17 Best Hand Creams To Keep Your Skin Moisturized And Soft (2024)
It's time for you to pamper your rough hands with these nourishing creams.
Raisa's passion for skin care and makeup began at a young age, inspired by her mother's experimentation with different products. While pursuing a degree in Forensic Psychology in college, she realized her true calling and decided to change course during the pandemic.
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Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Between all the sanitizing and washing, it is true that moisturizing our hands has become a bit sidelined. But having baby-soft hands is almost everybody’s dream. So, you need to have with you some of the best hand creams available in the market because other reasons such as cold weather and diabetes can make your hands dry. With these creams in place, you can finally say goodbye to cracked, dry, and rough hands. They will keep your hands super moisturized, supple, and soft forever. Your hands, just like the rest of your body, too, deserve some pampering, so give them that. If you are confused about which product to buy, don’t worry because, below, we have a list of the 16 most effective options that are worth trying. Since the market is always brimming with many options, we understand that it can be a bit tedious to pick the right one for yourself. Take this article as your buying guide and make your search less overwhelming.
In This Article
Restore the Natural Softness With 17 Best Hand Creams of 2024
1. Best For Dry Skin:O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
A relaxing retreat for your working hands, this moisture-packed cream formula nourishes intensely to provide relief from cracked and dry skin. Also stimulating your skin to repair and heal by forming a protective layer on top, O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream claims to be safe for diabetics patients as well. Besides this, it guarantees to make a difference within a few days! Do not skip it. Go through this video review to know more about the tester’s experience and for a detailed understanding of the product.
- Prevents moisture loss
- Non-greasy and fragrance-free
- Ideal for applying after hand wash, bathing, or leave it overnight
- Suitable for very dry, cracked, and rough hands
- May feel slightly waxy
"The formula repairs my cracked hands and creates a protective layer on them. It prevents my hands from getting dry and rough. I apply it after sanitizing my hands, and it boosts the moisture level of my skin."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 77,878 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
2. Best Non-Greasy:L’Occitan Butter Hand Cream
So creamy that your hands will love it! Infused with 20% shea butter, coconut oil, honey, and almond extracts, this butter hand cream nourishes intensely to repair and heal dryness from the core. Also, its rich texture guarantees to smoothen and soften hands without leaving a greasy feeling, with visible results noted by multiple reviewers. So, if you don’t mind spending on a premium product, L’Occitan Butter Hand Cream would be ideal.
- Butter-soft texture
- Quick-absorbing cream
- Protects hands from damages
- Travel-friendly tube packaging
- Leaves no oily residue
"This hand lotion keeps my skin soft and nourished. It has a soft, baby powder-like smell that I find quite pleasant. A little bit of product goes a long way, offering great coverage. While its 25% shea content did worry me regarding the scent, it's surprisingly not overpowering."
Pricey
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 15,228 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
3. Best For Cracked Skin: Anthony Hand Cream
The Anthony Hand Cream is formulated with a blend of hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, glycerine, and cactus extract that seals in the moisture of your skin and helps you to get rid of dry and cracked hands. The dermatologically tested cream also contains plant-derived AHA, which boosts the collagen production of the skin to fight off signs of aging, and wheat protein that firms up the skin giving you soft and supple hands. This cream can be used throughout the day and even at night to treat your hands with some nourishment, especially if you have chapped knuckles and cuticles.
- Dermatologically tested
- Cruelty-free
- Travel-friendly
- Allergy tested
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Talc-free
- Suits all skin types
None
"My hands were so dry until I discovered this phenomenal cream. It is perfect for active hands, it leaves them deeply moisturized. It is so powerful that just a dab is enough or it can feel greasy. Quite a handy little gem!"
