If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, we may receive an affiliate commission. Learn more about our policies and reviews.
Hear us out when we say that skincare isn’t limited to just your face. The rest of your body requires as much attention as the areas above your neck. Many of us take our hands for granted without realizing how much we use them every day.
Think about it, the constant sanitizing and washing our hands go through in just one day is enough to leave them rough and cracking. So, it is safe to say that your hands require some much-needed TLC. And when it comes to taking care of hands, nothing can take the place of good hand cream.
With so many options available in the market though, which hand cream should you go for? If you haven’t used hand cream before, don’t worry. In this article, we have reviewed some of the leading hand creams for 2024, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide that will assist you in finding a quality product that works for you. Can’t wait to dig in? Let’s get started!
Detailing the Leading Hand Creams in 2024
Gold Bond Hand Cream — Best Overall
Are you looking for a product with a fresh scent and an ideal consistency? Gold Bond’s hand cream is exactly that and more.
This long-lasting option is rich in seven different moisturizers and contains vitamins such as A, C, and E. These vitamins help keep your hands soft and improve their appearance.
And, if you face regular skin dryness, this hand cream can work wonders for you. Its hydrating formula is long-lasting and repairs any damage regardless of when you wash your hands.
As a hypoallergenic product, most people with sensitive skin can also use it. Since it is a fragrance-free product too, it’s very unlikely you’ll develop rashes or skin allergies. If you like your hands to smell good after application though, you may be disappointed.
Because of the extra care and hypoallergenic formula this cream provides to customers, we judged it as the best overall on this list.
Pros
- Rich in vitamins for healthier hands
- Hypoallergenic and safe to use
- Repairs hands quickly
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- A lack of fragrance can be disappointing for some
Un Air d'Antan Hand Cream — Four Distinct Smells
Un Air d'Antan Hand creams provide immediate hydration by swiftly absorbing into the skin. These creams contain sweet almond oil and organic shea butter to keep your hands feeling soft throughout the day. This high-end hand cream set features distinct fragrances. Each aroma is distinctive and delightful in its own way. You can discover your signature scent among four artfully crafted scented creams—joie, rose, Provence, and douce. The tin provides a terrific presentation and eye-catching design and looks excellent in the bathroom. The high-end handset is free of parabens and will leave your hands feeling wonderfully pampered after every wash.
Pros
- Swift absorption provides immediate hydration
- Bottle design looks great in the bathroom
- Four distinct smells
Cons
- Leaves a residue behind
O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream — Perfect for Nighttime
This concentrated and consistent product is a great option for healing cracked and dry hands. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands cream creates a layer of protection that prevents the loss of moisture while also boosting hydration.
Additionally, it has hydrating ingredients to ensure your skin stays safe from further damage. We also love that this cream has a calming effect on your hands, making it perfect for applying at night before bedtime.
While this is an unscented cream, the product is also free from allergens that may harm sensitive skin.
That said, you may find this hand cream a little pricier than other products on the list. And, it doesn’t spread conveniently, so applying it might be challenging.
Pros
- Calming and perfect for nighttime
- Provides protection
- Contains glycerin and is rich in mineral oil
Cons
- Applying may be difficult
Burt's Bees Hand Cream — Best for Dryness
Do your hands get unbearably dry during winter? If that’s the case, Burt’s Bees hand cream may offer you some relief. It contains ingredients that soften tough and extremely dry skin within a few uses.
This option also contains a fruit-acid formula that gently exfoliates your hands, making them look fresh and neat after every application. In addition, green tea extracts and pumpkin oil help remove any dead skin, so your hands look clean even after a whole day at work.
One of the greatest qualities of this product is that it is non-greasy. This property makes this hand cream useful for many people. And, it doesn’t have a scent, so if you are someone who doesn’t mind this, grab this option right away.
Pros
- The rich formula for keeping hands hydrated
- Great for exfoliation
- Non-greasy, smooth application
- Contains baobab oil for softening
Cons
- Unscented, may not appeal to some users
L'Occitane Hand Cream — Most Luxurious
If you don't have many constraints on your budget and want a hand cream that fits well with your other luxury skincare products, try this option from L’Occitane. This option belongs to a well-known brand, so you can expect high-quality ingredients and great performance.
It contains a beautiful blend of shea butter, almond extracts, coconut oil, and honey, offering you a hand-softening formula. Additionally, unlike most other creams, this product doesn’t leave any annoying oil traces on your hands, which is excellent.
We also love how a single application gives your hands a silky quality that can usually only be achieved at a spa. This cream comes in an aluminum tube, giving off five-star vibes.
This option has synthetic ingredients that give it a unique fragrance. It can work well for anyone who loves using scented products. Someone who has sensitive skin, however, may want to go for a cream with a natural fragrance.
Pros
- A luxury product with rich ingredients
- The perfect blend doesn’t leave oil traces
- Offers silky treatment
Cons
- Contains synthetic fragrances
Eucerin Hand Cream — Perfect for Travel
Are you done with having damaged hands and can’t wait to invest in a hand cream for advanced repair? If that sounds like you, Eucerin’s cream can come to your rescue and serve your needs.
It contains a fast, quick-absorbing formula that helps deal with cracks and dryness, ensuring your hands feel soft after two to three applications. Additionally, this option is rich with ceramide-3 and alpha-hydroxy ingredients to moisturize your hands and make them look healthy again.
The size of this package is also travel-friendly, so you can pop it in your bag and use it whenever you feel like it. That said, considering its positives, you may find this cream a little more expensive than other products in the same category.
Pros
- Effective, non-greasy formula
- Heals cracks easily
- Travel-friendly size
Cons
- Expensive compared to similar creams
Finding Your Next Hand Cream: A Buyer’s Guide
Have the above recommendations left you overwhelmed? We understand that each hand cream looks perfect, but you can’t spend your money on all of them, right?
That’s why we included this buyer’s guide, to help you make the right decision.
The Right Way to Apply Hand Cream
The process of applying hand cream is as simple as you think. Simply squeeze some cream on the back of your hand and use your other hand to rub it in. Applying cream on the top of your hand is essential because it quickly gets dry, and that area of the skin doesn’t have any oil glands.
After applying the cream to the top of your hand, rub some on your palm. Make sure to moisturize both your hands, so they get equal amounts.
Should People With Sensitive Skin Avoid Certain Ingredients?
Avoid hand creams containing alcohol if you have sensitive skin. And, if you don’t mind unscented products, use fragrance-free hand cream.
Choosing the Ideal Hand Cream
If it is hard for you to select a hand cream, these important factors can help you make a quick and informed decision.
Formula
Don’t compromise on the formula of your hand cream. A rich formula with all the essential vitamins and ingredients is always preferable. Some typical ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera can help nourish cracked skin fairly easily.
Hand cream with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) can meet your needs all year round, making it a thoughtful investment.
Consistency and thickness
Hand cream with a consistent texture is easy to apply and stays on your hands for a long time.
Additionally, if you want a cream to serve you during winter, go for a product with an adequate thickness that is heavier on your hands. Alternatively, during summer, lightweight hand creams serve their purpose well.
Price and expert recommendations
Before buying a hand cream, ensure that it falls within your budget. Luxury hand creams may lure you at times, but many budget-friendly creams can produce similar results.
Also, it is always wise to go through some expert recommendations before picking a hand cream. After all, the experts can guide you more efficiently with their experience and knowledge.
