here
? Source: NCBI – Avocado oil and skin barrier function
? Coconut Oil (antibacterial + moisturizing)
A favorite in many DIYs, coconut oil is naturally antimicrobial and deeply hydrating. It helps prevent water loss and supports smoother skin over time
? Source: PubMed – Coconut oil for skin health
? Vitamin E (preservative + healing support)
A small amount of vitamin E helps extend shelf life by protecting oils from oxidation. It also has antioxidant properties that support skin healing.
? Purchase non-GMO vitamin E oil here
? Source: PubMed – Topical vitamin E for skin healing
How to Make DIY Cracked Foot & Heel Salve
DIY Cracked Foot & Heel Salve
Equipment
- Small glass bowl or double boiler
- Small saucepan
- Spoon or stirring stick
- 2 oz glass jar or tin for storage
- Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cocoa butter
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp tamanu oil
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ tbsp beeswax – or candelilla wax for vegan version
- ½ tsp vitamin E oil – for added shelf life
Instructions
- Create a double boiler: Place a heat-safe glass bowl over a small saucepan filled with 1–2 inches of simmering water.
- Melt base ingredients: Add cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax to the bowl. Stir occasionally until fully melted.
- Remove from heat: Once melted, remove the bowl from heat. Stir in tamanu oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E.
- Pour + cool: Carefully pour the liquid salve into your jar or tin. Let it cool completely at room temperature until solid.
- Label + store: Add a label with the date and ingredients if you like. Store in a cool, dry place.
Video
Notes
How to Use Your DIY Cracked Heel Salve
This salve works best when applied to clean, dry skin—ideally at bedtime, when your feet can rest and absorb all that goodness overnight.
? Here’s how to use it:
- Wash and gently exfoliate your feet (a quick scrub with a pumice stone works wonders).
- Pat dry, then massage a small amount of salve into your heels, focusing on cracked or dry areas.
- For extra healing power, slip on a pair of cotton socks to seal in moisture while you sleep
? Need a simple exfoliator first? Try my DIY Sugar Scrub—it’s easy to make and leaves skin silky smooth.
? Bonus Tips:
- Use it on hands, elbows, knees, or any dry patches that need love.
- Keep a small tin in your bag during the winter months for spot treatment.
- It makes a great gift—especially when poured into cute little tins or jars.
This isn’t just a cracked heel salve—it’s a do-it-all balm your skin will thank you for. ?
Real Reader Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About Cracked Heel Salve
Can I use shea butter instead of cocoa butter?
Yes! Shea butter is a great substitute and is especially good for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Just keep in mind that shea has a slightly different texture and feel—creamier and less firm than cocoa butter. Your final salve might be a bit softer (which is totally fine!).
What can I use if I don’t have tamanu oil?
Tamanu oil is the superstar for skin healing in this recipe, but if you don’t have it, you can swap in other rich carrier oils like neem oil (strong scent!), rosehip seed oil, or even more avocado oil. Just know that they may not have quite the same regenerative benefits.
? Learn more about carrier oils here
How long does this salve last?
If stored properly in a cool, dry place, this salve should last 6–9 months. Adding vitamin E helps extend shelf life by protecting the oils from oxidation. Avoid dipping wet fingers into the jar to prevent contamination.
Will this stain my socks or sheets?
Not usually! This recipe soaks in nicely, especially when applied sparingly. If you’re concerned, use older socks or lay a towel down until it absorbs fully. Pro tip: Apply right before bed with cotton socks for maximum overnight results.
Can I pour this into a tube or stick?
Yes—you can absolutely pour this into a deodorant-style tube for easy application. If you go this route, consider increasing the beeswax slightly (by about ½ tablespoon) to firm it up for smoother gliding.
Does this need a preservative?
Nope! This recipe is oil- and wax-based with no water, so you don’t need a preservative. Just store it properly, and it should stay fresh for months.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own skincare—especially when it works. This salve has been a staple in my home for years, and I’m so happy to keep sharing it with you.
