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The Best Hand Creams on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers

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Frequent hand-washing and sanitizingwill certainly help to ward off flu and COVID this winter, but it also might leave your hands more parched than a camel-free caravan roaming the Sahara Desert. And while hand creams can help alleviate that dryness, with so many out there, it can be difficult to know which one to buy. So to help you find the best one for your preferences, we’ve scoured Amazon for some highly rated options that are beloved by some very enthusiastic reviewers.

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Best-rated hand cream

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream
$8

Reviewers who struggle with extremely dry and cracked hands say this hand cream is a “miracle worker.” As one happy purchaser puts it, “I just hope they never stop making it. It works where nothing else did.” One of the more than 6,500 five-star reviewers adds, “Does this need another five star review? Nope. But I had to. This is truly a miracle product! I have the driest skin in the winter. To the point I will look down at my hands to notice they are bleeding from all the various cracks. This made a major difference after just one use! Here I am weeks later and my hands have no cracks, look younger and are no longer red. Can O’Keeffe’s fix potholes too?!” Another writes (pre-pandemic): “Do you want to know how a lumberjack’s hands feel after he’s run his fingers through an angel’s hair? USE THIS AND WONDER NO MORE. I’ve been using this stuff for a few weeks, and it’s helped my hands out drastically. I’ve gotten compliments about how soft my hands are from men and women, through handshakes of course (a lot of hand shaking at work).” And while the jar container might not be for everyone, it does come in tube form for $2 cheaper.

Best-rated (less-expensive) hand cream

Jergens Original Scent Dry Skin Moisturizer
$5
$5

“I have spent so much money on expensive creams that have cost me $60 and $70 that did not work,” starts one reviewer with extremely dry skin. “I bought a little bottle to see what it would do, and it was cheap so I thought, What the hell. I cannot tell you how much I’m amazed.” Plenty of others also love its moisturizing formula and its crisp cherry-almond scent so much so that multiple reviewers say they can’t help but come back to it. One reviewer, who has “tried 100’s of lotions over the years,” always comes back to this option: “Quality has remained as great as it was 50 years ago! My husband loves the smell, my children grew up loving the smell, and now my grandchildren love it.” And because this lotion is passed down through generations, many also note that its scent is pleasantly nostalgic. “The original scent also brings back memories of my grandmother when she used to put Jergens on my hands before church,” writes a reviewer. “You know it’s good when it has been around a long time.”

Best hand cream for dry and cracked hands

Bioderma Hand and Nail Cream
$9
$9

The French company Bioderma is mostly known for their popular micellar water, but their hand and nail cream is another cult favorite, especially for those with extremely dry hands. One reviewer writes, “My hands crack and bleed and it’s a never ending cycle. I thought getting this would be a waste of money but this heals my hands in a night,” adding that they woke up with healthier looking skin. Another appreciates that it “actually absorbs into and moisturizes even the hard dried skin I get around the nails — a first in my experience.” And some use this to heal stubborn hangnails, like one reviewer who calls it “LIFE-CHANGING. I have only used it three times, I am not exaggerating, and my cuticles are better than they have ever been.”

Best hand cream for frequent hand-washing

Gold Bond Ultimate Intensive Healing Hand Cream 3 oz.
$4
$4

If your hands are dry owing to COVID-preventing hand-washing any chance you get, then, reviewers say, this cream will heal them right up. “Ever since the virus I’ve been using so much sanitizers and soaps my hands are cracked and rashed out,” one says. “This stuff is a life saver. Completely heals my hands in as little as one day.” Another agrees that it really does work faster and more effectively than other lotions. “I tried putting regular lotion on a little after washing my hands to help with the dryness but they were still bad,” they write. “This fixed my hands within a few days and I love it.” One reviewer, who was using this pre-pandemic, agrees with all of these new fans. “It’s the only one I’ve found so far that deeply moisturizes my palms enough and doesn’t leave the greasy feeling,” they say. “It absorbs in a few seconds so you can get on with your typing or whatever.”

Best hand cream with shea butter

“I first discovered this hand cream at a little shop in Paris, long before there were L’Occitane stores in the U.S. It was much less expensive back then (in the ’80s!) and every time anyone I knew was headed to France I would hand them $100 and say, ‘Get as much of this as you can!’ If memory serves, that would buy 10 tubes,” writes one longtime reviewer who’s still using it: “I have tried other Shea Butter moisturizers but none get close to how great this one is!”

