Our editors really feel strongly about the very best hand lotions in our luggage—together with our go-to lip balm and trusty SPF, after all.
As is the case with the remainder of your pores and skin, depriving your palms of that much-needed moisture is solely not an possibility. “Arms are one of many driest areas of the pores and skin because of publicity to the atmosphere and fixed hand washing,” says Gary Goldenberg, a NYC-based medical and beauty dermatologist at Goldenberg Dermatology. In accordance with Dr. Gary, it is also widespread for our palms to be one of many first components of the physique to indicate indicators of getting older, and guaranteeing that they are nicely hydrated always “is without doubt one of the greatest methods to maintain them wanting youthful.”
That mentioned, it is not so simple as selecting up any outdated tube on the drugstore, since so many hand lotions are both too watery, too sticky, too thick, or too fragranced. Plus, when you’ve got any explicit pores and skin considerations akin to eczema or psoriasis, you’d do nicely to contemplate formulations that may cater to your pores and skin’s wants and assist cut back signs.
Decided to seek out your absolute best bets—and put an finish to dry cuticles and parched pores and skin—we polled Glamour‘s editors on the hand lotions which were getting them via this winter. As a result of the very last thing we have to fear about is irritated, chapped palms. Hold scrolling for a listing of the very best hand lotions we swear by.
The perfect hand lotions, at a look
Your hand cream questions, answered
Why must you use a hand cream?
“Your greatest protection towards dry palms is to moisturize them persistently,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. In accordance with Dr. Goldenberg, elements like “chilly climate, your atmosphere’s humidity, frequent handwashing, and publicity to irritants (akin to plastic or rubber)” might contribute to constant dehydration, and utilizing a top quality hand cream is essential for strengthening your pores and skin’s pure moisture barrier.
Dr. Anna additionally factors out that utilizing a nourishing method is especially necessary in the course of the chilly and flu season. “Washing our palms extra usually will finally strip the pores and skin of its pure oils,” leading to severely dry and probably irritated palms.
How to decide on the very best hand cream primarily based on components
Dr. Anna advises prioritizing non-irritating but hydrating components akin to “hyaluronic acid, shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, and coconut oil.”
“Glycerin will moisturize and smoothen the pores and skin, in the meantime hyaluronic acid hydrates the pores and skin’s floor and protects the barrier. Thick butters like shea or coconut oil supply extremely nourishment whereas offering an additional layer of safety on the highest of the pores and skin,” she shares.
In any other case, Dr. Gary suggests purchasing formulation with occlusives akin to petrolatum, which is a commonly-used ingredient that “kinds a barrier and protects the pores and skin from outdoors irritants whereas moisturizing.”
Dr. Gary additionally recommends placing a powerful deal with ceramides. “Ceramide-infused merchandise will assist restore the pores and skin barrier perform and defend it from environmental irritants,” he provides. As for antioxidant-rich formulation, Dr. Gary factors out vitamin E as one among his favourite components: “it helps restore cells which can be broken and in oil kind also can soothe and moisturize the pores and skin.”
Which formulation are greatest for delicate or eczema-prone pores and skin?
“Vanicream, CeraVe and Eucerin hand lotions are examples of nice merchandise that may be acceptable for delicate pores and skin and probably eczema,” shares Dr. Gary.
Dr. Anna suggests guaranteeing that your product of selection is “paraben-free, sulfate-free, dye free, and a fragrance-free, as it can assist reduce the the chance of any flareups or irritation.”
How usually ought to I apply a hand cream?
Dr. Gary advises making use of hand cream not less than as soon as (ideally twice) per day. That mentioned, in case your palms are fairly dry and also you wash your palms usually, he recommends reapplying after each hand wash.
What ought to I keep away from when selecting a hand cream?
Dr. Gary shares that for these with delicate pores and skin, “avoiding perfume is necessary as fragrance-containing merchandise might trigger irritation.”
“Formaldehyde is one other ingredient I like to recommend avoiding,” he shares, as it might additionally it might additionally lead to pointless irritation or allergic reactions.
“Search for pure non poisonous components and keep away from dyes and smells when potential,” advises Dr. Anna.