O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream Best For Dry Skin | L'Occitan Butter Hand Cream Best Non-Greasy | Anthony Hand Cream Best For Cracked Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | plastic | - | - |
| Color | Orange, Green | - | - |
| Dimensions | 3.19 x 3.19 x 1.31 inches | 2.13 x 1.61 x 7.17 inches | - |
| Weight | 4.5 ounces | - | - |
| Weight | - | 6.24 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 77,878 | 15,228 | - |
| Price | $8.48 | $12.5 | $20 |
4. Best Chemical-Free:Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm
The non-greasy, chemical-free, natural, formula of Remedy Tea Tree Oil Balm is all your hands need to become soft textured and moisturized. This blend of essential oils cleanses the skin, moisturizes, and repairs dry hands, leaving it itch-free. It soothes inflammation, rashes and fights skin infections, keeping your working hands healthy at all times. Enriched with 100% organic ingredients, it also prevents odor and irritation. Plus, it can be used on your body as well. Check out this video for a detailed review of the product and to learn more about the reviewer’s experience.
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Non-irritating
- Suitable for various skin types and conditions
- Natural ingredients
- Might not be suitable for people allergic to tea tree or eucalyptus oil
- Strong smell
"I tried this balm when I had some insect bites; it did wonders to soothe my itchy skin. It definitely kept me from scratching myself. On regular days, it keeps my hands soft and healthy-looking. A worthwhile addition to my skin care regimen."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 3,883 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
5. Best Cruelty-Free:J.R. Watkins Natural Moisturizing Hand Cream
Are you looking for something natural and chemical-free? If yes, then you must try this hand cream by J.R. Watkins. Formulated with 98% natural ingredients such as avocado oil, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and shea butter, it hydrates and nourishes to improve aging, dry, and cracked skin visibly, garnering positive reviews online. And that’s not all, its invigorating fragrance will instantly uplift your mood too and if you enjoy manicures, you will love this cream even more for it ensures flaunt-worthy hands with every use!
- Ultra-moisturizing cream
- Cruelty-free and high quality
- Protects and conditions dry skin
- Leaves hands soft, hydrated and smooth
- Free from dyes, phthalates, silicones, and parabens
- Suitable for cracked hands and sensitive skin
- Intense fragrance
"I appreciate this lotion's pleasing aroma, reminiscent of a lemon pound cake. It has a smooth texture and comfortably sinks into the skin. It provides ample moisturization but is not greasy. It dries swiftly, and the scent remains until my next hand wash. Will definitely repurchase."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 7,241 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
6. Best For Daily Use:AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream
Light, luxurious, and full of love, AHAVA Hand Cream is all you need for dryness-free and flaunt-worthy hands. Softening your skin and the cuticles, it absorbs quickly and will not leave a greasy feeling too, with visible results noticed by multiple reviewers. Packed with ultra-moisturizing ingredients such as the nutrient-rich dead sea water, witch hazel, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and more, your hand cream can’t get more soothing and moisturizing than this! Super soft hands, anyone?
- Ideal for daily use
- Retains natural moisture
- Boosts hydration instantly
- Revitalizes and protects the skin
- Vegan and hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free, mineral oil-free, petroleum, non-GMO, and more
- Suitable for dry, chapped, blemish-prone and cracked skin
- Pricey
- Strong scent
"Repurchased my trusted Ahava hand cream. I need just a tiny amount to cover my hands. It makes my hands feel wonderfully hydrated. It leaves no greasy residue. The mild, non-floral scent is a treat, though I wish it had sunscreen. Despite that, I definitely recommend it."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 3,792 reviews claiming its efficacy.
7. Best For Rough Skin:Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Are you dealing with chapped or rough hands? Quit hiding them, and heal with a boost of instant hydration. With this clinically-proven, glycerin-rich hand cream, Neutrogena claims to provide instant relief from cracked, dry, and rough skin, with visible results reported by many reviewers. Also, formulated with time-release technology, its refreshing and hydrating formula ensures your hands stay moisturized for up to 24 hours. Give this healing hand cream a try!
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Clinically-proven
- Strengthens the skin’s natural barrier
- Leaves skin smooth and soft
- Has healing properties
- Fragrance-free and long-lasting
- May not absorb quickly
"Winters often leave my skin parched. Despite much experimentation, few products have catered to my needs. But this hand cream has been a game-changer. I showed instant results. It leaves my hands feeling soft with a powdery touch. The best part? Just a tiny bit is enough. Surely a keeper!"
