Our editors feel strongly about the best hand creams in our bags—along with our go-to lip balm and trusty SPF, of course.
As is the case with the rest of your skin, depriving your hands of that much-needed moisture is simply not an option. “Hands are one of the driest areas of the skin due to exposure to the environment and constant hand washing,” says Gary Goldenberg, a NYC-based medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Goldenberg Dermatology. According to Dr. Goldenberg, it’s also common for our hands to be one of the first parts of the body to show signs of aging, and ensuring that they’re well hydrated at all times “is one of the best ways to keep them looking youthful.”
That said, it’s not as simple as picking up any old tube at the drugstore, since so many hand creams are either too watery, too sticky, too thick, or too fragranced. Plus, if you have any particular skin concerns such as eczema or psoriasis, you’d do well to consider formulations that will cater to your skin’s needs and help reduce symptoms.
Determined to find your best possible bets—and put an end to dry cuticles and parched skin—we polled Glamour’s editors on the hand creams that have been getting them through this winter. Because the last thing we need to worry about is irritated, chapped hands. Keep scrolling for a list of the best hand creams we swear by.
The best hand creams, at a glance
- Best Overall: L’Occitane Nourishing and Protective Shea Butter Hand Cream, $32
- Best for Dry Patches: CeraVe Healing Ointment, $11
- Best Affordable: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, $10
- Best Luxury: Dior Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Use Balm, $60
- Best Nongreasy: Rare Beauty Find Comfort Niacinamide Hydrating Hand Cream, $18
Your hand-cream questions, answered
Why should you use a hand cream?
“Your best defense against dry hands is to moisturize them consistently,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. According to Dr. Goldenberg, factors like “cold weather, your environment’s humidity, frequent handwashing, and exposure to irritants (such as plastic or rubber)” may contribute to consistent dehydration, and using a quality hand cream is crucial for strengthening your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Dr. Chacon also points out that using a nourishing formula is particularly important during the cold and flu season. “Washing our hands more often will eventually strip the skin of its natural oils,” resulting in severely dry and potentially irritated hands.
How to choose the best hand cream based on ingredients
Dr. Chacon advises prioritizing non-irritating yet hydrating ingredients such as “hyaluronic acid, shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, and coconut oil.”
“Glycerin will moisturize and smoothen the skin, meanwhile hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin’s surface and protects the barrier. Thick butters like shea or coconut oil offer ultra nourishment while providing an extra layer of protection on the top of the skin,” she shares.
Otherwise, Dr. Goldenberg suggests shopping formulas with occlusives such as petrolatum, which is a commonly-used ingredient that “forms a barrier and protects the skin from outside irritants while moisturizing.”
Dr. Goldenberg also recommends putting a strong focus on ceramides. “Ceramide-infused products will help repair the skin barrier function and protect it from environmental irritants,” he adds. As for antioxidant-rich formulas, Dr. Goldenberg points out vitamin E as one of his favorite ingredients: “it helps repair cells that are damaged and in oil form can also soothe and moisturize the skin.”
Which formulas are best for sensitive or eczema-prone skin?
“Vanicream, CeraVe, and Eucerin hand creams are examples of great products that would be appropriate for sensitive skin and potentially eczema,” shares Dr. Goldenberg.
Dr. Chacon suggests ensuring that your product of choice is “paraben-free, sulfate-free, dye free, and a fragrance-free, as it will help lessen the the likelihood of any flareups or irritation.”
How often should I apply a hand cream?
Dr. Goldenberg advises applying hand cream at least once (ideally twice) per day. That said, if your hands are quite dry and you wash your hands often, he recommends reapplying after every hand wash.
What should I avoid when choosing a hand cream?
Dr. Goldenberg shares that for those with sensitive skin, “avoiding fragrance is important as fragrance-containing products may cause irritation.”
“Formaldehyde is another ingredient I recommend avoiding,” he says, as it may also it may also result in unnecessary irritation or allergic reactions.