I actually started making DIY skincare years ago for my own family—partly out of necessity, partly because it was fun. There’s something empowering about learning to care for your body with simple, effective ingredients you can trust. Sharing these recipes with you, and knowing they’re helping others feel more at home in their own skin? That’s the real magic. ✨
Whether you’re dealing with dry, cracked heels from long winters, lots of barefoot time, or just plain tired feet, this DIY salve can help you feel like yourself again—comfortable, grounded, and cared for.
? If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @pronounceskincare. And if you know someone always hiding their heels? Send this post their way. ?
Hi, I have been making your Cracked Heel salve for a few years now. It has not only healed my feet but I’ve started using it as my body lotion. The Tamanu oil is an amazing discovery and I have used it in a homade sunburn gel that works better than any other store bought sunburn salve. I just wanted to give credit where credit is due and tell you thank you for this recipe. I quadruple the recipe and give jars to my friends and family. They love it. People literally tell me my skin looks great. Just wanted to say thank you.
Can I use mango butter instead of cocoa butter?
Hi Kelly! I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work. Come back and let us know if you give it a try 🙂
Does this salve get hard enough to put it in a deodorant-type container for applying? Or does it have a soft consistency? Thanks.
Yes, you sure can. 🙂
how much product are we gonna get from this recipe , I was reading that for 1oz product only 15 drops of tamanu oil. So makes me wonder.
Hi Joss! This recipe yields approximately 7oz. Happy DIYing!
In your recipe for DIY foot/heel salve, are the oz measurements by volume or by weight?
Hi Michel! Good question, we measure in fluid ounces! Happy DIYing ?
I want to make a few if these for my yoga buddies- can you please tell me how much this makes?
Hi Betsy! This recipe makes roughly 7 oz. Happy DIYing 🙂
I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable.
I just made this and it’s one of the best salves I’ve made so far. I didn’t have any Tamanu but I decided to make it anyway, I was desperate, and as soon as I used it I felt relief from my poor cracked hands. I did order the Tamaru and I plan to make another batch with it. Thank you so so much for this recipe, my hands have been splitting and bleeding for weeks and they were so painful.
That wonderful to hear! We’re so happy you’re loving it ?
Hi, im Gee from the Philippines, and im planning to follow and make the recipe, but is there any substitute for beeswax and avocado oil? I have other oils (neem, sunflower, grapeseed, jojoba, calendula, apricot kernet, rose infused, frankincense infused, and myrr infused oil) anything i can use from my available oils? And oh! I have shea butted too.
Thanks in advance
Hi there! I have heard some people use candelilla wax in place of beeswax, but I have not tried that. It is plant based and harder than beeswax, so you’d have to tinker with the recipe. Any liquid carrier can replace the avocado oil. Learn more about various carrier oils here. Happy DIYing!
Hi, I wanto to make this recipe. I’m sure is great, but I have a question: How can I replace Tamanu oil? Thank you.
Hi! The tamanu oil is pretty crucial. I offer smaller amounts of tamanu oil here in my herbal boutique. That said, you could use another carrier oil (learn more here), but this will be a totally different recipe without the same benefits you receive from tamanu. Happy DIYing!
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know the product links are broken.
Eep! So sorry about that…I fixed the links up. Thanks for letting me know!
Is there a phone number where I can call you to place an order? My debit card has been hacked twice and I prefer to place my orders by phone if possible.
Hi Donna. Ugh…what a pain! Sorry to hear this. Yes, the phone number at the shop is 812-287-7805.
Hi there! Looking to make a heel balm to use in a roll up deodorant style container. The recipe I recently made (from a different source) worked well, but I thought it was slightly too soft. I have two questions, 1) Would this work in that type of container? and 2) How could I make the resulting balm slightly harder in nature? Would I change the amount of beeswax used? Thanks so much!
Hi Missy! That sounds like a brilliant idea! I believe this salve would work in a roll-up style container. If you find that it’s still too soft for your liking you will want to add more beeswax to firm it up. I hope this helps you! Happy DIYing ?
Hi. How much containers can you get from the cracked foot & heel salve?
Thanks.
This recipe makes approximately 7 oz, so that will depend on what size containers you are using. If you are looking for small containers, we have a few different options in our shop! I hope this helps you ?
Sounds good. I’m going to try the salve.