And though several reviewers note that this hand cream is expensive, they say it’s “worth it” because the “giant-size tube” will last a long time. “This is the best hand lotion I’ve ever owned. I’ve been using this product now for over a year, and this is only my second tube as a little goes a long way,” one satisfied customer writes. “Living in the dry climate of Colorado, a good lotion is essential, and this product fits the bill perfectly! It doesn’t leave an oily residue, and rubs in effortlessly. As a bonus, my husband loves the scent as well!”

Best (less expensive) hand cream with shea butter

This Pre de Provence hand cream is significantly less expensive than the L’Occitane one above — but reviewers say it’s just as smooth, silky, and moisturizing. “Years ago when I first tried the L’Occitane brand hand cream, I was really taken by the fragrance and how well it seemed to moisturize. But it’s expensive,” writes one reviewer who went searching for a dupe. They say the Pre de Provence one is “ just like the brand name product. Smell, feel and moisturizing ability.” The formula is infused with 20 percent shea butter, which makes “world of difference,” according to another reviewer who has been “using this for about a month now … This cream makes my hands baby soft. It rubs in quickly and doesn’t leave my hands the least bit greasy. Plus the smell is amazing.” And another reviewer who has amassed a variety of hand lotions from “Lush, L’Occitane, Kiehls and Ahava” says this one is their “favorite of the lot” because it’s “rich but not greasy, as are many things made with shea butter” and it has a nice fragrance that “smells more like almond than many almond oil based hand creams.”

Best hand cream with SPF

Eucerin Daily Hydration Hand Cream With SPF 30, 8 oz.
$8
$8

Reviewers say this is a great hand cream, especially if you’re looking for something with added sun protection. “It does smell like SPF for a few minutes,” admits one reviewer, “but the scent goes away. I’d rather smell that for a couple minutes than have wrinkly hands!” Another purchaser writes, “I wear this lotion every single day on my arms and hands. I put it on in the morning as I am getting ready for work. I also wear it year round, as sun damage happens not only in the summer but also in fall and winter. It goes on very nice and rubs in easily. I’ve tried other lotions with sunscreen, and they just don’t apply as easily as Eucerin.” A third uses this hand cream especially when driving: “I like to keep one in my car to apply before driving because this has sun protection and I try to avoid getting sun spots on my hands and arms. It absorbs into the skin so nicely and doesn’t leave it greasy while moisturizing so nicely.”

Best long-lasting hand cream

Reviewers say this hand cream is long-lasting — but not in the sense that the tube will last a while. “It’s not greasy, it soaks right into the skin, and actually does last through a few hand-washings,” writes one customer, and about 10 percent of reviewers report a similar experience. “I only have to apply it once a day, and my hands feel as soft as a baby’s you-know-what.” Another reviewer, who claims to have once applied lotion 15 times a day, says that with this Aveeno, one need “only have to reapply around three times a day.” Others give it top marks for its mild scent and fast soak-in rate. For one user, these factors make it the perfect hand cream for a desk job: “Don’t want a strong scent to irritate other members of the cubicle farm, or something that leaves me feeling too greasy to manage papers. Fits the bill and leaves my hands feeling nice.”

Best hand cream for dry cuticles

$6

Over 1,000 five-star reviewers say this Vaseline lotion works wonders for restoring dry, damaged nails and cuticles. After struggling with “really weak nails” that “rarely grow very long,” one reviewer decided to try this lotion and reports that their “hands look like they’re glowing. They’re so moisturized and my nails … don’t break or peel as often.” And multiple reviewers who are hard on their hands say that this lotion is “healing and transformative”; one who “works with yarn every day” says their “hands and especially my cuticles take quite a beating. This lotion though … it is phenomenal! I have tried SO many different ones and this lotion is worlds better than all of them.” And another spends “a lot of time with my hands in water for work” and found that “a little goes a long way” with this product. They use it “every night before bed, rubbing it over the backs of my hands and into my cuticles. It has a nice scent without being too overwhelming.” Plus, nearly 10 percent of reviewers note how the formula is non-greasy and sinks into your skin, with one writing that the lotion feels “super moisturizing and dries soft, not sticky … it doesn’t leave you unable to open doors or bottles.”

