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These expert-backed hand lotions are lifesavers.

We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team (and that of our sister team at the Good Housekeeping Institute).

When temperatures fluctuate, your hands protest. Even if you don’t have naturally dry skin, “hands often react to changing temps, moisture-sapping indoor heat, and irritating gloves can lead to cracked, itchy, sometimes bleeding skin—that’s where the best hand creams come in,” says Diane Madfes, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. On top of those irritants, another culprit behind your unhappy knuckles is the sun. “The hands are one of the first places that start to show visible signs of aging, as they are often exposed to environmental aggressors like UV radiation, and are constantly being stripped of moisturizing oils from frequent hand washing,” says Tiffany Jow Libby, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and & Mohs surgeon based in Rhode Island.

In addition, you should also be washing your hands more often, especially in today’s COVID-19 era . “Our hands are exposed and constantly being used and washed compared to other body parts,” explains Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.

But with a moisturizing and soothing hand lotion, you’ll keep your hands smooth, supple, and way less irritated than they would be alone. “The right cream can help heal your cracked skin and prevent further moisture loss,” says Dr. Madfes.

Of course, it’s important to apply hand cream at night before going to bed, but you’ll also want to stash a bottle next to your sink: In general, you should give your hands a quick squirt of lotion every time you wash to prevent excessive dryness during the day, Dr. Madfes explains.

We consulted Dr. Madfes, Dr. Cindy Bae, Dr. Libby, Heather Woolery-Lloyd, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Florida and member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the Good Housekeeping Institute who tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item, and countless customer reviews to find the best hand creams for healthier skin.

This lotion topped our 2020 Healthy Beauty Awards and earned a number one spot on Good Housekeeping’s list for a reason: “This has glycerin, which gives the product a slick feel without its being sticky or heavy,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. “It gives you instant relief if you have ultra-dry hands, so I recommend keeping it in your bag and applying as needed.” Reviewers adore it, too.

When you’re looking for an everyday hand cream to throw in your bag, you want a product that won’t leave your skin feeling oily or greasy. Another pick from Dr. Madfes, this balm is packed with shea butter, niacinamide (evens skin tone), and glycerin for hydration that’s gentle on even the most sensitive skin. “I’m plagued with dry skin and ragged cuticles when I don’t moisturize regularly,” one reviewer says. “The formula keeps my hands soft for hours.”

This hand cream is also a top-rated winner, according to Dr. Madfes. All CeraVe products contain ceramides, an ingredient that “holds onto moisture really well,” she says. Hyaluronic acid (to lock in moisture) and dimethicone (improves the texture of the skin) also serve as star ingredients. And if you have super sensitive skin, this hand cream also has a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

This raved-about hand cream is another Good Housekeeping favorite and it packs big results. The rich, fragrance-free cream soothes cracks and callouses but still absorbs easily. If you can’t stand the feeling of lotion on your hands, this one’s for you. “I work in foodservice and wash my hands frequently, and have suffered from severe eczema for most of my life,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I have been applying this cream every time I wash my hands. For the first time in maybe five or six years, my hands don’t sting.”

This multi-use cream is ideal for your hands, face, and body. Formulated with dimethicone, glycerin (to hydrate the skin), colloidal oatmeal (to nourish the skin), ceramides (to retain moisture), and shea butter (to soften the skin), this fragrance- and alcohol-free cream works wonders on cracked, irritated skin. In fact, it can relieve the itching associated with eczema, rashes, and other annoying skin conditions.

Thanks to its mineral base, which includes copper (promotes healthy skin) and zinc (soothes the skin), this lotion nourishes parched spots, and the non-greasy formula lets you go about your day sans sticky fingers. The company claims the benefits—less redness, roughness, and cracks—last through five hand washings.

This unique hand cream utilizes the power of pomegranate seed oil (to strengthen), as well as shea butter, olive oil (to nourish), and glycerin, to deeply moisturize the skin. If you’re looking for a more natural formula that still feels lightweight and non-greasy, this one’s for you. “It’s non-greasy and is quickly absorbed into the skin,” one reviewer says. “My hands were quite spotted from years of sun, but most have faded away.”

“As hands are often exposed more often than other areas to the sun’s UV rays, using hand cream with SPF and keeping hands protected from signs of photoaging caused by UV radiation is key,” says Dr. Libby. Her favorite pick from Supergoop! contains moisturizing oils and SPF 40 to keep your hands hydrated and protected from harmful UV rays at the same time—a super-convenient two-for-one.

