It might not be the most pressing concern when it comes to Covid-19, but dry hands are certainly an uninvited side effect from rigorous washing. If your palms have been left ravaged, a quick massage with a nourishing hand cream can literally bring your skin back to life. Whether you’re after something gentle and fragrance-free or intensely luxurious, take your pick from our round-up of the best hand creams for every skin type.
How we choose the best hand creams
When narrowing down the very best hand cream, we’re looking for hardworking treatments that intensely nourish and restore dry skin, absorbing quickly without leaving your hands feeling greasy. An addictive scent is always a plus, as well as dreamy packaging. As always, your reviews play an important part too - when a hand cream racks up all the praise, we certainly pay attention.
9 February 2022
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
Best for: The 'Gram
Not just a pretty face, Aesop’s addictively scented hand cream is a winner on all fronts. Decadently rich in texture, but with a non-greasy finish, it intensely softens rough skin, cuticles, nails - you can literally apply it anywhere for an instant dose of TLC. With notes of Mandarin Oil, Rosemary Leaf and Cedarwood, every mini hand massage is a real treat for the senses. Top marks for its Insta-ready packaging too - who said you couldn’t be chic *and* practical?
The hype: "Packed full of natural oil and extracts, Aesop's heavenly hand balm is as soothing on the senses as it is on your cracked claws. You'll end up slathering this on every dry spot you have – it's just that good." - Glamour
Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Best for: Glove-like protection
This might be part of Kiehl’s male grooming range, but let’s be honest, hand cream is for everyone. Packed with botanical oils to soothe and condition, this thick formula actually forms an invisible barrier to protect against moisture loss, so you shouldn’t have to reach for this one too often. Maximum hydration, minimum effort - what’s not to love?
The hype: "After using it once overnight my hands look completely different! I have dry skin and I'm basically a compulsive hand washer - this has made my hands look so much younger and so much smoother! Miracle worker." - Customer review
Hand Relief
Best for: Sensitive skin
Free from all the no-nos - including Lanolin and synthetic fragrances - Aveda Hand Relief is beyond gentle, but that it’s not up to the task of nursing weathered hands. The magic ingredient? Glycerin - as a humectant, it draws water into the skin and locks it in, meaning a little will go a long way with this one.
The hype: "Anyone with sensitive skin or allergies will know Aveda skincare is as gentle as it comes. It has a wonderfully thick rich texture but still manages to absorb quickly." - Independent
Soothing & Repairing Hand Cream
Best for: Derm-approved
With five-star reviews from both eczema and psoriasis sufferers, this restorative hand cream is proven to help replenish and protect even the most compromised skin. Packed with three essential ceramides (fatty acids that help maintain the skin barrier), this soothing cream is fast-absorbing and gentle on the skin. Developed with dermatologist expertise, it’s a must-have for those more specific skin concerns.
The hype: "I suffer with mild psoriasis and dry skin on my hands and a few days of using this cream never fails to make significant improvements, in most instances, clearing it up completely." - Tonia, customer review
Atoderm Hand Cream For Dry Skin
Best for: Silky-soft skin
Lasting for up to 10 hand washes, this soothing hand cream nourishes dry, damaged hands and nails. Regenerating even the most rough and irritated skin, its creamy texture repairs barrier function and protects against future damage. Super-soft Shea Butter lends a sumptuous feeling as you gently massage into your hand and nails.
The hype: "My hands have never been this soft. Really good value for money." - Siri, customer review
Protective Hand Cream
Best for: Defence
This is a powerhouse hand cream and the perfect protection for hardworking hands at risk of irritation. Rich in skin-loving Omega 3, 6 and 9, this expert formula immediately soothes and reduces ongoing discomfort. Active ingredients also include Manuka Honey - a known antimicrobial agent - plus deeply-hydrating Vitamin B5 to keep skin soft, smooth and healthy. Apply throughout the day for long-lasting protection.
The hype: "I work in a hospital so now wash my hands even more frequently. This feels so thick and nourishing and smells amazing. I have recommended it to family and friends who have also purchased!" - Christine, customer review
Perfect Night's Sleep Hand Balm
Best for: Sleep-inducing softness
A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable when it comes to skin health, so it makes sense that NEOM created this blissful bedtime treatment to both restore rough hands and relax your senses. To use, warm a pea-sized amount between your hands before massaging into the skin. Then, cup hands over your nose and mouth and breathe deeply, inhaling the balmy blend of snooze-inducing essential oils. You’ll wake feeling super rejuvenated with sumptuously-soft skin to match.
The hype: "Lovely smell, great texture and has become a bedtime ritual." - Debbie, customer review
Peony & Blush Suede Hand Cream
Best for: Scent
If anyone knows how to make a five-star fragrance, it’s Jo Malone - and this exquisite hand cream is no exception. Scented with the brand’s iconic Peony and Blush Suede aroma, the nourishing formula conditions hands to keep them outrageously soft and sweet-smelling throughout the day. Notes of Peonies, Red Apple, Rose and Jasmine leave skin subtly scented, while moisturising Jojoba Seed Oil grants essential hydration to thirsty skin. Trust us when we say this one deserves sink-side space, pronto.
The hype: "Penonylicious! Just the little bit of luxury you need to make these dull winter days a wee bit more special. Every time I put this on, I’m whisked back to summer holidays. Bliss.” - D, customer review