Best hand cream for eczema

Gold Bond Eczema Relief Hand Cream
$4
$4

This Gold Bond hand cream comes recommendedby our in-house beauty expert Rio Viera-Newton for clearing up her itchy, irritated skin in just two days, and it’s highly-rated by Amazon reviewers, too. More than 80 percent of reviewers give it a five-star review, and dozens use it as their go-to for eczema flare ups. “From OTC stuff to prescription ointments this is hands down the best and only thing that has helped” one reviewer’s child’s eczema. “Apply every night after bath, it cleared up after about a week.” Other reviewers describe it as “magic,” a “must-have,” and even a “miracle worker.” Another appreciates that it’s super hydrating without being greasy or stinging dry skin, even if you don’t have eczema: “If you are in the market for a lotion that won’t hurt your super-dry cracked hands, this is it!”

Best anti-aging hand cream

Weleda Regenerating Hand Cream
$12

Stephanie Danler introduced us to Weleda’s cure-all moisturizer, and its hand cream gets similarly rave reviews. “The cream itself melts into your hands as soon as you apply it without any greasy residue,” writes one reviewer. “My hands are very dry, especially in the winter, and this has been my go-to hand cream.” Another says, “I no longer have skin splits on my fingers in the winter, or in cold weather.” Beyond general hydration, the anti-aging results a few reviewers have seen with this cream are called out. “It is instantly more youthful looking,” one says, while another claims, “It even helps fade brown spots on my hands.” One customer who actually uses it for the face says, “I am 72 years old and have less wrinkles than most women over 50 years old … It stays on better than other moisturizers, or eye creams, or night creams. It is also a great price for something that works so so well.”

Best fragrance-free hand cream

Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream, 2.7 Ounce
$7

Eucerin hand cream gets high marks from reviewers who want a fragrance-free option: “I depend on this to repair my dry cracked skin in the winter. And one of the best features is that is has no fragrance! You can use it continually, and not smell like some kind of flowery lotion.” “It’s truly unscented unlike many that claim to be,” says one reviewer, and many others appreciate that it’s nongreasy. As one reviewer explains, “I’m always concerned when I purchase a new hand lotion because I cannot stand the overly slimy feeling lotion some lotions leave on my hands. I can’t even count how many times I ran straight to the sink to wash lotion off (which sort of defeats the purpose). This lotion feels very rich and creamy and after just a few seconds feels velvety … Not greasy at all.”

Best scented hand cream

Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy Cream
$8
$8

Nearly 3,000 verified buyers give Camille Beckman hand cream five stars, with many citing the unique fragrance options as their favorite aspect of the product line. Of the wide variety of available scents, Signature Camille appears to be the most popular scent among reviewers. “In love with the Camille scent,” writes one. “It’s soft and floral. I’ve been using it all day and my hands are already incredibly soft, more than they’ve been in months. I’ve tried Nivea cream, Pacifica cream, a Lush hand mask, coconut oil, olive oil, and even my hyaluronic face moisturizer in an attempt to soothe my cracked knuckles and nothing has worked. One day of using this and my hands are finally happy!” Purchasers love this hand cream’s fragrance. “Feels nice, smells divine,” one writes, while another adds, “I feel so relaxed just rubbing this into my skin — like I am in a spa.” Reviewers also love the small 1.35-ounce tube it comes in because it’s “just the right size for even a small handbag.” And the overall quality of the lotion gets high praise as well: “So much yes to this hand lotion! Not greasy, not slippery, absorbs quickly and my hands haven’t looked or felt this good in ages. Definitely buying again.”

Best (less expensive) scented hand cream

The Body Shop Shea Hand Cream 30ml
$6
$6

This hand cream comes in ten different scents, but no matter which one you choose, you can’t go wrong — every scent impressed reviewers. One who uses the strawberry says, “It smells like strawberries without the ‘cream’ or the sickeningly sweet cotton candy or other additives that ruin the fruity smell of plain strawberries.” Another who went with the grapefruit writes, “The scent smells like a fresh cut grapefruit and is just the pop I need to help me get alert and ready for my work shift.” And the consensus among reviewers is that the cream is moisturizing without being greasy. “Their hand creams are thick enough for my dry hands, but absorb nicely,” one says. Another writes, “ It works as well as a heavy hand cream, but it’s very light and your hands don’t feel greasy.” And while some users wish it came in a larger size, one says that it “fits perfect in my tote or travel bag.”

