We rely on our trusty hands for just about everything we do — every text, double tap, and right swipe — but they also deserve the best hand cream so they stay in tip-top, buttery-soft shape. With all that exposure to the elements, it’s no wonder they’re the first place to show signs of weathering.
With all that exposure to the elements, it’s no wonder your hands are the first place to show signs of weathering. Luckily, though, there’s an abundance of skin-softening, nourishing, and ultra-hydrating hand creams on the market that, when used consistently (this is key), ward off signs of damage from daily wear and tear, especially when hand-washing and frequent use of hand sanitizer dry us out. And, the best part is there are excellent formulas available across retailers like Amazon, Ulta Beauty, and Nordstrom, so this list contains a healing hand cream at every price point.
With the latest innovations landing at our front doors at an ever-rapid rate, you could say we’ve got a good idea of the lotions and creams that are effective yet lightweight and nongreasy. Check out the best hand creams below.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: Nécessaire The Hand Cream, $25
- Best for Extremely Dry Hands: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream, $11
- Best for Cracked Skin: O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, $12
- Best Scents: Evolvetogether Hand Cream, $27
- Best Purse Companion: Chanel La Crème Main, $55
- Best Value: Vaseline Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief, $10
- Best for Age Spots: Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment, $55
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Best Overall: Nécessaire The Hand Cream
Why It’s Worth It: Nécessaire’s The Hand Cream is a fast-absorbing lotion packed with skincare MVPs like niacinamide, marula butter, and marula oil, plus five ceramides and five peptides. It not only moisturizes but also helps strengthen your skin barrier and heal damaged skin.
Editor Tip: Allure contributor Shanna Shipin, who says her middle name is “Sensitive Skin” calls this a must-have. “I’ve long been a fan of Necessaire’s fragrance-free, no-frills products, but the hand cream is a non-negotiable for me,” she says. “The hand cream absorbs quickly, leaves my hands moisturized and soft, and there’s no greasy residue or competing fragrance to my perfume (which I tend to spitz on my wrists).”
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, marula butter, marula oil | Fragrance-Free: Yes
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Best for Extremely Dry Hands: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream”,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”6578d7503331ac9117b0cd1e”,”index”:1,”contentType”:”product”,”offers”:[{“offerUrl”:”https://www.laroche-posay.us/our-products/body/hand-cream/cicaplast-hand-cream-for-dry-hands-damaged-hands-3337872414145.html”,”price”:”$11″,”currency”:”USD”,”purchaseUri”:”https://cna.st/p/meh9fHuiYWLirz7knjuhASTgYt8JFPwA3zPqvyhxqqyUpVdWyZCadxhgnEZbma9HZiTcHbFd66juRoFWY7VAGzpptKwQovG2WVAeoXvD6fkJpE9gzh2DmiGoHTBFhfsfBb9yyNyBbcGuq42Ja226wSpe86ETaT4VhG9s5TP6e”,”sellerName”:”La Roche-Posay”,”countryCode”:””,”reducedPrice”:””}]}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper” orientation=”landscape”>
Best for Extremely Dry Hands: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream
Why It’s Worth It: Winter skin, you’ve met your match. The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream is formulated with niacinamide and shea butter, both of which are great at soothing and restoring skin. When they’re paired with glycerin, a humectant that’s known to be hydrating, it’s a winning combo (at a winning price to boot).
Editor Tip: If you have very dry hands, damaged skin, sensitive skin, or hands that are frequently exposed to chemicals or cold, dry air, you’ll want to give this hand cream a try.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone, thermal spring water | Fragrance-Free: Yes