“This hand cream is fragrance-free, suitable for sensitive skin types, and keeps the skin on the hands intensely moisturized,” says Dr. Libby. It’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E (to protect the skin from free radicals), jojoba esters (to hydrate), and ceramides (to repair and soften fine lines).

Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like cupuaçu butter (high fatty acids) and squalane (smooths the skin), this hand cream from Sol de Janeiro is a must-have for your handbag. It has a rich formula that works to deeply moisturize the skin, leaving behind a lovely tropical scent. It also works to soften the cuticles!

Convinced your skin can’t be saved? For serious dryness, try a shea butter formula, which creates a healing barrier on the skin. Dr. Madfes recommends hand creams from L’Occitane, particularly this one. “It has a creamier consistency and a nice profile of moisturizing fatty acids,” she says. It’s also quick to rub in and doesn’t leave hands feeling greasy, reviewers report.

This hand cream’s ingredient list is one that will not just help repair dry skin but will also protect it from environmental stressors, according to the brand. Its formula features rich marula oil (to moisturize), vitamins C (to brighten), and E (to protect), while niacinamide supports the skin’s moisture barrier. Don’t let this hand cream’s texture fool you—it’s vegan!

Formulated specifically for people who work with their hands, this humble cream contains glycerin and beeswax (to soften), among other super-soothing ingredients. It’s the equivalent of pulling out the big guns, according to reviewers: “This is truly a miracle product,” raves one, who suffers from bleeding, cracked hands each winter. “Here I am weeks later, and my hands have no cracks, look younger, and are no longer red. Can O’Keefe’s fix potholes too?!”

“Dimethicone and allantoin are powerful moisturizing ingredients that work to keep the skin on the hands protected and soothed,” says Dr. Libby. This hand cream works to soothe dehydrated hands that suffer from environmental exposure to create a smoother and softer texture.

Nordstrom shoppers go wild for this luxe hand pomade, which boasts a texture somewhere between a lotion and a balm. With derm-approved ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and botanical oils, it’s super-moisturizing—but its main draw is its lush, inviting hinoki scent, which is “so unique and amazing” and “warm and woody,” according to reviewers.

Affordable, effective, and readily available, Gold Bond’s hand cream is non-greasy and strong enough to last through hand-washing, according to the brand. It’s all due to a formula featuring glycerin, aloe vera (to soothe itching), and niacinamide. “When I first start to apply, it feels like, yeah, this is going to be greasy, too. But after a few seconds, it just changes, and it kind of sets,” one reviewer writes. “And besides that, it is really moisturizing. It keeps my hands in great shape.”

This lotion comes with a pump, meaning it’s especially convenient for keeping next to your bathroom or kitchen sink. Moisturizing all-stars like shea butter, almond oil, and glycerin are all here to ward off cracked, angry skin. “Why are you still reading? Why aren’t you checking out your Amazon cart with two of these?” one reviewer asks. (It also makes a perfect match for the brand’s wildly popular hand soaps.)

Need something with extra oomph? Try this salve, which includes beeswax and a bouquet of botanical oils (including almond, olive, and rosemary) to lock in moisture and soothe rough skin. “I get really dry hands and cuticles, particularly in the winter,” a reviewer explains. “This balm solves the problems within a few minutes.”

According to the Good Housekeeping Institute, this affordable hand cream is a steal, thanks to its low price and gel-based texture. Its moisturizing formula works to instantly hydrate and repair dry hands. The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a skincare super hydrator that works to seal moisture into the skin.

When looking for a moisturizing hand cream, scan for the following ingredients, each of which actually works to keep your hands smoother and more moisturized:

✔️ Prevent moisture loss. Look for products that contain petroleum jelly (often listed as petrolatum), ceramides, and dimethicone, which seal in hydration.

✔️ Attract water. Ingredients known as humectants pull water into the skin like a sponge, which gives a plumping effect. Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or urea on your label.

✔️ Add moisture. Emollients like lanolin, petroleum, squalane, and certain plant extracts and oils like cocoa and shea butter will give a moisture boost where needed and create a protective film over the skin.

✔️ Soothe the skin. Aloe vera, soy, and oatmeal all have unique healing properties that effectively calm sensitive or irritated skin. Wading through the lotion aisle can be daunting, considering there are countless products that all make the same promises. Here, we rounded up the very best hand creams, each with dermatologist-approved ingredients and glowing reviews. Reach for these lotions when your hands start to protest—your skin will thank you.