10 Hand Creams That Actually Work

Ameliorate Intensive Hand Treatment, £15

Ameliorate is clinically proven and dermatologically tested, with a ground-breaking formula that not only provides intense moisture, but also exfoliates, softens and protects. Shea butter, oat oil and alpha hydroxyl therapy come together to rid you of dry patches and rough skin, and condition cuticles. The proof is in the pudding: 94% of testers say it gave their hands instant relief after one night of use. 

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Aveeno Skin Relief Very Dry Hands Cream, £11.66

This silky lotion is a must-have for anyone after a fast-absorbing formula. It leaves hands looking and feeling smooth, thanks to glycerine, soothing oatmeal and petrolatum. The fact it’s fragrance-free helps, as sensitive skin types will likely have little to no irritation. Take note – it’s quite a thick formula, so a little goes a long way.

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CeraVe Soothing & Repairing Hand Cream, £6

There’s a reason this brand is a dermatologists’ favourite. Loaded with skin-plumping ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this cream puts back vital moisture, while strengthening the skin’s protective barrier to prevent dryness from reoccurring. It doesn’t leave behind a sticky, tacky residue, and works fast to soften and heal cracked skin. 

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Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Plus Intensive Repair Hand Cream, £12.45

What this lacks in pretty packaging, it makes up for in heavy-duty formula. Laced with glycerine, it glides on seamlessly without any tacky feel, delivering quick, quenching moisture deep into the skin’s dermis. The addition of alpha hydroxy acids is an added benefit, as they work to increase cell turnover for younger-looking hands.

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L’Occitane Hand Cream, £8

More than just a chic tube, L’Occitane’s cult hand cream has come to the rescue many times for those with dry, ragged hands. Packed with shea butter and honey, you can expect your hands to be nourished back to their softer selves in no time. It’s a staple for many industry insiders, and can be used at a pinch to tame frizzy, flyaway hairs too. 

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La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume for Hands, £7.50

Designed to treat overworked hands that are visibly damaged, this one protects skin from cracking further, while repairing the skin’s barrier with niacinamide and glycerine. It’s fragrance-free, so ideal for sensitive skin types, but the real selling point is just how quickly it gets to work: testers found a thick layer before bed meant silky, soft and rehydrated hands by morning, with soreness visibly reduced. 

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hand Gel Cream, £3.66 (was £5.49)

Unlike others on this list, this has a gel formula that’s lightweight yet ideal for boosting moisture levels. It has a fresh scent akin to clean laundry, while hyaluronic acid helps to lock in hydration for days – not just hours. The only downside of the gel is it can feel quite greasy, so apply it lightly and layer up as needed. Those with severely dry hands will benefit the most from this formula. 

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Nursem Caring Hand Fix, £14.99

Yes, it provides comforting moisture to dry skin, but this formula (developed by nurses to combat constant hand-washing) does so much more. Your hands won’t just feel better post-use, they’ll also look smother, thanks to the Manuka honey, nourishing oils and white willow extract – the last of which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. The ’grammable packaging is enough to entice alone.

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Sothys Velvet Hand Crème, €16.00

Trust the French to create one of the most popular hand creams to date. Yes, it nourishes and protects, but this formula also leaves the hands feeling comfortable, without the need for constant top-ups. It has a soft, subtle scent that feels luxurious, while the silky texture sinks in fast, so your fingers never get stuck to your sheets or your keypad. It’s easy to use on the go, thanks to the compact tube. 

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Glossier Hand Cream, £16

It was only a matter of time before Glossier dropped a pretty, yet effective hand cream. The first batch of 10,000 units was given away to medical staff in the US, but it is now available to the public. Perfectly palm-sized, it comes in a little pod that’s easy to flick open and use wherever you are. As for the formula, it’s been described as ‘for hands that do stuff,’ with nutrient-rich meadowfoam seed oil and coconut fruit extract working to hydrate and soothe immediately. Then you have the fragrance, which is the cult ‘Glossier You’ reimagined, with a fresh, clean dry down. 

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*Glossier purchases are limited to three per person, which is an indicator that Glossier expects the new cream to sell out fast.