Your hands are constantly exposed to the elements, from the sun and wind to harsh chemicals and detergents. This can take a toll on your skin, making it dry, cracked, and irritated. That’s where hand creams and lotions come in. Hand care products can help to hydrate, protect, and repair your skin, keeping it looking and feeling its best. A wide variety of hand creams and lotions are available as explained below, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your skin type and needs. If you have dry, cracked hands, you’ll want to look for a product that’s thick and rich in emollients, like shea butter or glycerin. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to choose a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic product. And if you’re looking for a hand cream that will protect your skin from the sun, you’ll want to choose one with SPF.
A quick look at Best Hand Creams & Lotions
- Overall Best Hand Creams & Lotions, Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream. Skip to Review
- Best Hand Creams & Lotions that is Unscented, O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream. Skip to Review
- Best Hand Creams & Lotions for Dry Skin, Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion. Skip to Review
- Best Hand Creams & Lotions for Very Dry Skin, Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream. Skip to Review
- Best Hand Creams & Lotions for Dry Cracked Hands, CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream. Skip to Review
- Best Hand Creams & Lotions for Body and Hands, Vaseline hand and body lotion Intensive Care Moisturizer. Skip to Review
Overall Best Hand Creams & Lotions
- Scent: Light Fresh
- Brand: Gold Bond
- Item Form : Cream
Product Review
Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream, 3 oz., With Aloe is a reliable companion for dry hands. Packed with 7 moisturizers and 3 vitamins, it offers deep hydration and nourishment. Its ability to retain moisture through positive ions, even after handwashing sets it apart. Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, it’s suitable for various skin types. This non-greasy, fast-absorbing cream also carries a refreshing scent.
Beyond its skincare benefits, Gold Bond encourages eco-conscious consumers to join TerraCycle for responsible packaging recycling. This hand cream’s performance and sustainability make it a practical choice for anyone seeking well-hydrated, soft hands without the need for constant reapplication.
Pros
- Contains aloe for added skin soothing and healing benefits.
- Provides long-lasting moisture even through handwashing.
- Helps relieve dry, cracked, and rough hands.
- Non-greasy formula, making it comfortable to use throughout the day.
- Compact 3 oz. size is convenient for on-the-go use.
- Affordable and readily available at most drugstores.
Cons
- Some users may find the fragrance too strong or unpleasant.
- May not provide as intensive moisturization as specialized hand creams.
- Product: Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream, 3 oz., With Aloe
- Package includes one (1) 3-oz. bottle of Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream With Aloe
- Positive ions help to retain moisture on the skin, even after handwashing
- Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin
- Non-greasy, quick-absorbing formula with a fresh, clean scent
- Encourages eco-friendly practices with the option to recycle packaging through TerraCycle.
Read more about Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream
Best Hand Creams & Lotions that is Unscented
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
- Scent: Unscented
- Brand: O’Keeffe’s
- Item Form : Cream
Product Review
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, available in a 3.4 oz. jar is a reliable solution for those dealing with painfully dry and cracked hands. This concentrated hand cream doesn’t just offer relief; it actively heals, soothes, and repairs damaged skin. It creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture, leaving your skin hydrated and healthier.
For the best results, apply this non-greasy, unscented formula after handwashing, bathing, or at bedtime. It’s especially suitable for people with diabetes, ensuring safe and effective dry hand care. Within days of use, you’ll notice a tangible difference, making it an essential addition to your skincare routine, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Pros
- Intensive moisturization: Provides deep hydration to extremely dry and cracked hands.
- Non-greasy formula: Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
- Long-lasting relief: Helps heal and soothe dry skin, providing relief that lasts.
- Versatile: Suitable for various skin types and can be used on other dry areas like elbows and feet.
- Dermatologist-recommended: Trusted by professionals for dry skin care.
Cons
- Scent: Some users may find the scent unappealing or too strong.
- Jar packaging: Less hygienic compared to tube packaging, as you have to dip your fingers in.
- Product: O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, 3.4 oz., Jar
- Purpose: Designed to heal, relieve, soothe, and repair extremely dry, cracked hands.
- Dry Hands Treatment: Forms a protective layer on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture and maintain skin hydration.
- Dry, Cracked Hands Repair: Provides guaranteed relief, noticeable improvement within days of use.
- Recommended Use: Apply after hand washing, bathing, and at bedtime for the most effective moisturizing of extremely dry skin.
- Hypoallergenic: Safe for people with diabetes, fragrance-free, and non-greasy.
- Size: 3.4-ounce jar, convenient for travel and on-the-go use.
Read more about O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream.
Best Hand Creams & Lotions for Dry Skin
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion
- Scent: Cocoa Butter
- Brand: Vaseline
- Item Form : Lotion
Product Review
Infused with Pure Cocoa Butter and Ultra-Hydrating Lipids, this body lotion offers a long-lasting, radiant glow that keeps your skin feeling nourished and supple. Clinically tested, it delivers 90% more moisture than untreated skin without greasy residue. Fast-absorbing and suitable for all skin types, it’s the perfect daily companion for combatting dryness and roughness.
