Frequent handwashing and hand sanitising (plus the cold air on our daily walks) have all become part of our everyday life. But that doesn’t mean dry hands have to be! We have rounded up our favourite hand creams to save your hardworking and overwashed hands, and to make dryness and tightness a thing of the past.
Whatever you’re looking for in hand cream, from luxuriously scented, hardworking and effective, to nourishing and comforting, we’re sharing our top picks to help you find your new favourite. Read on to find your hands’ new best friend…
1. The Nourishing Hand Cream
What is your favourite hand cream? L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream.
Why is this your must-have? I love this hand cream because it quickly and continuously nourishes your hands. The rich white lotion absorbs quickly, perfect for me as I hate sticky and heavy textures. The creamy, comforting scent reminds me of talc with a slight floral edge; it lingers beautifully and keeps my hand soft all day!
What makes it different to other hand creams? It’s packed with a hearty dollop of shea butter – which is renowned for its conditioning and softening abilities. I love how soft and soothed my hands feel after using it.
Are you loyal to this hand cream, or do you like to switch it up? I am loyal to this hand cream; I’ve got a mini version in my bag and a large one on my desk, I’d never be without it!
2. The Repairing Hand Cream
What is your favourite hand cream? Avene Cicalfate Restorative Hand Cream.
Why is this your must-have? Cicalfate is a product I rave about for its ability to heal ANYTHING. But, as I don’t need to use it every day, I’ve been able to get my cica fix through the Restorative Hand Cream. Continuous washing and working in a garage with a hand heater dried my skin out, but this hand cream has restored their softness. The talky aftermath is one of my highlights too; I hate greasiness.
What makes it different to other hand creams? Cicalfate may look a little basic (sorry Avene), but it’s the complete opposite. It’s a powerhouse. It restores, soothes and protects hands for up to 5 washes, but I love using it so much I keep it close to hand after every hand wash.
Are you loyal to this hand cream, or do you like to switch it up? Before COVID, I wasn’t consistent with hand creams, and I also prefered scents over texture. Now I’m all about the protection! I’d love it if this cream had SPF too – when I’ve finished this cream, the new Eucerin one will be next on my list!
3. The Luxurious Hand Cream
What is your favourite hand cream? Acqua di Parma Colonia Hand Cream.
Why is this your must-have? Out of all of the hand creams I have tried over the years, this one beats all the others. I don’t have dry hands, so I only need a bit of moisture and this does the trick perfectly. I love how easily the lightweight cream absorbs quickly to leave my hands soft and fragranced.
What makes it different to other hand creams? The scent is divine! Freshly applied, it smells exactly like the Acqua di Parma Colonia fragrance to the extent where I’ve even been asked what scent am I wearing! The notes of lemon, bergamot, lavender, verbena, rosemary, sandalwood and patchouli collide for that classic Colonia aroma that I can’t get enough of! If you’re a fan of the cologne, then you’ll love this.
Are you loyal to this hand cream, or do you like to switch it up? I’m loyal to the core when it comes to this hand cream. Nothing shall take its place!
4. The Eco-Conscious Hand Cream
What is your favourite hand cream? Miller Harris Scherzo Hand Cream.
Why is this your must-have? I love how moisturising it is! The rich vegan hand cream has shea butter, argan oil, vitamin B5 and vitamin E to keep your hands smooth, soothed, and protected. And I can’t forget the scent; it’s Miller Harris’ iconic Scherzo fragrance, which blends dark rose and seductive oud for a warm candied aroma that I love!
What makes it different to other hand creams? It’s an all-rounder. If you want a hand cream for dry skin, a vegan product, or want a hand cream for the scent, this is a perfect choice. Plus, it even has recyclable packaging.
Are you loyal to this hand cream, or do you like to switch it up? I switch it up from this hand cream to the Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream when my nails need some attention.
5. The Mouthwatering Hand Cream
What is your favourite hand cream? L’Occitane Almond Delicious Hands Hand & Nail Care.
Why is this your must-have? Like most, I hadn’t considered using a hand cream until recently; I originally had this as part of a gift from my boyfriend’s aunty but hadn’t got into the habit of using it because I didn’t use hand cream.
However, it came into its own when lockdown hit; the nourishing formula packed with almond milk and oil proved to be a lifesaver. It’s ideal for dry, over-washed hands; it doesn’t feel at all greasy because it absorbs so quickly. I could never be without it now!
What makes it different to other hand creams? I’m not saying other hand creams don’t smell good, but this honestly smells incredible. The almond scent is so subtle, sweet and delicious – it’s just yum! When I’m going about my everyday life, I’ll get a whiff of sweetness, and it’s only a small thing, but it brings me unexpected moments of joy throughout the day.
Are you loyal to this hand cream, or do you like to switch it up? I am for now, but never say never. What if L’Occitane release a new version?
6. The Protective Hand Cream
What is your favourite hand cream? Jack Black Intense Therapy Hand Cream.
Why is this your must-have?
I suffer from contact dermatitis on my fingers, and over the last few months with constant washing of my hands, they’ve flared up more than ever – I’ve tried every hand cream under the sun. Having said that, the JB Intense Therapy simply works for me – it leaves my skin soothed and soft, and my cuticles have never looked so healthy (I’m a nail biter, so they’re usually a mess). Oh, and it has a really nice menthol-like scent too – couldn’t ask for any more from a hand cream!
What makes it different to other hand creams?
Vitamin A helps to brighten the skin on my hands, and vitamin E to help promote the skin’s health at a cellular level. I love the way they work together to heal and soothe my hands.
Are you loyal to this hand cream, or do you like to switch it up?
Was definitely a “switcheroo” in terms of trying new creams and lotions prior to finding the JB Intense Therapy Hand Cream, but I think I’ll be sticking to this one!
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MB
L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 150ml
This is the best hand cream I have ever used - soothes, heals and softens sore skin without any stinging - which I get when I use the famous Swedish one.
