_1684159898.png?20240509947)
_1712735965.jpg?20240509947)
Best Hand Creams for Dry Hands and Skin
Taking care of your hands is just as important as any skincare routine. Whether it’s dry hands or cracked palms from over-washing, scrubbing or the weather, a nourishing hand cream can restore, repair and revive compromised hands. From gentle and fragrance-free or intensely luxurious, take your pick from our round-up of the best hand creams for every skin type and concern.
How we choose the best hand creams
When narrowing down the very best hand cream, we’re looking for treatments that are infused with skin-loving ingredients, fast-absorbing with a non-greasy feel and delivering a soft, supple and smooth finish. An indulgent and soothing scent is always a plus. Using our insider beauty experts along with customer reviews, discover the hand creams that have made it to the top of our hot list.
By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 12 January 2024
-
CeraVe
Soothing and Repairing Hand Cream
Best for derm-approved ingredients
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. One of the best hand creams for dry skin, it’s packed with three essential Ceramides (fatty acids that help maintain the skin barrier), this soothing cream is fast-absorbing and gentle on the hands. Developed with dermatologist expertise, it’s a must-have for those with more specific skin concerns.
Tried and tested: "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
-
Aesop
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
Best for a self-care treat
Aesop’s addictively scented hand cream is a winner on all fronts. Decadently rich in texture and with a non-greasy finish, it intensely softens dry, rough skin and even treats cuticles and nails. Infused with notes of Mandarin Oil, Rosemary Leaf and Cedarwood, every mini hand massage deserves this hand balm. Plus, its vegan, paraben- and cruelty-free formula makes this the perfect addition to your clean beauty routine.
Tried and tested: "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
-
Jo Malone
Peony and Blush Suede Hand Cream
Best for long-lasting 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.
Tried and tested: "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
-
L'Occitane
Shea Butter Hand Cream
Best for luxe lovers
This iconic, award-winning silver tube is loved by thousands of customers across the globe as well as a slew of Beauty Editors. Ideal as a well-deserved treat for you or a gift for someone special, the luxurious formula contains a blend of highly nourishing, scent-soothing ingredients including a high concentrate of Shea Butter infused with Coconut Oil, Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang. It’s pure luxury at your fingertips and delivers heavenly smelling hands with every use.
Tried and tested: “This is the best cream of the range. It’s deeply moisturising and non greasy. With the use of harsh soaps and hand sanitisers, I found it’s the only hand cream that targets dryness.” - Kim, Customer Review
-
NURSEM
Caring Hand Cream
Best for ultimate defence
Our holy grail for hands at risk of irritation from over scrubbing and washing, this newly cult hand cream is packed with skin-loving Omega 3, 6 and 9 to immediately soothe and reduce ongoing discomfort. Active ingredients also include Manuka Honey (an antimicrobial agent) and deeply-hydrating Vitamin B5 to keep skin soft, smooth and healthy. Formulated especially for those who work in the hospitality industry and the NHS, it’s a perfect cream for cracked hands - and it’s easy to see why it’s become so loved.
Tried and tested: "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
-
Augustinus Bader
The Hand Treatment
Best for a proper treat
Known for their revolutionary skincare products, Augustinus Bader doesn’t skimp when it comes to this luxurious hand cream. Featuring Peony Extract and Vitamin E to soothe and de-stress, Honey for softening and a whole host of other moisturising ingredients, it really is a treat in a tube. Formulated to use immediately after hand sanitising or washing, this is one treatment that puts our hand health at the top of their game - and never disappoints.
Tried and tested: “Truly impressive. I love that a little goes a long way, how it absorbs quickly and effortlessly, how long it keeps my hands and cuticles smooth, that it's unscented. It really does bring out the best in my skin for hands that normally get very chappy, especially in the winter months. Thank you!” - Agnes, Customer Review