“Look for natural nontoxic ingredients and avoid dyes and scents when possible,” advises Dr. Chacon.
- Gary Goldenberg, MD, an NYC-based medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Goldenberg Dermatology
- Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
How we tested hand creams
When curating this edit, we tested dozens of hand creams based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to consistency, value and efficacy. When applying each formula, we paid attention to how it felt (Did it feel nourishing? Was there a greasy feel? Did it result in any irritation?). We also took note of long-term benefits, particularly improvement to the skin’s elasticity and hydration levels after using the formula for four to six weeks.
Best Overall: L’Occitane Nourishing and Protective Shea Butter Hand Cream
Original video by Glamour beauty contributor Denise Primbet
L’Occitane Nourishing and Protective Shea Butter Hand Cream
Let’s face it, it would hardly be a round-up of the best hand creams without this cult formula from L’Occitane. Thanks to a high concentration of 25% shea butter, it feels incredibly nourishing and soothing on the skin while delivering lasting hydration. Not only is it vegan and children-friendly, but it also has the unique ability to form a protective film around your skin to shield it from environmental aggressors. “I’ve been swearing by this hand cream for over five years, and truth be told, I’m yet to find a formula that would feel just as rich without leaving my hands too greasy. It has a nice buttery feel and a little goes a long way, meaning you’re unlikely to run out of it as quickly as you would with other hand creams. As a beauty writer with sensitive skin, I find that it delivers exactly what my hands crave during the winter season. Trust me when I tell you that nothing keeps my dry patches just as soothed and hydrated,” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet.
- Pros: Feels very nourishing, instantly soothes and softens irritated and dehydrated skin
- Cons: Not fragrance-free, the tube isn’t as compact and convenient to carry around
Best for Dry Patches: CeraVe Healing Ointment
Original video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
CeraVe Healing Ointment
If your hands have moved on from the traditional “dry” state all the way to the point when they’re all cracked and flared-up (can relate), trust us when we say that a regular hand cream may not be able to help just as much as this ointment from CeraVe. We’d advise using it in conjunction with your favorite hand cream formula and use it as a targeted treatment for the most affected areas (such as your knuckles). Offering long-lasting moisture, this innovative ointment instantly helps relief the chapped or cracked skin while delivering a soothing healing effect to boost your skin’s moisture barrier overnight. It’s also been proven to help achieve a noticeable improvement to your skin’s hydration levels in as little as one week. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use on all skin types (including eczema-prone and sensitive skin).
- Pros: Ideal for targeting most affected dry areas and patches, reasonably prices, proven to improve hydration levels in just one week
- Cons: Can feel greasier than other formulas out there
Best Splurge: Dior Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Use Balm
Original video by Glamour beauty contributor Denise Primbet
Dior Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Use Balm
As far as luxury hand creams go, the Dior Le Baume is unbeatable thanks to its versatile formula that works just as well on your hands as it does on the lips and your body, making it ideal for targeting any specific dry areas such as knuckles, elbows, knees and heels. It’s lightweight yet deeply hydrating; plus, it’s also infused with centella asiatica, a well-known skincare ingredient that’s commonly found in K-beauty products and is praised for its soothing and barrier-supporting properties. The best part? Not only does the chic pebble packaging make for a perfect accessory to pull out of your bag, but it’s also super convenient to carry around as it easily fits in the palm of your hand. “Whenever I know I will be out and about, I always throw this hero product in my purse, knowing it will keep my skin nice and hydrated all day long without having to carry around multiple products. I love that the scent is calming yet not too overwhelming, and I could talk about this texture for hours on end—nourishing but not at all greasy and sinks in within seconds. I also love to dab a bit of product on my lips for that extra boost of hydration,” says Primbet.
