The 10 Best Creams and Lotions for Soft, Moisturized Hands
Between our everyday activities and a heightened focus on handwashing and sanitizer, the skin on our hands could use a little extra TLC. Just like facial moisturizers and body lotions are formulated to work for specific areas, the rich consistency of hand creams is specially designed to deliver deep, long-lasting hydration to those precious digits. And while they may feel heavy at first, creams and ointments tend to be the most hydrating, says dermatologist Carmen Castilla, MD.
When searching for the best hand cream for you, Dr. Castilla says you should look for three key ingredients: humectants, occlusives, and emollients. "Humectants, such as alpha hydroxy acids, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea, help hydrate the skin by drawing water into the outer skin layer. Emollients, such as ceramides, fatty acids, and lipids, help fill in the gaps between skin cells, softening the skin. And occlusives, such as lanolin, mineral oils, and petroleum [like Vaseline], create a barrier to help trap in moisture." If you have sensitive skin, "stay away from alcohols and fragrances, as these can be very irritating," adds Dr. Castilla.
Ready to start taking your hand care seriously? Here are the 10 best hand creams to help keep your hands soft, healthy, and hydrated.
Meet the Expert
Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at the New York Dermatology Group.
The Best Hand Creams
1. Best Anti-Aging Hand Cream:
AHAVA Smoothing Hand Cream in Kale & Turmeric
No need to bury your chapped hands in your pockets. Anti-inflammatory turmeric, antioxidant kale, and AHAVA’s own Osmoter™ (a signature blend of Dead Sea minerals) combine forces to help soothe, smooth, and hydrate your hands while also helping to protect against signs of aging.
2. Best Spa-Scented Hand Cream:
PEAR NOVA Hydrating Cream in Coconut & Eucalyptus
This moisturizing hand cream from PEAR NOVA checks all the right boxes. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and deeply moisturizes dry skin for long-lasting smoothness hydration. And the coconut and eucalyptus scent? We’re obsessed. “This smells HEAVENLY! It absorbed well and left my hands feeling hydrated,” said one Ipster after receiving this hand cream in a recent Glam Bag.
3. Best for After-Sun Care:
THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Hand Cream
If you spent a little too much time in the sun and forgot to reapply your SPF, reach for this hydrating hand cream that’s made with aloe vera, jojoba oil, comfrey, and shea butter to replenish moisture, soothe irritation, and reduce swelling from your lack of sunscreen. Just one application leaves you with super soft skin. These rave reviews sum it up perfectly. “This cream made my hands so smooth and soft,” says one Ipster review. Another says, “I live in Arizona, so the heat in the summer makes my hands dry and cracked, and this lotion makes my hands soft. It’s perfect.”
4. Best French Hand Cream:
LA CHATELAINE Hand Cream in Passion Fruit
We'll trust just about any skincare product and beauty tip the French swear by, and this hand cream is no exception. Packed with nourishing shea butter and argan oil, this hand salve is a go-to solution for anyone experiencing dry, chapped skin from cold weather and lots of 4hand sanitizer. This formula is also all natural and made with organic ingredients so you can feel good lathering it on every day. "This hand cream is very smooth and hydrating," reviewed an Ipster. "It's the perfect size for carrying around in your purse."
5. Fastest Absorbing Hand Cream:
THE SAEM Perfumed Hand Essence in Magnolia
When you need something ultra lightweight, reach for this quick-absorbing lotion. Although the formula feels weightless on your skin, it still comes with major hydration benefits thanks to ingredients like macadamia seed oil, olive oil, and argan oil. One Ipster describes this formula as "not greasy at all with a very mild scent." They add: "It's my go-to in my work bag to combat 12+ hours of hand sanitizer use."
6. Best Shea Butter Hand Cream:
L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream
Pamper your hands with this ultra-luxe cream that’s gone viral for a reason! Some hand lotions boast a bit of shea butter here and there, but this rich hand cream from French skincare brand L’OCCITANE uses 20% of the powerhouse moisturizing ingredient (plus, it’s 100% organic, fair-trade shea butter!). One dot is all you need to feel instantly softer and nourished hands that are also protected from environmental aggressors.
7. Best for Nail Care:
REFRESHMENTS Luscious Hand Cream
Show both your hands and nails some love with this skin-soothing cream. Formulated with plant-based omega fatty acids and rich antioxidants, it’s specially made to soften your cuticles with long-lasting nourishment. Your nails have absorptive properties, so while all those ingredients are treating the skin on your hands, they’re also putting in the work on your nails, too. One Ipster calls this their “holy grail hand cream,” noting that it “kept their cuticles nice and moisturized.” A little goes a long way (and that goes for its citrus scent, too).
8. Best for Mature Hands:
-417 Hand Moisturizer
Your hand’s natural skin barrier is compromised with age, often leading to cracking, drying, or unwanted spots. When that happens, you’ll want to reach for this hard-working hand cream, which not only hydrates but also helps repair damage. Infused with powerhouse ingredients like shea butter and retinol, this concentrated cream leaves hands silky smooth and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and spots. Its thick, rich formula also works to protect dry skin from weather and pollution, making sure its nourishing, anti-aging results continue to deliver.
9. Best Vegan Hand Cream:
GLOW ON 5TH Keep it Handy Hand Cream
For a hand cream that feels good (both physically and environmentally speaking), opt for this cute little vegan cream. A small dot is all you need to transform your dry hands into moisturized ones, and with cruelty-free ingredients like shea butter and licorice root, expect this cream to smooth out rough texture and leave you with nourished, refreshed hands. “This sinks into skin quickly with no greasy residue,” writes one Ipster. “There’s not much fragrance, but I prefer it that way for my sensitive skin.” Take note!
10. Best Hand Cream with Sunscreen:
FENTY SKIN Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 15 Sunscreen Hand Cream Duo
FENTY SKIN isn’t playing around when it comes to taking care of the skin on your hands. This silky formula conditions your hands with mineral SPF 15, helping you avoid the spots and fine lines that develop from sun damage. Plus, this silky formula helps to smooth and soften hands, all without feeling heavy or greasy. With this dynamic duo, you’ll be able to keep your hands nourished and protected at all times, since you can keep one bottle at home and carry the other one in your purse for any on-the-go applications.