While the colder months may mean moisturizing your hands is top of mind, the weather isn’t the only factor that leads to dry, cracked skin. Washing your hands, using hand sanitizer and doing dishes can also strip moisture from your skin and sometimes lead to irritation. Dry hands can range in severity from a few flakey patches to dermatitis, a type of irritation that may cause cracks in the skin and make you more prone to infections, says Dr. Benjamin Ungar, assistant professor at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine.
If you’re suffering from dry hands, we talked to dermatologists about the best ways to treat them, as well as steps you can take to avoid irritation in the first place. We also rounded up experts’ favorite products and NBC Select-staff favorites for treating dry skin, and some ointments, creams and hand lotions we’ve tried ourselves.
SKIP AHEAD The best hand creams in 2024 | How to shop for hand creams | Why trust NBC Select?
How we picked the best hand creams
When shopping for a hand cream of your own, experts recommend keeping the following in mind:
- Formulation: Thicker products are better when it comes to shopping for products that heal dry hands, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. William Huang. Thick creams and ointments create a protective barrier around dry skin, which keeps moisture in and helps hydrate your hands, he says. Balms and ointments tend to moisturize better than creams and lotions, especially if you’re experiencing more severe dryness.
- Ingredients: Consider lotions, creams and ointments with hydrating ingredients, including petrolatum, ceramides and colloidal oatmeal, says Huang.
- Fragrance-free products: Experts say fragrances can cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. However, if you like fragranced products and you don’t have sensitive skin, experts say you should be fine as far as irritation goes.
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The best hand creams, ointments and balms for dry hands in 2024
Moisturizing your hands is the best way to help heal and prevent dry skin, experts say. With their guidance in mind, we rounded up a handful of expert-recommended products below to help you heal dry, cracked hands, along with NBC Select staff favorites.
Best hand creams
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
- Available in multiple sizes
- Non-greasy
- Has added fragrance
This NBC Select staff favorite softens your hands without leaving any greasy or sticky residue behind. “I love a few different hand creams, but this is the one that stands out the most,” says NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez. “After washing my hands with a drying soap or if it’s the dead winter, my hands always feel dry and tight. This perfectly thick, quick-absorbing hand cream immediately removes that unpleasant feeling.” Alvarez, who can’t go a day without applying this hand cream leaves a large one at her desk and keeps a travel-sized version in her purse.
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
- Smoothing
- Suitable for all skin types
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Can be slightly greasy
“Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Hand Cream is thick and rich, and I use it when my hands are severely dry or cracked,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. “I slather it on before I go to sleep, and the next morning, I notice significant improvement — my hands are softer and don’t hurt as much.” The cream also quickly absorbs into the skin, says Malin.
Grown Alchemist Hand Cream
- Lightweight
- No residue on hands
- Fast absorbing
- Packaging can be messy
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio loves this hand cream and uses it daily, especially during the winter season. “It makes my hands feel so soft and smooth, plus the vanilla and citrus scent smells amazing,” she says. It’s formulated with antioxidants for maximum nourishment and comes in scents like vanilla and orange peel, sweet almond and more.
Vaseline Radiant x Deep Nourishment Hand Butter
- Non-sticky
- Noncomedogenic
- Fast absorbing
- On the thicker side of creams
NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider tested this hand cream for NBC Select’s Wellness Awards and says it makes her hands feel moisturized, soft and smooth. She particularly likes how, despite its rich buttery texture, it’s not oily or greasy and is a more affordable hand cream than other alternatives.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
- Little goes a long way
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
- Best for rough hands
- Nothing to note at this time
This Neutrogena hand cream has a 4.6-star average rating from over 2,600 reviews at Target. Reviewers say that despite trying so many hand creams, they still return to this option from Neutrogena because it prevents their hands from drying out. Though reviewers say it can be a little too thick for daytime, they find it an excellent overnight treatment. This cream has less than 10 ingredients, but 40% of this fragrance-free formula is glycerin, which moisturizes and heals the skin.