8. Best Fast-Absorbing:Aveeno Skin Intense Relief Hand Cream
Taking moisturizing to a whole new level, this clinically-proven hand cream will keep your hands soft and hydrated even after handwashing. How? All thanks to its quick-absorbing power! Yes, this soothing oatmeal and rich emollients-infused formula provides instant relief and forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss too. Many reviewers highly recommend this product after noticing visible results. Still, thinking? Try it for a long-lasting effect and forever soft hands!
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Clinically-proven
- Soothes dry and cracked skin
- Gentle formula and steroid-free
- Non-greasy and fragrance-free
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
- Applying too much may leave a sticky feeling
9. Best Anti-Aging Benefits: Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme
The Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme intensely hydrates the skin and makes it softer and more supple. It increases moisture levels on the skin while making it more elastic. The hydrating plant emollients, humectants, and exfoliating fruit acids in the formula provide the skin with long-lasting nourishment. The antioxidant properties in the formula due to vitamins A and E diminish premature signs of aging and offer a healthy-looking glow to the skin.
- Long-lasting
- Offers healthy-looking glow
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Paraffin-free
- Lanolin-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
None
10. Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream
Extreme dryness can make your hands look rough and aged. But not if you have this ultra-moisturizing blend in your kitty. Made of all-natural ingredients such as pumpkin oil, baobab oil, green tea extract, and watermelon seed oil, it’s no less than a tonic for your hands to repair and heal. Keeping them soft, smooth, and younger-looking, it also exfoliates gently to restore the natural glow. And the best takeaway— it guarantees all-day moisturization! Try it.
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Clinically-proven
- Boosts moisture levels
- Soothes cracked skin instantly
- Non-sticky and non-greasy
- Hypoallergenic and cruelty-free
- SLS-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and petroleum-free
- Suitable hand repair cream for very dry and tough skin
- Strong fragrance
"My hands tend to dry out quickly, and this lotion is my savior. It replenishes the lost moisture in my hands and makes them soft. It smoothes the wrinkled skin of my hands and makes them appear youthful. Only a small amount of the cream is enough for my hands."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 15,134 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
11. Best Fragrance-Free:Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
When shea butter meets ceramides, intense moisturizing ensues! Yep, Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream offers moisturization that your skin craves to stay supple and soft. Apply it generously and watch the cream repair and soothe dry skin from the first use itself. And are you sensitive to smell? Then you’ll love this cream even more because it’s fragrance-free, and you can apply it as much as you want as it won’t tickle your nose. Hurry, grab now!
- Trusted by dermatologists
- Exfoliates gently
- Provides intense nourishment
- Paraben-free and dye-free
- Fast-absorbing and non-greasy
- Suitable for dry and very dry skin
- Slightly sticky
"Using Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream helps heal my red, dry, and cracked skin. There is no fragrance added, so it is ideal if you have allergies. It's the best moisturizer I've found that leaves no sticky residue. It's compact enough to carry with me wherever I go. A worthy addition to my skin care routine."
12. Weleda Pomegranate Replenishing Hand Cream
How about some fruity bliss for your tired and dry hands? Pamper them with this ultra-soothing balm that intensely moisturizes with pomegranate seed oil, golden millet extract, shea butter, and sesame oil. The cream restores the natural softness and enhances the skin’s texture to make it look firmer and smoother than before. Yep, get ready to obsess over your baby-soft hands with this one!
- Luxurious texture
- Prevents moisture loss
- Leaves skin younger-looking
- Fast-absorbing and comforting
- Suitable hand cream for dry hands
- Expensive
"This hand cream is quite a delight. It is gentle on my hands. Its non-greasy touch leaves my hands soft and hydrated. The refreshing pomegranate scent is a charming surprise. The quality matches its fruity allure. A delightful treat certainly worth sampling!"
13. -417 Serenity Legend Antioxidant Hand Moisturizer
Mature skin users, do not skip this soothing formula! Claiming to slow down the aging process, it leaves the skin moisturized, hydrated, firmer, and younger-looking with every use. Blended with all-natural ingredients such as beeswax and shea butter, which are ultra-nourishing in nature, your skin can’t help but feel pampered and softer instantly. Now be it harsh weather or skin-damaging radicals, with this hand cream in your collection, you can always have flaunt-worthy skin all the time. Give it a try!
