7 Best Japanese Hand Creams, As Per An Esthetician (2024)

Nourish your hands with soothing ingredients to keep them healthy and smelling fresh.

Reviewed by Nichelle Temple, Esthetician Nichelle Temple Nichelle TempleEsthetician insta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Aditi Naskar, MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Aditi Naskar MA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Fact-checked by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on
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We often experience dry hands with chapped skin due to excessive hand washing and sanitizing. But, with the insane amount of exposure to the elements and chemicals, our hands do need special attention and care. To take care of the soft, supple hands, you must try out the best Japanese hand cream. It will moisturize your hands, soften them, and keep them healthy while smelling heavenly all day.

Japanese hand creams are stirring rounds in the beauty market for their incredibly soothing ingredients and fragrances. However, each skin type is different, and that’s why each one deserves a different hand cream to combat their specific issues and give the best results in a short span of time. These products have received a good number of positive reviews from users. With so many hand creams available, we have narrowed down a list of the 7 best Japanese hand creams for each skin type. Have a look!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Overall: Shiseido Hand CreamPrice on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy: Fiancee Parfum De Pure ShampooPrice on Amazon
Best Fragrant: Margot Elena Tokyo Milk Dead Sexy HandcremePrice on Amazon
Best Hydrating: Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief
Price on Amazon
Best For Daily Use: Onsen White Pagoda Hand CreamPrice on Amazon
Best Anti-Aging:Kose Coen Rich Q10 Night Renew Hand CreamPrice on Amazon
Best Medicated Formula: Atrix Hand CreamPrice on Amazon

7 Best Japanese Hand Creams For Every Skin Type

1. Best Overall: Shiseido Hand Cream

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4.3
Shiseido Hand Cream Image: Shiseido

Shiseido’s moisturizing hand cream is enriched with the goddess of urea, xylitol, and vitamin E. Urea and xylitol boost hydration by replenishing and sealing in the natural moisture. Vitamin E protects your hands from free radical damage and environmental aggressors. This double moisture formula prevents roughness while promoting blood circulation for healing the dry skin cells. This product has excellent reviews on Amazon, making it the top product on our list.

Skin Type: All | Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 1.25 Pounds

Key Ingredients: Urea, Xylitol, Vitamin E

Pros

  • Non-sticky
  • Fragrance-free
  • Quickly absorbed
  • Relieves eczema
  • Non-oily

Cons

  • Grainy texture

2. Best Non-Greasy: Fiancee Parfum De Pure Shampoo

The Parfum De Pure Shampoo by Fiancee is infused with fresh scents of lemon, green apple, jasmine, and woody musk. This sweet-smelling hand cream contains three kinds of ceramides and shea butter. Its fast-absorbing ceramides form a barrier on your hands to lock in moisture, thus preventing irritation and dryness. They also protect your hands from environmental damage and have anti-aging properties. Shea butter prevents free radical damage, fades scars, and provides deep moisturization. This protective hand cream is non-greasy and leaves your hands feeling smooth and supple.

Product Dimensions: 1.38 x 6.5 x 1.97 inches | Weight: 2.12 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter and Ceramides

Pros

  • Smells good
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Quickly absorbed
  • Reasonably priced

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This hand cream has a comforting scent. It moisturizes my hands and leaves them feeling revitalized. It is non-greasy, so I can apply it repeatedly without feeling icky. My hands feel baby-soft and adorable."


3. Best Fragrant:Margot Elena Tokyo Milk Dead Sexy Handcreme

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4.5
Margot Elena Tokyo Milk Dead Sexy Handcreme Image: Tokyomilk

The Margot Elena Tokyo Milk Dead Sexy Handcreme contains the essence of naturally scented products, shea butter, and Japanese green tea. The non-greasy formula imparts smoothness and keeps the delicate, baby skin of your hands soft and supple. This luxe hand cream comes in several other fragrances too. This product has excellent positive reviews, confirming why it is a must-have product.

Product Dimensions: 6.22 x 2.28 x 1.38 inches | Weight: 3.17 Ounces

Key Ingredients: Japanese Tea Tree, Shea butter, Argan Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Milk Thistle, Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, and Vitamin E.

Pros

  • Non-greasy
  • Paraben-free
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Value for money

Cons

  • None

My Personal Experience

"This hand cream leaves my hands soft and youthful. It absorbs quickly into my skin and repairs its moisture barrier. It soothes itchiness and smells delicious. The cream has a rich texture that glides smoothly in between my fingers. It never leaves behind greasiness."


protip_icon Quick Tip
Apply the hand cream within two minutes of washing your hand in order to lock the moisture in and prevent your hands from drying out.

4. Best Hydrating:Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief

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4.5
Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief Image: Curél

The Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief contains eucalyptus extract that soothes the hands. This nourishing and softening handcare product keeps your hands moisturized all day, even after several hand washes. The gentle formula helps relieve extreme dryness. This hand cream contains vitamin E and monoi oil, which repairs and nourishes damaged skin.

Product Dimensions: 1.88 x 2.95 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 3 Ounces.

Key Ingredients: Eucalyptus Oil, Vitamin E, and Monoi Oil

Pros

  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-greasy
  • Travel-friendly
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • None

5. Best For Daily Use: Onsen White Pagoda Hand Cream

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4.1
Onsen Japanese Anti Aging Hand Cream Image: Onsen Secret

The White Pagoda Hand Cream by Onsen is formulated with natural and organic ingredients like pagoda flower, wasabi extract, shea butter, and Hyaluronic acid. Shea butter deeply moisturizes the skin and lightens scars. Hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture and locks it into your skin, repairing the skin’s barrier, rejuvenating it, and keeping it plump and hydrated. The wasabi extract and pagoda flower protect your skin from UV damage, increase collagen production and reduce aging signs. Helping with skin regeneration, this lightweight hand cream soothes cracked hands, imparts silkiness, and is very gentle on the skin. With regular use, it leaves your hands soft and healthy.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Pagoda flower, Shea butter, Wasabi extract, and Hyaluronic acid

Pros

  • Non-sticky
  • Natural ingredients
  • Quickly absorbed
  • Silky finish
  • Non-greasy
  • Paraben-free
  • Artificial color-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Certified organic

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell

protip_icon Pro Tip
Follow up your hand cream with a sunscreen during the day to protect your hands from sunburns and early signs of aging.

