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The 15 Best Hand Creams for Smoother, Softer Hands

These hand creams get two thumbs up from us.

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hand creams
Best Products; Courtesy

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Just because the weather gets chillier, that doesn't mean your skin has to suffer. A hydrating hand cream can reverse even winter's worst effects — like cracking and scaliness — and it can even help prevent signs of aging and reduce the appearance of sun spots. But with hundreds of hand cream options out there, how do you know which one to choose?

    To make it easier for you, we asked our editors to share their favorite formulas for hand creams — from hyaluronic acid-infused to SPF-packed — that'll help transform dry skin to smooth and supple any time of the year. We also included other noteworthy options we’ve tried over the years, and think you’ll really enjoy using.

    1
    Best Overall

    evolvetogether Hand Cream in Provence

    Hand Cream in Provence
    1
    Best Overall

    evolvetogether Hand Cream in Provence

    Now 70% Off
    $8 at evolvetogether.com

    First evolvetogether perfected disposable and KN95 face masks, and now they created a nourishing hand cream in four scents for anyone who's fragrance-obsessed. Whatever you choose, they're all made with superstar skincare ingredients, like panthenol, glycerin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, to hydrate and smooth your hands.

    The packaging is also on point! The container is made from a combo of aluminum and post-consumer recycled plastic. Instead of a wasteful cardboard box, they ship your hand creams in a plant-based biodegradable bag. Also, the hand creams are made in the USA at a socially and environmentally responsible factory and the brand donates 1% of the cost to various nonprofits.

    “The fast-absorbing and non-sticky formula is incredible. Plus, the Provence hand cream smells sublime thanks to a blend of lavender, chamomile, vanilla, and soft green wood. I feel like I’m transported to a French getaway — even if I’m just chilling at home.” — Nicole Saunders, beauty editor

    Key Specs

    Size1.7 fl. oz.
    Rating5-star average from 5 evolvetogether reviews
    Best IngredientGlycerin

    It's easy to forget how much our hands are exposed to the sun, but just like our faces, they need sunscreen, too. Supergoop's hand cream makes it easy to nourish and protect at the same time, thanks to its broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage.

    This mineral sunscreen uses avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene to help deflect sunlight from damaging your skin. Plus, it’s made with a trio of moisturizing ingredients: argan oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and seabuckthorn fruit extract.

    Key Specs

    Size1.0 fl. oz.
    Rating4.6-star average from 750 Amazon reviews
    Best IngredientAvobenzone
    3
    Clean and Fresh

    L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

    Amazon’s Choice
    Shea Butter Hand Cream
    3
    Clean and Fresh

    L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

    This best-selling balm from L’Occitane will help save your skin from unnecessary dryness. A soothing blend of honey and almond extracts, coconut oil, and shea butter, this correction cream leaves hands feeling supple and smelling fresh.

    “I love this hand cream because it’s small enough to toss into my bag. It smells amazing, and it’s super thick and moisturizing — not greasy.” — Danielle St. Pierre, tester

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    4
    Most Affordable

    Burt's Bees Orange Blossom & Pistachio Hand Cream

    Editor’s Choice
    Orange Blossom & Pistachio Hand Cream
    4
    Most Affordable

    Burt's Bees Orange Blossom & Pistachio Hand Cream

    This hand cream from Burt's Bees is a fast-absorbing, cruelty-free option that uses 99% natural ingredients, including shea butter, baobab oil, and pumpkin seed oil​​. Plus, it's affordable enough that you can keep one at home, one in the car, and one at your desk.

    “I use it frequently, and I am really impressed by how quickly it absorbs into the skin. The smell is also incredible.” — Stefan Vazharov, senior technology editor

    5
    Most Intensive Formula

    Grown Alchemist Intensive Hand Cream

    Amazon’s Choice
    Intensive Hand Cream
    5
    Most Intensive Formula

    Grown Alchemist Intensive Hand Cream

    We love Grown Alchemist’s hand cream because it’s one of the most moisturizing hand lotions on the market, and you can thank its star ingredient for that. It's packed with hyaluronic acid to intensely moisturize every inch of your hands for a smooth, soft, and velvety feel. This cream is perfect, in particular, for extremely parched hands.

    Key Specs

    Size2.19 fl. oz.
    Rating4.2-star average from 120 Amazon reviews 120
    Best IngredientHyaluronic acid
    6
    Mineral-Rich

    AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream

    Amazon’s Choice
    Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream
    6
    Mineral-Rich

    AHAVA Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream

    With AHAVA's hand cream, you'll harness the benefits of the Dead Sea to hydrate your dry, windburned hands. The formula is rich in minerals, witch hazel, and allantoin, and it's also great for softening cuticles.

    “When my hands or feet need some TLC — or if my legs need it after shaving — I’ll reach for this hand cream and apply it liberally to enjoy its soft feel and scent!” — Melanie Yates, senior home decor editor

    Key Specs

    Size3.4 fl. oz.
    Rating4.7-star average from 3,860 Amazon reviews
    Best IngredientsAllantoin
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    7
    Best for Anti-Aging

    Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment

    The Hand Treatment
    7
    Best for Anti-Aging

    Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment

    If you want a cream that feels truly luxurious and helps treat signs of aging, then this is your best pick. The silky cream seeps right into your hands without leaving a greasy feel on your palms and fingers.