Avène Cicalfate Restorative Hand Cream
- Great for dry, cracked hands
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Soothing
- Has a strong natural scent
When looking for a thick yet fast-absorbing hand cream that is effective at healing their hands, Alvarez and Godio choose this moisturizer from Avène. “I put this hand cream on at night before bed, and it immediately leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized,” says Godio. “It absorbs quickly into my skin, plus it never leaves my hands feeling greasy and slippery like so many other hand creams do.” Although this is a fragrance-free option, it has a slight scent because of the ingredients in the formula, which neither Alvarez nor Godio are fans of; however, they don’t mind it because of how well it works.
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream
- Prevents moisture loss
- Safe for diabetics
- Great for dry, cracked hands
- Comes in a jar
Lauren Swanson, NBC Select editorial director, recommends O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream because it’s non-greasy and effective at repairing, soothing and moisturizing hands. The cream uses glycerin and paraffin (along with additional ingredients) to create a protective layer on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture and keep hands hydrated, according to the brand.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
- Helps repair skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Softens skin
- Higher price point
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve has botanical oils and natural wax derived from olive to soothe dry, cracked skin and form a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss, according to the brand. “I like that Kiehl’s is easy to spread, relatively unscented and leaves a feeling of lasting comfort and hydration,” says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz.
EltaMD So Silky Hand Crème
- Non-sticky
- Suitable for all skin types
- Absorbs quickly
- Not in larger sizes
This oil-free hand cream is formulated with ceramides (to repair the skin barrier) and vitamin E (an antioxidant that helps reduce signs of aging), according to the brand. However, its key ingredient is sclareolide, a clary sage derivative, that helps brighten the skin, reduces discoloration on your hands and protects them from environmental aggressors, according to EltaMD. Reviewers say it doesn’t have a greasy feel and is lightweight. This cream has a 4.5-star average rating from over 830 reviews on Amazon.
Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment
- Softens skin
- Packaging doubles as decor
- Refillable
- Not for sunburned skin
- Not for very sensitive skin
- The dispenser can get crusty
After trying this medium-dense hand cream for a year (the brand sent a courtesy sample), Schneider keeps this on her bedside table and uses it as a nightly moisturizer. She specifically uses it at night because of it has retinol, which can increase the chances of sun sensitivity, experts say.
Evolvetogether Monaco Hydrating Hand Cream
- Non-greasy
- It has a large, no-spill cap
- Lightweight
- Has add fragrance
This hand cream, one of my Malin’s favorites, is formulated with glycerin, provitamin B5, vitamin E and vitamin C to hydrate the skin and reduce flakes, according to the brand. The brand has three scented versions of this cream: Monaco, Provence (lavender and chamomile) and Havana (cardamom and wood). The brand also has a fragrance-free option (Fiji). This version has notes of mandarin, rose and patchouli.
Clarins Super Restorative Hand Cream
- Softens rough areas
- Luxurious feel
- Non-greasy
- Higher price point
While Schneider uses multiple hand creams in her collection, this one from Clarins is the one she says she can’t live without. For Schneider, this cream has the perfect consistency: it’s not overly thick and isn’t oily, she says. It helps target uneven skin tone, softens hands and reduces fine lines and age spots, according to the brand.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream
- Safe for sensitive skin
- For very dry, damaged hands
- Allergy tested
- Higher price point
Not only does this hand cream combat dry skin, but reviewers say it also helps soothe eczema, heals minor cuts and improves rough patches. The cream has niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin and the brand’s proprietary thermal spring water, all of which help soothe and moisturize the skin, according to La Roche-Posay. This hand cream has a 4.7-star average rating from over 6,300 reviews on Amazon.
Ten Over Ten The Sleep Mask
- Non-greasy
- Easy to apply
- Improves texture
- Small size
Swanson also recommends Tenoverten’s hand products including The Heroine, The Cocoon and The Sleep Mask. This overnight treatment uses squalane, plant-based extracts and a mushroom-derived gel to moisturize, smooth the skin and increase its elasticity, according to the brand. Unlike other options on our list this cream comes with an application brush so you can gently apply the cream on your hand.
Dionis Milk & Honey Goat Milk Hand Cream
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- For the body, too
- Has added fragrance
Made with natural goat milk, which hydrates the skin, this hand cream is a favorite of former NBC Page Hannah Fuetchman. Reviewers say the cream is smooth and fast-absorbing. It also helps soothe dermatitis flare-ups, rough patches and areas that feel “raw,” reviewers say.