How we examined hand lotions
When curating this edit, we examined dozens of hand lotions primarily based on quite a lot of elements, together with however not restricted to consistency, worth and efficacy. When making use of every method, we paid consideration to the way it felt (Did it really feel nourishing? Was there a greasy really feel? Did it lead to any irritation?). We additionally took word of long-term advantages, notably enchancment to the pores and skin’s elasticity and hydration ranges after utilizing the method for 4-6 weeks.
Finest Total: L’Occitane Nourishing and Protecting Shea Butter Hand Cream
Authentic video by Glamour magnificence contributor Denise Primbet
Let’s face it, it might hardly be a round-up of the very best hand lotions with out this cult method from L’Occitane. Because of a excessive focus of 25% shea butter, it feels extremely nourishing and soothing on the pores and skin whereas delivering lasting hydration. Not solely is it vegan and children-friendly, however it additionally has the distinctive potential to kind a protecting movie round your pores and skin to protect it from environmental aggressors. “I have been swearing by this hand cream for over 5 years, and reality be advised, I am but to discover a method that may really feel simply as wealthy with out leaving my palms too greasy. It has a pleasant buttery really feel and just a little goes a good distance, which means you are unlikely to expire of it as shortly as you’d with different hand lotions. As a magnificence author with delicate pores and skin, I discover that it delivers precisely what my palms crave in the course of the winter season. Belief me once I let you know that nothing retains my dry patches simply as soothed and hydrated.” says Glamour contributor Denise Primbet.
- Professionals: Feels very nourishing, immediately soothes and softens irritated and dehydrated pores and skin
- Cons: Not fragrance-free, the tube is not as compact and handy to hold round
Finest for Dry Patches: CeraVe Therapeutic Ointment
Authentic video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
In case your palms have moved on from the standard “dry” state all the way in which to the purpose once they’re all cracked and flared-up (can relate), belief us after we say {that a} common hand cream might not have the ability to assist simply as a lot as this ointment from CeraVe. We might advise utilizing it at the side of your favourite hand cream method and use it as a focused therapy for essentially the most affected areas (akin to your knuckles). Providing long-lasting moisture, this modern ointment immediately helps reduction the chapped or cracked pores and skin whereas delivering a soothing therapeutic impact to spice up your pores and skin’s moisture barrier in a single day. It is also been confirmed to assist obtain a noticeable enchancment to your pores and skin’s hydration ranges in as little as one week. Plus, it is light sufficient to make use of on all pores and skin sorts (together with eczema-prone and delicate pores and skin).
- Professionals: Ultimate for focusing on most affected dry areas and patches, moderately costs, confirmed to enhance hydration ranges in only one week
- Cons: Can really feel greasier than different formulation on the market
Finest Splurge: Dior Le Baume Revitalizing Multi-Use Balm
Authentic video by Glamour magnificence contributor Denise Primbet
So far as luxurious hand lotions go, the Dior Le Baume is unbeatable due to its versatile method that works simply as nicely in your palms because it does on the lips and your physique, making it very best for focusing on any particular dry areas akin to knuckles, elbows, knees and heels. It is light-weight but deeply hydrating; plus, it is also infused with centella asiatica, a well known skincare ingredient that is generally present in K-beauty products and is praised for its soothing and barrier-supporting properties. The perfect half? Not solely does the stylish pebble packaging make for an ideal accent to drag out of your bag, however it’s additionally tremendous handy to hold round because it simply matches within the palm of your hand. “At any time when I do know I will likely be out and about, I all the time throw this hero product in my purse, figuring out it can preserve my pores and skin good and hydrated all day lengthy with out having to hold round a number of merchandise. I like that the scent is calming but not too overwhelming, and I might discuss this texture for hours on finish—nourishing however under no circumstances greasy and sinks in inside seconds. I additionally like to dab a little bit of product on my lips for that additional enhance of hydration,” says Primbet.
