People with hard-worn feet -- very dry, rough heels, thick calluses or cracked-looking skin -- rather than the everyday dryness a basic lotion handles. It suits anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet, such as people in standing jobs, walkers and runners, and anyone whose heels turn rough and dry every winter.

What sets this apart from a standard foot moisturizer is that it's built for skin that's gone past ordinary dryness. The lipid-rich base softens thickened, callused skin, panthenol and bisabolol keep it comfortable, and the eucalyptus and rosemary oils give a cooling feel rather than just scent. For anyone whose heels get rough and cracked-looking every winter or who's on their feet all day, that's a different job from the one an everyday lotion is built to do.

Apply to clean, dry feet once or twice daily, rubbing the salve into rough heels, calluses or dry patches until absorbed. For very dry, cracked-looking heels, apply a thicker layer than usual and cover the area -- a cotton sock overnight, or plastic wrap for a shorter period -- so the ointment stays in contact longer. Regular daily use over one to two weeks does more than a single heavy application.

Pros:

• Made for rough, hard areas (very dry heels, thick callus) rather than general dryness, so it sits alongside a lighter everyday foot lotion instead of replacing it.
• Panthenol and bisabolol add a skin-conditioning, comforting element beyond simple occlusion.
• Paraben-free and dermatologically tested.

Cons:

• The ointment texture (lanolin/petrolatum base) is thick and can feel greasy or leave residue on floors and socks if applied heavily.
• The essential-oil blend gives it a noticeable herbal scent, which won't suit anyone wanting a fragrance-free foot cream.
• It's an intensive product for rough, cracked-looking skin, not a light daily moisturizer -- it doesn't fill the role of an everyday lotion.