Aveeno Intense Relief Hand Cream
- Great for very dry skin
- Allergy tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- On the thicker side of creams
This rich cream can soothe and hydrate dry skin for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. Its formula includes glycerin, petrolatum and colloidal oatmeal, which helps create a protective barrier around the skin and it is free of common irritants, including fragrances and dyes, according to Aveeno. This hand cream has a 4.6-star average rating from over 6,500 reviews on Amazon.
Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream
- Thick but feels lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Subtle scent
- Has added fragrance
If you have dry, rough hands, consider this aloe hand cream from Gold Bond. Reviewers say this creamy moisturizer only requires a small amount to fully soothe and soften rough, dry hands. Some reviewers who frequently wash and sanitize their hands even say they don’t have to reapply this cream as often as other options on the market because it leaves their skin feeling hydrated all day long.
Supergoop Handscreen SPF 40
- Fast absorbing
- Available in multiple sizes
- Suitable for all skin types
- Higher price point
This SPF moisturizer, which has a 4.6-star average rating from over 1,400 reviews on Amazon, hydrates, nourishes and protects your hands from potential sun damage, which prevents sunspots, experts say. Reviewers say they can take this sunscreen and hand cream hybrid on the go, whether on a sunny day or right before getting their manicures done.
Best balms for hands
Mustela Avocado Multi-Purpose Balm
- Versatile
- Repairs skin
- Pediatrician-tested
- Nothing to note at this time
Mustela is a favorite brand of NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown, who loves this versatile balm. “You can technically use this balm all over, but I keep it at my desk for my hands since I’m a frequent hand-washer,” she says. “The consistency is on the thinner side, but it absorbs fast (essential when you’re constantly typing) and leaves a nice sheen on my skin.” The balm has ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin to nourish, protect and repair the skin. It’s made for people of all ages, including newborns, according to the brand.
Jones Road Hippie Stick Everywhere Balm
- Versatile
- Portable
- Buttery feel
- Can be sticky if overused
Malin says many creams she’s tried transfer on her computer when typing. However, she doesn’t have that issue when using this balm. “I can exclusively apply the balm, which is similar to a sunscreen stick, to the back of my hands to target specific dry areas,” she says. The balm has a buttery feel and minty scent, according to Malin. You can apply it to any area on your body that needs moisture, including your heels, elbows and face, according to the brand.
Best ointments for hands
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Versatile
- Repairing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Can be greasy
Aquaphor says its ointment is formulated with petroleum to heal skin, as well as moisturizing panthenol and glycerin, according to the brand. You can purchase Aquaphor in tubes and jars, and it’s available in multiple sizes.
CeraVe Healing Ointment
- NEA Seal of Acceptance
- Noncomedogenic
- Available in multiple sizes
- Can be greasy
CeraVe Healing Ointment is a balm made with petroleum, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and restore the skin’s barrier, according to the brand. CeraVe says it’s safe to use on all skin types and has a non-greasy feel.
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How to shop for hand creams
Consistency
When shopping for hand creams, the consistency and formulation you choose usually depend on your personal preference. However, how dry your hands are may lead you to choose one over another.
For day-to-day hand care, you’ll want to choose a lightweight consistency like a hand lotion or cream. To repair severe dryness and cracks, you’ll want to choose a thicker formula and lean toward an ointment, our experts say.
Ingredients
Moisturizers will have a blend of ingredients, including humectants (a type of ingredient that attracts moisture), emollients (typically thicker than humectants and soothe the skin while preventing moisture loss) and occlusives (ingredients that prevent water loss and block out irritants.)
Some of the most common ingredients you will find in hand creams include:
- Humectants: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid
- Emollients: Shea butter, ceramides and colloidal oatmeal
- Occlusives: Petrolatum, wax and oils
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Benjamin Ungar is an assistant professor at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine.
- Dr. William Huang is a professor of medicine in Wake Forest School of Medicine’s dermatology department.
Why trust NBC Select?
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select, specializing in topics like home and kitchen, wellness and fitness, pets and household basics from toothpaste to olive oil.
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter at NBC Select, covering skin care, wellness, lifestyle and more. For this piece, they interviewed medical professionals on the best hand creams for dry skin, including how to use them and tips on shopping for one of your own.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