What sets this lotion apart is its commitment to equitable skincare for all. Vaseline’s dedication to underserved communities ensures everyone can access quality skin care. Each 20.3 oz bottle, with its delightful cocoa scent, promises healthier skin and the satisfaction of supporting a brand that prioritizes skin health as a fundamental aspect of well-being.
Pros
- Ultra-hydrating formula with pure cocoa butter effectively moisturizes dry skin.
- Long-lasting hydration keeps skin moisturized throughout the day.
- Leaves a radiant and healthy glow on the skin.
- Large pack size (20.3 oz) provides a good value for money.
- Suitable for those with very dry skin, especially during colder months.
- The pack of 3 offers convenience and saves on future purchases.
Cons
- Some users may find the lotion to be too thick or greasy.
- Fragrance may be too strong for individuals with sensitivities or allergies.
- Product Name: Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion for Dry Skin Cocoa Radiant Lotion
- Size: 20.3 oz per bottle
- Pack of 3 bottles
- Long-Lasting Glow: Moisturizes skin for a radiant glow that lasts.
- Ultra-Hydrating Lipids: Formulated with Pure Cocoa Butter and Ultra-Hydrating Lipids to strengthen the skin barrier and restore moisture.
- Clinically Tested: Clinically proven to provide 90% more moisture compared to untreated skin.
- Non-Greasy Feel: Fast-absorbing formula leaves skin hydrated without a greasy residue.
- Daily Skin Care: Ideal for daily use on dry and rough skin for long-lasting hydration and visibly healthier skin.
- Equitable Skin Care: Supports underserved communities in accessing better skin care.
- Quantity: Pack of 3 bottles for continuous skincare.
- Size: Each bottle contains 20.3 oz of product.
- Fragrance: Features a delightful cocoa scent.
- Dermatologist Recommended: Trusted by dermatologists for skin hydration.
- Packaging: Convenient pump bottles for easy application.
- Ingredients: Enriched with nourishing cocoa butter for deep moisturization.
- Usage: Apply generously to the body and massage in for best results.
- Manufacturer: Vaseline, a trusted brand in skincare.
- Skin Health: Promotes overall skin health and well-being.
- Shelf Life: Long-lasting product for extended use.
- Product Dimensions: Each bottle measures approximately 8.5 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter.
- Packaging may vary.
Read more about Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion.
Best Hand Creams & Lotions for Very Dry Skin
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
- Scent: Fragrance Free
- Brand: Eucerin
- Item Form : Cream
Product Review
Packed in convenient 2.7-ounce tubes, this pack of three hand creams provides intensive moisture to hands and fingers. Infused with ceramide-3, natural moisturizing factors, and shea butter, it effectively combats the drying effects of frequent handwashing and environmental factors. Notably, even after just one use, hands feel significantly smoother without any greasy residue. Plus, its fragrance-free and dye-free formula makes it gentle on sensitive skin and a valuable addition to your skincare routine.
This hand lotion is specifically formulated to repair very dry skin and quench the moisture needs of your hands. Its blend of ceramide-3, natural moisturizing factors, and nourishing shea butter delivers intense hydration. This cream provides a much-needed remedy in a world where frequent handwashing can lead to parched skin. It’s fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and free from fragrances and dyes, making it a practical choice for anyone seeking softer, smoother, and healthier hands.
Pros
- Specifically designed for very dry skin, providing intense hydration.
- Comes in a convenient pack of three, offering a good value for the price.
- Dermatologist-recommended, indicating its safety and effectiveness.
- Non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, leaving hands feeling soft and smooth.
- Compact 2.7-ounce size is travel-friendly and fits easily in a purse or pocket.
Cons
- The small size may require frequent repurchasing for those with extremely dry hands.
- Not specifically formulated for other skin concerns beyond extreme dryness.
- Product: Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream – Fragrance Free
- Size: 2.7 Ounce per tube
- Quantity: Pack of 3
- Formula designed to repair dry skin and provide essential moisture to hands and fingers
- Key ingredients include ceramide-3, natural moisturizing factors, and nourishing shea butter
- Helps combat the effects of frequent washing and environmental factors that can lead to dryness
- Results in noticeably softer and smoother hands after just one application
- Non-greasy and fast-absorbing formula
- Fragrance-free and dye-free for sensitive skin types
Read more about Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
Best Hand Creams & Lotions for Dry Cracked Hands
- Scent: Unscented
- Brand: CeraVe
- Item Form : Cream
Product Review
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is a reliable solution for combating dry, cracked hands. This fragrance-free cream is a daily essential, absorbing quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Packed with moisture retaining ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it hydrates and calms the skin. Plus, the inclusion of ceramides helps restore the skin’s natural barrier, a crucial element for maintaining healthy skin.
What sets this hand cream apart is its recognition by the National Eczema Association, making it a trusted choice for those with overworked hands. Pair it with CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser to tackle dryness and discomfort effectively. Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe continues to deliver quality skincare solutions, catering to a variety of skin types and concerns.