Best nongreasy hand cream

$18 for 2

J.R. Watkins’ aloe-and-green-tea-scented hand cream gets high marks from reviewers for its use of “almost all natural” ingredients, “fresh smell,” and good price. More than anything, however, reviews praise this hand cream for its nongreasy application. Says one reviewer: “This hand creme is very smooth and thick, and NOT sticky one bit! A friend of mine let me try some and I had to buy my own right away, I was obsessed. I love the aloe and green tea fragrance, it smells so fresh. Sometimes I’ll dab a bit on my arms and elbows when I need a little afternoon scent pick-me-up. My hands get dry and scaly, and I need a hand cream that will sink in and last. This cream does the trick; it is my new go-to lotion!” Another celebrates this cream for similar reasons: “It smells so good and fresh. But the best part is that your hands feel deeply moisturized without greasiness and it lasts a long time.”

Best hand cream for soft hands

Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream, 3.4 oz.
$17
$17

Dozens of five-star reviewers mention how “soft” their hands feel after using this mineral hand cream. One purchaser writes, “Absolutely the best hand cream I have ever used! It leaves a wonderfully soft, almost velvety feel, not greasy at all. And I play a lot of piano, so greasy hands are a big no-no.” Many note that while this hand cream is expensive, it’s “worth it” because of how nice their hands feel afterward. “I go through several hand creams every winter, many of which claim to be the best and most restorative. I have many hesitations about trying higher-end hand creams, but this is worth every penny. It has a beautiful texture, absorbs very quickly, and leaves hands feeling soft and moisturized, but without the greasy or oily feeling.” Another reviewer lays it out simply: “It doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, just soft and smooth.”

Best hand cream for men

$15

“Hubby likes it,” writes one reviewer. “He’s a maintenance man. Fixes things 13 hours a day. His hands were rough! [But now] they call him ‘baby soft’ at work because of how soft his hands are.” While this hand cream is marketed toward men, many women like it, too. As one man reports: “I bought this hand cream for myself, but my girlfriend stole it from me. She loves it! Now, if I can only steal it back.” Men mention trusting this hand cream because of the company’s reputation in men’s skin care. “I am a big fan of Jack Black products,” says one purchaser. “It’s so hard to find good skin-care products made for men, and like their other products, this didn’t disappoint.” Another writes about having dry hands “all year”: “I keep a bottle at home and at work. Nongreasy, smells manly. I put it on my feet too (I’m a rebel). Keep it up, Jack Black!”

Best overnight hand cream

O’Keeffe’s Night Treatment Hand Cream
$17 for 2
$17 for 2

“When the dry winter season arrives, my poor hands become red, raw, and cracked to the point of bleeding no matter how many times I apply lotion throughout the day,” starts one reviewer. “I use this at night — once before bed — and that is it. No more chapped hands for me! Seriously, this stuff is a miracle product.” And lots of other reviewers report similar experiences with this O’Keeffe’s hand cream, which — unlike our best-rated pick — is meant to be put on before bed. One teacher in California whose “hands were so dry you could hear them snag on my sweaters,” says that results are noticeable within a night. “I rubbed a dime size on and went to bed, and I was amazed the next day. I’ve told my friends, family, co-workers, and hopefully you believe my words, too, because this has changed my life!” And plenty of others who hate applying lotion throughout the day were relieved to find this, too, including one who prefers moisturizing before they go to sleep: “It has a nice, light lavender-smelling scent, but the best part about it is that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave your hands feeling greasy! You will wake up with softer, practically new hands.”

Best hand balm

Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Hand Balm
$9
$9

If regular hand creams just aren’t cutting it, reviewers say this Burt’s Bees salve delivers high-intensity hydration. “Perfect for my severely chapped hands,” reports one reviewer whose hands were “dry, sometimes cracked, bleeding” from frequent hand-washing. “I tried regular and intensive hand creams but they weren’t fixing it. I got this stuff and I love it. Within two days my chapped hands were healed.” According to one reviewer who washes their hands “a hundred times a day” for their job, the balm’s 100 percent beeswax formulation means that it “leaves a bit of oil on your skin for a few minutes, but [it] quickly dries smooth, and does not leave a waxy buildup on your hands.” They advise not bothering with “liquid moisturizer for dry hands because it’ll soak it but doesn’t help heal the cracks.” And another reviewer’s plumber husband has “tried EVERYTHING under the sun” to fix his “extremely calloused, rough, and horribly dry” hands, but nothing helped until this product: “After just the first application, we could already tell the difference! His hands felt so soft! Just after ONE application! We were in shock!”

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The Best Hand Creams on Amazon, According to Reviews