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Boosts moisture levels
- Neutralizes toxins and protects the skin
- Diminishes the appearance of fine lines
- Rejuvenates with oils and vitamins from the Dead Sea
- Suitable hand cream for aging hands,
- Ideal to use for cracked, dry, and working hands
"This hand cream brilliantly hydrates my hands without being greasy. It feels soothing and I like the subtle scent. As someone reluctantly applies lotions, I noticed a significant difference with regular use. I wholeheartedly recommend it for its long-lasting results."
Pricey
14. Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream
Age is just a number, and here’s a hand cream proving it right! Watch the time pause for your skin as this hand cream tightens, softens, and smoothens with its vitamin-rich formula. Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream contains vitamin A, C E, and green tea extracts that gently exfoliate to reduce uneven texture, tone, and fine lines. Claiming to keep your age a secret with its anti-aging charm, it also softens and protects cuticles and nails. Too good to be missed, don’t you think?
- Ultra-moisturizing formula
- Velvety and rich texture
- Hydrates skin intensely
- Leaves skin supple and younger-looking
- Non-greasy and deep conditioning
- Strong scent
"The cream is rich and absorbs swiftly. Even if you miss a day or two, it retains the softness of the skin. It has no odd smell. A commendable choice."
15. Bliss – Lemon & Sage Hand Cream
Not many are fans of intense and chemical fragrances, hence this citrusy balm. From lifting your mood instantly to moisturizing your hands intensely, this hand cream is so nourishing that you’ll regret not having tried it earlier. Packed with shea butter, aloe leaf extract, macadamia oil, provitamin B5, grape seed oil, and soybean oil, it not only moisturizes but hydrates and stimulates skin renewal too. Just what you need to restore the natural softness without making your hands turn greasy, give this lemony and sage bliss a try ASAP.
- Ultra-nourishing formula
- Non-greasy and non-oily
- High intensity and tackles dryness
- Quick-absorbent, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Paraben-free, SLS-free, and phthalate-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Offers a cool sensation
- May require frequent application
"My hands, once riddled with dry patches during the winter months, have healed thanks to this cream. It's done wonders for my cuticles too. It gets absorbed completely and leaves no residue on the skin, only long-lasting moisture and softness."
16. herbacin kamille Hand Cream With Glycerine
The herbacin kamille Hand Cream With Glycerine contains healing chamomile extract that soothes and nourishes the skin. Its main ingredient, glycerine, moisturizes and repairs the skin while making it softer and smoother. The hypoallergenic formula also contains silicone that offers optimal defense against environmental aggressors. The formula gets absorbed quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Non-sticky
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for daily use
None
17. Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Hand Cream
Did you know the lactic acid in goat milk is a natural exfoliant? So, with this hand cream made with goat milk, consider all your pores cleansed and hydrated instantly. Leaving your skin super soft that you can’t but be obsessed with the touch, the formula also contains honey grapefruit and guava leaf to relax your senses. To top it all, this hand cream by Beekman 1802 is ideal for sensitive skin as well. Still, want to skip it?
- Boosts hydration instantly
- Ultra-comforting and soothing
- Aids in achieving pH-balanced skin
- Cruelty-free and safe
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free, talc-free, alcohol-free, and more
- Expensive
"It alleviates my pet peeve of greasy hands and feels soothing on dry areas. However, I must admit the scent reminds me of old lady perfume—unappealing but tolerable due to the lotion's effectiveness. It absorbed quickly and softens my hand. I like using it throughout the day."
There you go, those were the 16 best hand creams for dry, cracked, rough, and sensitive skin. Do you still need assistance with choosing the best hand cream or wondering how it will benefit your hands? We’ve explained it all in the buying guide below.
Buying Guide
How To Choose The Best Hand Cream For Your Skin?
It’s simple! Look out for the following features while shopping for a hand cream:
Skin Type: Your skin type plays a crucial role while deciding which hand cream to pick. Considering there are options available for dry, very dry, rough, sensitive, and mature hands, figure out your skin condition or type before choosing a product.
