At The Feets we use natural ingredients to improve your foot health, but only those supported by scientific evidence.

We’re constantly evolving our understanding of the scientific literature, and our formulations accordingly. We’re dedicated to providing you with the best natural, medicinal products that really work.

We source and use ingredients from around the world, to extract the required essential oils and active ingredients to make our products the best they can be. This page provides information on each of the ingredients we use across our product range and references relevant research and findings.

The Feets focus on supporting good foot health, which means we’re optimising for long term, sustainable skin health on feet and legs. To that end we believe natural ingredients provide the best solution, being gentle, less likely to cause side-effects, nourishing and environmentally friendly.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, playing a massive role in health and wellbeing. It acts as the body’s interface with the outside world, as well as providing shape and structure to the body. It protects the body and its internal organs from microorganisms, UV irradiation, allergens and irritants.

When playing sport or undertaking strenuous activities the skin on the feet and legs plays a critical role (and takes a beating). It is in contact with the outside world, whilst being asked to enable the movement of feet and lower limbs without breaking or causing other discomfort. In summary, it is a marvel of the human body and its upkeep and health is vital to top physical performance.

And let’s be clear, we’re not talking about beauty or appearance. Instead, we focus on functional, practical solutions aimed at preventing the common problems active people combat every day in their training and exercise.

Coconut oil, derived from the meat of mature coconuts, is full of natural fatty acids, including lauric acid, myristic acid, and caprylic acid, among others. These free fatty acids contribute to its remarkable benefits for skin health in athletes.

Studies have shown that coconut oil is as effective as mineral oil in moisturising the skin, making it invaluable for combating dryness and maintaining a strong skin barrier function.

Notably, it has been proven effective in reducing the severity of conditions like mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (scaly, red, itchy patches of skin), while also promoting wound healing by enhancing collagen synthesis and epithelization.

Additionally, coconut oil boasts antimicrobial properties, thanks to the presence of monolaurin, which helps fend off bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause foot infections.

Its ability to bolster the skin's protective barrier and even shield against UV radiation further solidifies coconut oil's role in supporting overall foot health, making it a vital ingredient in foot care products for athletes.

Shea butter, derived from the kernels of the shea tree, is a natural marvel packed with beneficial compounds for proactive foot care. Rich in fatty acids like oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, as well as unsaponifiable compounds (very useful for skin moisturising, emulsifying and conditioning), shea butter is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These qualities make it an essential ingredient in our product range.

Studies have demonstrated its ability to soothe inflammation and protect against oxidative damage, crucial for maintaining foot health amidst rigorous athletic activities.

Shea butter's effectiveness in calming irritated skin has been compared to ceramide-based products, highlighting its potency in addressing conditions like atopic dermatitis (scaly, red, itchy patches of skin).

Incorporating shea butter into foot care routines helps support healthy skin barrier function and combat inflammation, making it a valuable ally in the prevention of foot ailments for athletes.

Beeswax, a natural product secreted by worker bees, is another great science-backed ingredient for preventative foot care among athletes.

Its multifaceted functions include forming a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture as a humectant, and soothing and softening the skin as an emollient. Studies have shown that beeswax aids in maintaining skin hydration, alleviating inflammatory symptoms associated with dermatitis, and reducing overgrowth of natural skin flora, thus preventing various skin conditions.

As research continues to uncover its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, beeswax emerges as a versatile and science-backed ingredient for promoting foot health and preventing ailments in athletes.

Rosemary oil presents a multitude of scientifically-backed benefits tailored for proactive foot care among athletes and adventure enthusiasts. With its potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, rosemary oil serves as a versatile ingredient within our product range.

Foot infections are common among athletes, stemming from exposure to bacteria, fungi, and yeasts in moist environments (like sweaty socks!). Rosemary oil's antimicrobial properties inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus oralis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida species, providing defence against common pathogens responsible for foot infections. Its broad-spectrum action makes it an ideal natural alternative for maintaining foot hygiene and preventing infections.