- Professionals: Has a multi-purpose and non-greasy method, options compact packaging
- Cons: Costly, not fragrance-free
Finest Non-Greasy: Uncommon Magnificence Discover Consolation Niacinamide Hydrating Hand Cream
Authentic video by Glamour magnificence contributor Denise Primbet
For those who’re somebody who hates greasy and sticky formulation (raises hand), you may love this light method from Rare Beauty that our editors love. Having launched as a part of Selena’s physique care vary, the Discover Consolation hand cream is a transparent standout due to its intelligent formulation and compact packaging. This moisturizing and fast-absorbing method is stuffed to the brim with skin-loving components akin to niacinamide, ashwagandha extract and sodium hyaluronate to maintain your palms hydrated for as much as 16 hours. And when you love an uplifting scent, you may respect the notes of glowing lemon zest, jasmine and cashmere wooden – a chilled perfume that smells like SPA itself. “In the case of hand lotions, I all the time welcome compact and spill-proof packaging in addition to a non-greasy really feel, which is exactly what Uncommon Magnificence delivers. Usually, I would want to attend for not less than 10 minutes till hand cream absorbs so I can return to typing on my laptop computer and utilizing my telephone with out leaving any oily marks. I am glad to report that this undoubtedly is not the case with the Discover Consolation hand cream. As a bonus, it additionally has essentially the most enjoyable perfume,” says Primbet.
- Professionals: Quick-absorbing, has a shocking uplifting scent, buttery consistency
- Cons: Will not be as nourishing for very dry pores and skin
Finest Quick-Absorbing: PHLUR Hand Cream
Authentic picture by Glamour commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary
This high quality method is wealthy with humectants, providing lasting moisture with out that undesirable greasy really feel. And might we take a minute to understand the stylish packaging? “At any time when I am in want of a long-lasting scent, I like to slather my palms on this extremely aromatic hand cream and if I am going out and about, I like to layer it with an identical PHLUR fragrance. It is also ultra-hydrating as a result of it is infused with squalane, glycerin and snow mushroom to maintain pores and skin crack-free and silky clean. I wish to rub this on within the mornings proper earlier than I head out for the day (particularly if I am spending time in chilly climate) and usually take it with me to reapply if wanted. It leaves my palms fairly comfortable and velvety for hours, and in addition smooths out tough, coarse texture round my knuckles. This one is such a hack, although, if you wish to odor good all day lengthy with out having to hold round a fragrance,” says Glamour’s commerce author Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
- Professionals: Has a novel perfume, non-greasy and fast-absorbing
- Cons: Is not a fantastic match for these of us after a fragrance-free method
Finest for Eczema: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream
As advisable by Dr. Gary Goldenberg, the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is “among the finest formulation for eczema or delicate pores and skin,” and with good purpose. It is formulated with none lanolin, synthetic dyes, formaldehyde or parabens, making this fragrance-free cream irritant-free and protected to make use of even on essentially the most sensitized pores and skin. Plus, it was additionally awarded the Seal of Acceptance by the NEA (Nationwide Eczema Affiliation). Its light formulation soothes and hydrates the pores and skin with ease, providing a buttery but non-greasy consistency and a nourishing really feel. We did not even get to the very best bit but—it is tremendous inexpensive too, making it very best for re-stocking your magnificence cabinet all 12 months spherical.
- Professionals: Appropriate for delicate pores and skin, protected to make use of for eczema and psoriasis, fragrance-free, inexpensive
- Cons: Will not be the very best for shiny pores and skin sorts
Finest for Extraordinarily Dry Arms: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Restore Cream
A part of its best-selling Cicaplast vary, this Hand Restore Cream from La Roche-Posay is a should for delivering on the spot reduction from excessively dry pores and skin and cracked palms. It wraps across the pores and skin and affords a glove-like layer that locks in hydration for as much as 48 hours, making it notably helpful to make use of throughout winter. Infused with the likes of niacinamide, glycerin and the model’s thermal spring water, this high quality hand cream will assist with a mess of pores and skin considerations. Not solely will it assist restore your pores and skin’s pure moisture barrier and assist defend it from environmental aggressors, however it’s additionally been confirmed to cut back discoloration over long-term use. Oh, and did we point out that it is also free from allergens, parabens and perfume? As soon as once more, this French skincare model by no means fails to ship.
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