- Pros: Has a multi-purpose and non-greasy formula, features compact packaging
- Cons: Expensive, not fragrance-free
Best Non-Greasy: Rare Beauty Find Comfort Niacinamide Hydrating Hand Cream
Original video by Glamour beauty contributor Denise Primbet
Rare Beauty Find Comfort Niacinamide Hydrating Hand Cream
If you’re someone who hates greasy and sticky formulas (raises hand), you’ll love this gentle formula from Rare Beauty that our editors love. Having launched as part of Selena’s body care range, the Find Comfort hand cream is a clear standout thanks to its clever formulation and compact packaging. This moisturizing and fast-absorbing formula is filled to the brim with skin-loving ingredients such as niacinamide, ashwagandha extract and sodium hyaluronate to keep your hands hydrated for up to 16 hours. And if you love an uplifting scent, you’ll appreciate the notes of sparkling lemon zest, jasmine and cashmere wood – a calming fragrance that smells like SPA itself. “When it comes to hand creams, I always welcome compact and spill-proof packaging as well as a non-greasy feel, which is precisely what Rare Beauty delivers. Normally, I would need to wait for at least 10 minutes until hand cream absorbs so I can return to typing on my laptop and using my phone without leaving any oily marks. I’m glad to report that this definitely isn’t the case with the Find Comfort hand cream. As a bonus, it also has the most relaxing fragrance,” says Primbet.
- Pros: Fast-absorbing, has a stunning uplifting scent, buttery consistency
- Cons: May not be as nourishing for extremely dry skin
Best Fast-Absorbing: PHLUR Hand Cream
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
PHLUR Missing Person Hand Cream
This quality formula is rich with humectants, offering lasting moisture without that unwanted greasy feel. And can we take a minute to appreciate the chic packaging? “Whenever I’m in need of a long-lasting scent, I love to slather my hands in this ultra fragrant hand cream and if I’m going out and about, I love to layer it with a matching PHLUR perfume. It’s also ultra-hydrating because it’s infused with squalane, glycerin and snow mushroom to keep skin crack-free and silky smooth. I like to rub this on in the mornings right before I head out for the day (especially if I’m spending time in cold weather) and typically take it with me to reapply if needed. It leaves my hands quite soft and velvety for hours, and also smooths out rough, coarse texture around my knuckles. This one is such a hack, though, if you want to smell good all day long without having to carry around a perfume,” says Glamour’s commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
- Pros: Has a unique fragrance, non-greasy and fast-absorbing
- Cons: Isn’t a great fit for those of us after a fragrance-free formula
Best for Eczema: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
As recommended by Dr. Gary Goldenberg, the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is “one of the best formulas for eczema or sensitive skin,” and with good reason. It’s formulated without any lanolin, artificial dyes, formaldehyde or parabens, making this fragrance-free cream irritant-free and safe to use even on the most sensitized skin. Plus, it was also awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the NEA (National Eczema Association). Its gentle formulation soothes and hydrates the skin with ease, offering a buttery yet non-greasy consistency and a nourishing feel. We didn’t even get to the best bit yet—it’s super affordable too, making it ideal for re-stocking your beauty cupboard all year round.
- Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin, safe to use for eczema and psoriasis, fragrance-free, affordable
- Cons: May not be the best for oily skin types
Best for Extremely Dry Hands: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Repair Cream
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Repair Cream for Dry Hands
Part of its best-selling Cicaplast range, this Hand Repair Cream from La Roche-Posay is a must for delivering instant relief from excessively dry skin and cracked hands. It wraps around the skin and offers a glove-like layer that locks in hydration for up to 48 hours, making it particularly useful to use during winter. Infused with the likes of niacinamide, glycerin and the brand’s thermal spring water, this quality hand cream will help with a multitude of skin concerns. Not only will it help repair your skin’s natural moisture barrier and help protect it from environmental aggressors, but it’s also been proven to reduce discoloration over long-term use. Oh, and did we mention that it’s also free from allergens, parabens and fragrance? Once again, this French skincare brand never fails to deliver.