Intense moisturization: To beat dryness, you need an ultra-moisturizing formula. Hence, inspect if the cream will boost moisture and hydration levels with its active ingredients. Ideally, products with shea butter, aloe vera, argan oil, or lactic acid are considered intensely nourishing. These ingredients hydrate deeply, repair dryness, and restore suppleness.
Anti-Aging: Yes, there are hand creams to deal with early signs of aging, such as fine lines, uneven texture, and sagging. So, if you have mature skin, inspect if the product is ideal for your skin type or if it combats wrinkles before buying.
Non-greasy & lightweight: Nobody likes the post-application tacky feeling on the hands. So, pick a formula that is fast-absorbing and weightless to prevent the chances of greasiness or stickiness.
Dermatologist-tested: Lastly, if you are dealing with extremely dry or rough skin, it is ideal you choose a dermatologist-tested hand cream for the best experience.
How To Use A Hand Cream?
Generously! Squirt a coin-size amount on the backside of your hand, then rub your hands like you would wash them to spread the cream until it has absorbed completely. Following this, make sure you have applied on fingers, palm, and wrist areas too.
Benefits Of A Hand Cream:
Hand creams are a must for all, and here are some of their benefits:
- Exfoliates gently
- Restores lost moisture
- Softens cuticles and nails
- Leaves skin soft, supple, and smooth
- Boosts hydration with intense nourishment
- Eliminates the appearances of cracks and white lines
- Fights aging signs such as fine lines, uneven texture, and tone
- Protects skin from harsh weather, and future environmental damages
- Antibacterial and antiseptic hand creams help kill germs and bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent diseases
Still, wondering why you need a hand cream now?
The Bottom Line
Frequent use of hand washes and soaps and dry out the delicate skin on your hands and make them feel rough. But you can not skip washing or sanitizing your hands. Indeed you can pay attention to hydrating them or turn them soft and smooth with the best hand creams. The hand creams listed above prevent moisture loss and protect the top layer of the skin. While the O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream helps repair very dry and cracked hands and is ideal for patients with diabetes, the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream has a dermatologist-recommended formula that provides long-lasting hydration, and if you are looking for a gentle, nourishing formula, try the Aveeno Skin Intense Relief Hand Cream for dry and sensitive skin. In addition, some hand creams provide intense moisturization nourishing your skin and repairing the dryness. Thus, consider investing in hand creams made with nourishing ingredients. But ensure that the hand creams are free from parabens and other nasty chemicals that alter your skin. Remember to do a patch test before application.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Krati Darak, is a skin care enthusiast. She advocates using hand creams to care for the skin on your hands. She has created this list of the best hand creams. She has carefully gone through several custom reviews and user feedback to shortlist the products. The author has checked the ingredients list and picked products that are safe for the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Hand Creams Really Work?
Yes, they do! Hand creams are formulated with ultra-nourishing and moisturizing ingredients to replenish the lost moisture in your skin. So, if you are dealing with dryness or cracked skin, hand cream can restore the moisture levels, softness, and smoothness.
Are Hand Creams Safe During Pregnancy?
Ideally, you must avoid hand creams as they can be risky for the baby, especially the one with retinol and salicylic acid. Also, consult your doctor before using any hand cream.
Is hand cream better than lotion?
Both are beneficial, but lotions are better for oily skin as they are lightweight and non-comedogenic, whereas hand creams are better for dry skin since they are heavier in texture and keep the skin moisturized.
How often should you apply hand cream?
You can use hand cream every two hours or immediately after washing your hands.
Should I wet my hands before applying a hand cream?
Yes, using a hand cream on damp hands is beneficial as it is easily absorbed into the skin and aids in moisture-locking.
Can we use hand cream on my face?
No, the skin on our face is considerably more fragile and sensitive than the skin on our hands, so you must use facial cream on your face rather than hand cream to avoid breakouts.
Is it okay to use hand cream for tattoo aftercare?
Yes, hand creams free of harsh chemicals and fragrances are suitable for tattoo aftercare.
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