The 13 Best Hand Creams for Soft, Sensual Skin, Tested by Editors

Touch me, baby.

model with soft hands from best hand cream
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

As far back as I can remember, I've dealt with extremely dry hands. Chronic, painful cracking and an ashy tone are my status quo. Consequently, my body skincare routine is incomplete without one of the best hand creams. This skincare staple saves me time after time, emerging from my purse more frequently than my phone, keys, and wallet combined.

Moisturizing my hands 25 times a day is second nature to me—and according to board-certified dermatologist Ariel Ostad, M.D. FAAD, that's how it should be. "The short-term consequence of hand dryness is having uncomfortable, dry areas of the hand," he says. As a beauty writer who is unabashedly addicted to having touchably soft skin (I swear by body lotions and body oils), finding the chicest, most moisturizing hand creams has become my little side hobby.

Like all beauty products, not all hand creams are built the same. Not only do you want to find a formula with a texture and fragrance that you like, but you also want to ensure that your hand lotion is packed with effective ingredients that provide long-term hydration. Thankfully, some of my favorite beauty brands—like Byredo, Oribe, and Skinfix—have leveraged the powers of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides.

There is no shortage of options, from retinol-infused formulas and hand creams with SPF to eczema-approved hydrators and budget-friendly options. To help you sort through the excess of options, I spoke with board-certified dermatologists to learn exactly what to seek out in a hand cream formula. I also put together a list of Marie Claire editor-approved hand creams that are genuinely the créme de la créme.

The Best Hand Creams

michelle rostamian tests hand creams

Michelle Rostamian tests Lux Unfiltered hand cream.

(Image credit: Michelle Rostamian)

michelle rostamian tests hand creams

Michelle Rostamian tests Salt + Stone hand cream.

(Image credit: Michelle Rostamian)

michelle rostamian tests hand creams

Michelle Rostamian tests SkinFix hand cream.

(Image credit: Michelle Rostamian)

michelle rostamian tests hand creams

Michelle Rostamian tests Oribe hand cream.

(Image credit: Michelle Rostamian)

michelle rostamian tests hand creams

Michelle Rostamian tests Paume hand cream.

(Image credit: Michelle Rostamian)

Other Hand Creams I Love

What Ingredients Should I Look For in a Hand Cream?

When looking for the best hand cream to combat dryness, look for clinically proven ingredients to boost hydration. Dr. Ostad recommends "ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier." He also suggests seeking out niacinamide, because it boosts skin hydration and helps minimize moisture loss. Rich, natural ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera are also effective for irritated, dry skin.

According to Dr. Ostad, certain ingredients should also be avoided. "Parabens, for example, can cause dryness and irritation," he says. While he maintains that scented hand creams are no less effective than non-scented options, you should avoid fragrance if your skin is cracked or bleeding or if you've had allergic reactions to fragrance before.

How (and When) to Apply Hand Cream

Unlike day and night creams, hand creams should be applied more often. Apply hand lotion at least twice daily, or after every hand wash. Dr. Ostad also stresses the importance of applying cream evenly, including on the backs of your hands and the areas between your fingers.

Is Hand Cream Better Than Lotion?

It depends on what your needs are. In general, hand creams are thicker than hand lotions, which makes them higher in moisturization levels, says Dr. Li. "I almost always recommend cream rather than lotion, as lotions tend to dry out very quickly and can sometimes irritate skin that’s already dry and cracked," he adds.

Why Trust Marie Claire

Marie Claire is an authority on creams in general, having written stories on the best formulas for every skin type. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by beauty writers after testing the product over a few weeks.

While the best hand cream for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list. For a more personalized recommendation or if you have any concerns, check with your dermatologist.

How We Tested

Marie Claire editors and dermatologists quickly volunteered their favorite hand creams for all preferences. We also evaluated customer reviews and best-selling products across our favorite retailers. After picking 13 hand creams, a few Marie Claire staffers tested the selected products. They individually reviewed their moisturizer based on hydration level, texture, ingredients, and feel.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Ariel Ostad
Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is a triple board-certified dermatologist and facial cosmetic surgeon. A graduate of New York University, he is currently based on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Dr. David Li
Dr. David Li

Dr. Li is a board-certified dermatologist trained in general, medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.

Michelle Rostamian

Michelle Rostamian is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire, where she covers beauty-related commerce content. She has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years, previously working as a publicist, and now as an editor and writer covering all realms of beauty (skincare, makeup, hair) as well as wellness, lifestyle, and travel. She was also formerly a Quality Editor for Byrdie where she researched and performed revisions and updates to articles to ensure quality, tone, and voice. Outside of Marie Claire, Michelle has contributed to Allure, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, The Zoe Report, W Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, People, Popsugar, and more. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a B.A. in Communication Studies.

With contributions from