Rosemary oil accelerates wound healing, crucial for athletes prone to cuts, blisters, and abrasions during training and competitions. Its ability to enhance collagen deposition, promote fibroblastic proliferation, and improve tissue regeneration speeds up the healing process minimising downtime due to foot wounds.

Athletes often face oxidative stress due to intense physical exertion, leading to skin damage. Rosemary oil's antioxidant properties help combat free radicals generated during exercise, safeguarding against UV-induced photoaging (although less relevant on your feet) and pollution-induced skin damage. By reducing oxidative stress, it promotes skin health, ensuring resilience against environmental factors encountered during outdoor adventures.

Wintergreen oil, derived from the checkerberry plant, is rich in Methyl Salicylate, constituting up to 98% of its content. This compound imbues the oil with a distinct sweet woody aroma and numerous medicinal properties.

Among its notable attributes are its potent antimicrobial qualities, rendering it effective against various bacteria and fungi. This makes it a valuable ingredient in proactive foot care products, offering protection against common foot infections.

Additionally, wintergreen oil exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anaesthetic properties, which can aid in relieving muscle soreness, tenderness, and discomfort associated with strenuous physical activity. Its potential for pain relief has been demonstrated in fish studies, suggesting promising applications for managing discomfort and supporting post-exercise recovery.

Wintergreen oil serves as a multifaceted ingredient in our formulations, providing both antimicrobial protection and therapeutic benefits for active people.

Peppermint oil, derived from the Mentha piperita plant, has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential in treating chronic pruritus, a persistent itch that can significantly impact quality of life. Historically used for gastrointestinal disorders and headaches, peppermint oil has recently been explored for its topical applications.

A pilot study examining its effectiveness in chronic pruritus of renal, hepatic, and diabetic origins demonstrated promising results. The topical application of peppermint oil offered relief from chronic pruritus without side effects, and was deemed effective, safe, and well-tolerated.

This natural remedy provides a convenient alternative for individuals seeking relief from chronic pruritus, particularly when conventional treatments are not advised or less tolerated. It is therefore an essential ingredient in our range of proactive foot care products for active people.

Vitamin E, a potent fat-soluble antioxidant, holds significance for athletes, particularly in dermatology. It plays a vital role in protecting the skin from solar radiation-induced damage (less relevant for your feet) by scavenging free radicals. However, emerging research suggests broader therapeutic implications, especially in wound healing, which is crucial for athletes recovering from skin fissures sustained during training or competition.

For athletes prone to skin damage from activity, topical applications containing vitamin E offer potential benefits in accelerating wound healing and minimising scar formation. Combinations of vitamin E with other antioxidants can enhance the recovery process.

Some studies indicate that vitamin E displays strong photoprotective, firming, hydrating, and anti-ageing properties. This improves the elasticity, structure, and softness of the epidermis and dermis - which can improve the skin's ability to withstand the stresses of exercise, which is better at stopping infections.

Overall, vitamin E emerges as a valuable ingredient, providing protection and recovery from skin damage induced by training stressors.

Propolis, derived from honey bees, possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable ingredient in foot care for active individuals.

Its diverse chemical composition enables potent antimicrobial activity against various bacteria commonly associated with foot infections. Moreover, propolis's anti-inflammatory effects help alleviate discomfort and aid in healing, benefiting conditions like athlete's foot.

Beyond foot-specific care, propolis is also recognized for its effectiveness in acne treatment (a common problem for active people), owing to its ability to combat inflammation and bacterial colonisation on the skin.

As a natural alternative to conventional treatments, topical formulations containing propolis offer a safe and well-tolerated option for maintaining foot health and managing acne.

Kaolin clay, renowned for its oil-absorbing properties, is an important ingredient within our Funga Shield Athlete’s Foot Powder, curbing excess oiliness, a key factor in reducing foot fungus growth.