6. Best Anti-Aging:Kose Coen Rich Q10 Night Renew Hand Cream

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4.6
Kose Coen Rich Q10 Night Renew Hand Cream Image: Kose Coen

The Kose Coen Rich Q10 Night Renew Hand Cream is the best anti-aging skin renewal formula. This Japanese skincare product contains coenzyme Q10, which helps keep the hands youthful. Collagen and hyaluronic acid help hydrate and smoothen the skin. This lightweight, dreamy hand cream formula has been tested clinically and contains active moisturizers like Vaseline, jojoba, almond, and squalane. Diisostearyl malate nourishes the skin and protects its firmness and luster.

Number of Items: 1

Key Ingredients: Coenzyme Q 10, Hyaluronic Acid, and Collagen.

Pros

  • Clinically-tested
  • Lightweight
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • None

7. Best Medicated Formula: Atrix Hand Cream

This medicated Hand Cream by Atrix offers moisturizing and healing properties that are better than any basic hand cream on the market. It is infused with stearyl glycyrrhizinate, which helps protect your skin from UV damage, prevents allergies, and reduces inflammation. The cream is infused with vitamin E that protects your hands from free radical damage and improves blood circulation. This Japanese hand cream makes your hands soft and smooth.

Number of Items: 1

Key Ingredients: Stearyl glycyrrhizinate and Vitamin E

Pros

  • Smells good
  • Non-sticky
  • Affordable

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

While investing in hand creams and including them in your beauty routine, there are a few essential things to keep in mind to ensure good results. Scroll down to find out what they are.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Hand Cream

  • Check The Ingredients

Ensure your hand cream has professional-grade and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid that help soften your hands, enhance skin texture, and combat dryness. Ingredients like jojoba oil, camphor, glycerin, castor oil, and olive oil seal in the moisture to ensure your hands stay hydrated all day. Almond oil and shea butter help reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. They also help keep your skin youthful, soft, and radiant. Avoid products containing parabens, sulfates, and alcohol. Also, do a patch test before applying any product to avoid adverse reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin.

  • Absorbing Tendency

The hand cream you buy should be lightweight, non-greasy, and non-sticky. It should be absorbed quickly into your skin and keep slippery slops at bay. Greasy creams can make your hands feel sweaty and uncomfortable. 

Infographic: How To Choose Japanese Hand Creams Depending On Your Skin Type

Japanese hand creams are known for their intense moisturizing properties and soothing fragrances. They are a favorite of many skin care enthusiasts and are available in many varieties. However, one has to choose the right hand cream depending on their skin type to reap its complete benefits. Check out the infographic below to know more!

How To Choose Japanese Hand Creams Depending On Your Skin Type (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

The Bottom Line

The cold weather can make your skin dry, peeling, and chapped, and cause wrinkles, especially if your hands are frequently exposed to soaps and sanitizer. Using chemical hand products on top of that can worsen the damage in dry winter skin. Instead, you can use Japanese hand creams that are mild, soothing, and have less fragrance, and enhance the radiant beauty of your delicate hands. The Margot Elena Tokyo Milk Dead Sexy Handcreme is loved for its appealing scent, while the intensely hydrating formula of the Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief is most suited for those who struggle with extreme dryness and discomfort. The Onsen White Pagoda Hand Cream contains Japanese-inspired ingredients that soothe the skin. Get an all-season cream if you travel a lot. They can keep your hands moisturized, soft, and hydrated regardless of the weather conditions. The products on our list are lightweight, non-greasy, and non-sticky. Choose a hand cream that suits your skin type and condition. Avoid products that have an unpleasant smell and grainy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hand cream essential for your hands’ good health?

Yes. Hand creams boost moisture into your hands, reverse premature aging, and protect them from harsh environmental aggressors. In addition, hand creams prevent your hands from getting tanned, help reduce dark spots, and treat wounds.

Why do you put hand cream on the back of your hand?

The skin on the top of your hands is thin; so, it gets dry quickly. In addition, that portion of the skin is the most exposed to the sun. Therefore, it is essential to apply hand cream on the back of your hands.

How long does hand cream take to absorb?

A hand cream takes five to 20 minutes to absorb into the skin, and its intense hydration lasts hours after applying.

Should you wash your hands after moisturizing?

No. Do not wash your hands after moisturizing to prevent stripping off lotion.

Is it okay to use hand cream every day?

Yes. Use hand cream daily to achieve soft, youthful, and glowing hands.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She likes to stay updated when it comes to skincare solutions. To help her readers purchase the best Japanese hand creams, she conducted thorough research and read many customer reviews and product details and compiled a list of the most effective safe ones. The listed items have good user ratings and can moisturize your hand and make them smell good.

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Nichelle Temple
Nichelle TempleEsthetician
Nichelle Temple is an NYC-based esthetician and the owner of Inderma Studio with over a decade of experience in microcurrent, HydraFacial, and holistic skin care treatments. She is passionate about using professional-grade and organic products as well as cutting-edge technology to help her clients experience instant and illuminating results.

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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli 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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Aditi Naskar
Aditi NaskarAssociate Commerce Editor
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.

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Eshna Das
Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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