For the Tamanu Oil is it 1 0z or 1 Fluid Oz?
Hi Adrienne! Good question! We measure in fluid ounces here at Pronounce 🙂 Hope this helps you!
Would grapeseed or jojoba oil be okay in place of avocado oil? I usually don’t stock avocado oil, it’s just not something I use.
Hi Stephanie! Yes, absolutely. You can learn more about carrier oils HERE in this detailed post we have.
Dear Jessica,
I just want to thank you for this wonderful recipe.
When I made this salve last year, I was not ready to buy Tamanu oil for its high price. The salve was still good enough, though. This time I decided to follow your recipe strictly and buy Tamanu oil because I really had enough of my cracked feet. The salve worked so well, so that I went on to apply this salve on my super dry hands and the skin became so smooth. It hasn’t been this smooth since I moved to Germany and became a full-time mom 14 years ago! Thank you sooooo much!
<3 Hi Ling! Yay...I'm so glad that you are loving this recipe. Isn't the tamanu such a wonderful addition!? Enjoy, and thanks for your feedback.
Hi! I’ve given this as a gift and folks seem to love it! I think I made it incorrectly though. Can you please explain the fluid ounce vs ounce to me. Should I melt the cocoa, beeswax and coconut to liquid to get 1 fluid ounce or stick with 1 ounce on the scale before melting? And from what I can tell, 1oz on your recipe for all the oils equals 2 tablespoons, right? Thank you for sharing and helping!
Hi Kelly. Yay! I’m glad your folks love it, too. And yes, you are correct…measure the items into a bowl and then melt. And yes, 1oz is 2 tablespoons. Let me know if you need anything else!
I found you through Pinterest and very excited to try your products. I have EXTREMELY dry and cracked feet which I am sure is from NEVER wearing socks (even in the winter months). I sure hope this helps! I love essential oils and use them often, and I am amazed at what they are capable of doing! I am looking forward to getting these products. 🙂
Thank you!
Hi! Im Andrea from mexico. Im about to open a foot spa, im all into young living’s esential oils, do i want to make my own spa pedicures treatments. Where can I find the little tins?
Hi Andrea! You can find a great selection of little tins over on our shop page. I hope this helps you with your search. Good luck with the foot spa 🙂
I just wanted to let you know that I have made this several times and have gifted most of it. They are begging for more! It not only has helped the cracked heels, it helped heal some feet disorders too like runners toe. I just gave a sample to a friend who had a horrible skin condition on her hand that was made worse by a prescribed steroid. The problem healed up, but seems to be coming back again. She asked for one of my other products, but I thought this salve would work better. Finger crossed!
Looks great! Can’t wait to try it.
I think that the world is so commercialized, that, even in Coconuts, they use: HAND PRESSED COCONUT OIL!!!
While, the truth and the matter is, that _ coconut oils are results of a “cooking” method used to develop an “OIL” out of cooking procedures…
There is no such thing as : hand pressed coconut oil!!!
THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE!!!
Hi Cleo. The coconut oil I use both in my home and in all of my organic skincare goods for sale in my shop is actually hand-pressed. You can learn more here about my favorite coconut oil here, including how it is hand-pressed in small batches.
The salve sounds great! I have really dry hands every winter and it takes for ever to get them back in shape. Speaking of shaving more often, do you have any products or tips for razor burn? I have not been able to find any way around razor burn 🙁
I make little discs of coconut oil and rub them on my legs in the bath and shave using it like a shaving cream. I have never had raiser burn since I started that.
I have just recently stumbled across your website and I’m loving it!!! My daughter is African-American and I have started making her hair products myself so I know what’s is going into it. Well, that has snowballed into wanting to make as many homemade products as I can. I just made your sunscreen and it’s terrific!!!! Now on to the heel salve for my sister! Well anyway, I just wanted to say thank you, your sited has been extremely informative and inspiring!!!!! Thanks again!!!!
This sounds wonderful, can’t wait till I get out to the store and buy supplies! I love running around bare foot in summer and love going to the beach and having the sand in between my toes, so this sound great for putting on after a day of play!
P.s.love the comment about having to shave more now that nice weather is around the corner! Lol! But so very true! 😉
Karen