Its ability to effectively extract surplus oil from the skin makes it particularly beneficial for managing conditions like athlete's foot, which thrives in moist environments. Furthermore, kaolin clay's anti-inflammatory effects aid in alleviating discomfort associated with foot infections while promoting skin healing.

Kaolin clay's effectiveness extends to acne management, where its oil-controlling properties play a crucial role. By mitigating sebum production and preventing pore blockage, kaolin clay helps reduce the likelihood of acne development.

Its safety and tolerability make it a practical and effective solution for maintaining foot health and addressing skin concerns associated with active lifestyles.

Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) is a versatile plant with various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is rich in starch and flavonoids, along with minerals and vitamins like zinc, iron, potassium, and vitamin B6, which provide relief from skin irritations such as acne, skin sores, and rashes.

Arrowroot powder is widely used in cosmetic preparations due to its skin-nourishing, anti-irritant, and oil-absorbing properties. It is suitable for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types, offering a light, soft, and silky finish while producing a cooling and freshening sensation. Additionally, arrowroot is incorporated into deodorising body powders for its ability to absorb sweat and moisture.

Recent studies have explored the formulation of gels containing arrowroot powder, demonstrating its efficacy in treating acne and promoting skin rejuvenation. The formulations showed promising results in terms of homogeneity, appearance, spreadability, and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium associated with skin infections.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), renowned for its culinary use and medicinal properties, contains curcumin, an active component with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antineoplastic properties. Studies have shown that both topical and ingested turmeric/curcumin formulations may offer therapeutic benefits for various skin conditions.

Topically, turmeric has been reported to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for managing conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. In clinical trials, formulations containing turmeric showed significant improvements in acne lesion severity when used orally and topically. Similarly, in studies involving eczema and psoriasis patients, topical applications of turmeric resulted in notable reductions in symptoms such as erythema, scaling, and itching.

The therapeutic mechanisms of turmeric involve its ability to down-regulate inflammatory targets, inhibit inflammatory cytokines, and suppress transcription factors like nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which play crucial roles in inflammatory skin diseases. By modulating these pathways, turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to its efficacy in managing various skin conditions.

Turmeric's diverse pharmacological properties make it a valuable ingredient in our proactive foot care.

Eucalyptus oil is renowned for its antifungal properties, particularly in addressing fungal nail infections like onychomycosis. A study investigating the efficacy of eucalyptus oil in vivo for fungal nail infections, highlights its potential as a topical antifungal treatment more generally.

Topical eucalyptus oil may offer a viable and cost-effective alternative to prescription antifungal agents for conditions such as white superficial onychomycosis or distal lateral subungual fungal nail infections.

With its proven antimicrobial activity, eucalyptus oil stands out as a natural remedy that holds promise in combating fungal pathogens, thereby enhancing foot health for active individuals.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, Tea tree oil contains significant amounts of terpinen-4-ol, a compound known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. With broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, Tea tree oil has garnered attention in dermatology for its many applications.

Studies have shown Tea tree oil’s effectiveness in treating various dermatologic conditions, including acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and wound healing. Its antioxidant properties contribute to its ability to combat oxidative stress, while its anti-inflammatory effects aid in reducing skin inflammation.

Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties make it a valuable ally against bacterial infections like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), offering a natural alternative to conventional treatments. Its antiviral activity has even demonstrated efficacy against herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus, highlighting its potential in treating viral skin conditions.

Moreover, Tea tree oil’s antifungal activity has proven beneficial in treating fungal infections such as onychomycosis and tinea pedis. Clinical studies have shown promising results in using Tea tree oil formulations to improve nail appearance and alleviate symptoms associated with fungal nail infections.

Incorporating Tea tree oil into skincare products offers a natural and effective approach to addressing various dermatologic concerns. Its multifaceted therapeutic effects make it a valuable ingredient in our range.