The 10 Best Hand Creams
Special Honors
Tula Hand & Nail Therapy If firmer, younger-looking hands are your goal, then you'll appreciate the way this deeply-conditioning cream from Tula targets fine lines and hyperpigmentation. It's specially formulated with several types of natural probiotics to help soothe and protect, and is suitable for all ages and skin types. neimanmarcus.com
Beautycounter Citrus Mimosa This lightweight moisturizer from Beautycounter hydrates and softens hands with ingredients like shea butter, organic sunflower oil, vitamin E, aloe, calendula, and chamomile. It applies smoothly, absorbs quickly, and leaves a subtle, refreshing citrus scent. It's also packaged in a convenient pump bottle and works wonders on cuticles. beautycounter.com
Editor's Notes
March 09, 2021:
New to the list, Gold Bond Ultimate Healing is fortified with vitamins and designed to last all day, even through multiple hand washings. It's a good option for those with chronic or severe dry skin.
If natural ingredients are important to you, there are plenty of choices that should fit the bill. Andalou Naturals A Path Of Light boasts that it is 99% nature derived, and is available in three different fragrances. Burt's Bees 1oz uses natural fragrances and no parabens, plus it comes in a pocket-sized tube that's convenient for taking on-the-go. Mary Ruth's Hydrating is a vegan option that claims to be 95% naturally derived. It's also unscented, which many people prefer.
Yes To Watermelon offers a fruity scent that is different from the floral and citrus fragrances usually used in these creams. It also comes in a pack of three, so you can leave one at home, one at work, and one in your car.
Since opposition to animal testing is growing among consumers, especially when it comes to cosmetics, we decided to overhaul the list with this update, favoring cruelty-free options and companies that don't test on animals.
When using a new skin treatment, make sure you read the ingredients carefully if you have any known allergies. If you've had reactions to creams or lotions in the past, it's a good idea to try a new cream on a small patch of skin first to see if you're sensitive to it before slathering it all over your hands. You can also keep an eye out for hypoallergenic options and might find more luck with unscented creams rather than fragrant ones.
October 23, 2019:
We selected creams made with a vast array of proven nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, honey, milk, almonds, and much more. Many are suitable for treating cracked heels, eczema, ashy elbows, and chapped lips too. We prioritized appealing scents, as well as items with no added fragrance for sensitive skin, plant-derived products created without phthalates and parabens, efficacy, a smooth, non-greasy feel, thoughtful formulations, and fair price points.
With such a diversity of ingredients, there should be something for every skin type and dryness level on this list. If you're dealing with intensely rough, cracked hands, consider O'Keeffe's Working Hands, Jack Black Industrial Strength, and Eucerin Advanced Repair.
Hand creams also present an excellent opportunity for some pampering, which is why luxurious selections like Aesop Resurrection Aromatique, Ahava Active, and L'Occitane Creme Mains are such favorites for self-care and to give as gifts.
Sadly, we let go of Philosophy Hands of Hope and Aveeno Intense Relief. We believe both of these brands boast high-quality offerings but felt that Eucerin Advanced Repair is superior to the Aveeno option while Aesop Resurrection Aromatique presents a much more meticulous formulation and better efficacy than Philosophy Hands of Hope.