Pros
- Contains hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which can help hydrate and repair dry, cracked hands.
- Fragrance-free formula reduces the risk of skin irritation or allergies.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Compact 3-ounce size is convenient for travel or on-the-go use.
- May provide long-lasting moisture and relief for dry hands.
Cons
- Some individuals may find the texture to be slightly greasy or thick.
- The 3-ounce size may run out quickly if used regularly.
- CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is designed to address dry, cracked hands, particularly those exposed to frequent washing or excessive work.
- This daily hand cream is non-greasy and quickly absorbed, making it ideal for everyday use.
- It contains moisture-retaining ingredients, including hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain its natural moisture.
- Niacinamide is included in the formula to calm the skin, while dimethicone acts as a skin protectant, and ceramides work to restore the skin barrier.
- This product has received the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, making it a trusted choice for individuals with sensitive skin or eczema-prone hands.
- For best results, cleanse your hands with CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and then apply CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream to soothe over-washed hands.
- CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is developed in collaboration with dermatologists and is suitable for various skin types, including dry, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.
Read more about CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
Best Hand Creams & Lotions for Body and Hands
Vaseline hand and body lotion Intensive Care Moisturizer
- Scent: Aloe Vera
- Brand: Vaseline
- Item Form : lotion
Product Review
Vaseline’s Intensive Care Essential Healing Hand and Body Lotion is a reliable companion for those battling dry skin. Its deep moisturizing formula offers swift relief to parched skin and rough hands. The lotion’s fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture ensures a comfortable experience, leaving no residue.
What sets this product apart is its ability to lock in moisture with micro-droplets of Vaseline Jelly. Clinically proven to keep dry skin healed for up to three weeks with just four weeks of daily use, it upholds Vaseline’s trusted legacy of over 150 years in skincare. Moreover, Vaseline’s commitment to the Healing Project ensures that your purchase contributes to providing vital skincare and medical supplies to those in need across the globe.
Pros
- Deep Moisturization: Clinically proven to provide deep hydration with just one application.
- Suitable for Dry Skin: Specifically designed for dry skin, making it effective for those with this skin type.
- Large Quantity: Comes in a 20.3 oz bottle, providing a substantial amount of product.
- Three-Pack: Conveniently available in a three-count package, offering good value for money.
- Trusted Brand: Vaseline is a well-known and trusted brand in skincare.
Cons
- May Feel Greasy: Some users may find it to be greasier compared to other lotions.
- Not Ideal for All Skin Types: Due to its intensity, it may not be suitable for those with oily or sensitive skin.
- Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Hand and Body Lotion is designed for deep moisturization, relieving dry, rough skin and hands.
- It absorbs quickly into the skin, providing a fast-absorbing and non-greasy feel.
- The lotion contains micro-droplets of Vaseline Jelly to effectively lock in moisture, making it an excellent choice for dry hands.
- It is clinically proven to keep dry skin healed for up to three weeks when used daily for four weeks.
- Vaseline has a trusted reputation for over 150 years in relieving dry skin.
- Through the Healing Project, Vaseline collaborates with Direct Relief to provide dermatological skincare, Vaseline Jelly, and medical supplies to individuals affected by poverty or emergencies worldwide.
Read more about Vaseline hand and body lotion Intensive Care Moisturizer
FAQS
Hand creams and lotions are used to moisturize and hydrate the skin on your hands, keeping them soft, smooth, and preventing dryness and cracking.
It’s recommended to apply hand cream or lotion as needed throughout the day, especially after washing your hands, to maintain moisture.
Yes, they can. Hand creams and lotions are particularly effective during the winter months to combat dryness caused by cold, dry air and indoor heating.
Yes, in most cases, hand creams and lotions can be used on other dry or rough areas of the body, such as elbows, knees, and feet.
Yes, some hand creams include SPF to provide sun protection for your hands, helping to prevent sun damage and aging.
Hand creams are thicker and provide more intensive moisturization, while hand lotions are lighter and absorb quickly.
Factors to consider when buying Hand Creams & Lotions;
- Skin Type: Consider your skin type, whether it’s dry, sensitive, or oily, to choose a suitable formula.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredient list for hydrating components like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter.
- Fragrance: Decide if you prefer scented or unscented products, as fragrance can cause irritation for some.
- SPF Protection: If sun exposure is a concern, opt for hand creams with SPF to shield against UV rays.
- Texture: Choose between thicker creams for intense hydration or lighter lotions for quick absorption and less greasiness.
- Packaging: Portable and hygienic packaging options, like tubes or pump bottles, are convenient for on-the-go use.
Taking care of your hands is not just a matter of cosmetic concern; it is essential for overall well-being. The best hand creams and lotions featured in this article are highly effective in combating dryness and promoting skin health and offer a luxurious self-care experience. Whether you’re looking for intensive hydration, anti-aging properties, or simply a fragrant pick-me-up, there’s a hand cream or lotion on our list that’s perfect for you. So, don’t neglect your hands any longer; invest in the right product and indulge in the pampering they deserve. Your hands will thank you for it.