    It uses wrinkle-fighting TCF8, along with natural ingredients like honey and white peony extract to moisturize and repair any damage.

    "Think of this one as the Rolls Royce of hand creams: Once you try it, you’ll never turn back." — Jennifer Hussein, tester

    Key Specs

    Size1.7 fl. oz.
    Rating5-star average from 13 reviews on Augustinus Bader
    Best IngredientTCF8
    8
    Fresh Florals

    Chanel La Crème Main

    La Crème Main
    8
    Fresh Florals

    Chanel La Crème Main

    This Instagram favorite not only looks good, but it feels good too. The rich hand cream from Chanel uses a nourishing combination of shea butter, glycerin, and iris pallida to moisturize and brighten, while rose wax leaves behind a light floral scent that you’ll love to get a whiff off all day long.

    Key Specs

    Size1.7 fl. oz.
    Rating5-star average from 5 Ulta reivews
    Best IngredientShea butter
    9
    Clean Formula

    Nécessaire The Hand Cream

    The Hand Cream
    9
    Clean Formula

    Nécessaire The Hand Cream

    It’s OK to be a clean freak, especially with your beauty routine. That's why we love this clean-beauty hand cream from Nécessaire: It ditches all of the synthetic fragrances and red-flag ingredients to bring you a formula that you can trust.

    This hand cream is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. It comes in recyclable packaging, so you and your hands can feel clean and good.

    Key Specs

    Size2.2 fl. oz.
    Rating4.2-star average rating from 105 Sephora reviews
    Best IngredientNiacinamide
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    10
    Non-Greasy Feel

    Glossier Hand Cream

    Hand Cream
    10
    Non-Greasy Feel

    Glossier Hand Cream

    Soften and smooth tired hands in a breeze with this light and fast-absorbing Glossier hand cream that's made with antioxidant-rich rosemary leaf and sunflower extracts, as well as ultra hydrating meadowfoam extract.

    There’s also fermented coconut fruit extract to help seal in moisture and glycofilm pollustop, which forms a barrier around your hands to help protect against sun damage and pollution.

    You'll also enjoy the faint fragrance that will make your hands smell fresh and clean.

    Key Specs

    Size1.7 fl. oz.
    Rating3.6-star average from 664 Glossier reviews
    Best IngredientMeadowfoam seed oil
    11
    Light Hydration

    Byredo Hand Cream Blanche

    Hand Cream Blanche
    11
    Light Hydration

    Byredo Hand Cream Blanche

    This clean fragrance has one simple task: to make your hands feel and smell great. This gently hydrating cream is perfect for touching up lightly dried hands from washing and sanitizing.

    Plus, it smells like one of Byredo's best-selling fragrances: Blanche, a delicious blend of peonies, musk, and sandalwood.

    Key Specs

    Size1 fl. oz.
    Rating4.3-star average from 15 Nordstrom reviews
    Best IngredientShea butter
    12
    Warm and Spicy

    Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream

    Brazilian Touch Hand Cream
    12
    Warm and Spicy

    Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream

    This smooth, silky, and quick-absorbing hand cream deserves a spot on your vanity for its lightweight formula that packs a punch.

    It's filled with skin-softening ingredients like squalane and the brand's signature cupuaçu butter to create an airy veil that immediately seeps into skin for a grease-free feel. Plus, it smells just like a trip to the beach!

    Key Specs

    Size1.7 fl. oz.
    Rating4.9 star-average from 684 Sol de Janerio reviews
    Best IngredientsSqualane and cupuacu butter
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    13
    Fast Absorbing

    Lano Rose Hand Cream Intense

    Rose Hand Cream Intense
    13
    Fast Absorbing

    Lano Rose Hand Cream Intense

    This hand cream takes treating dry skin seriously. It's made with the brand's signature ingredient, lanolin, an oil secreted by sheep to condition their wool, and it's excellent at helping skin retain its moisture.

    It's beloved because the silky texture absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind, and the moisturizing effect is long-lasting.

    Key Specs

    Size1.69 fl. oz.
    Rating4.4-star average from 62 Ulta reviews
    Best IngredientsLanolin and shea and cocoa butters
    14
    Best Aromatic

    Claus Porto Banho Citron Verbena Hand Cream

    Editor’s Choice
    Banho Citron Verbena Hand Cream
    14
    Best Aromatic

    Claus Porto Banho Citron Verbena Hand Cream

    The packaging isn't the only amazing thing about this hand cream: Its silky, fast-absorbing formula is made with a blend of shea, jojoba, and argan oils that leave your hands feeling like you just got a paraffin treatment.

    "The minute this cream touched my skin, I knew it was special. It glides on like no other and absorbs almost immediately. Plus, the citron verbena scent is truly addicting." — Erica Murphy, director, SEO & content

    Key Specs

    Size1.7 fl. oz.
    Rating5-star average from 3 Amazon reviews
    Best IngredientsShea, jojoba, and argan oils
    15
    Best Nail Strengthener

    Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream

    Hand & Nail Treatment Cream
    15
    Best Nail Strengthener

    Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream

    While pretty much any hand cream can be used to soften cuticles, but this one actually strengthens nails, too. Along with adding moisture back to dry hands, this cream from Clarins contains sesame oil and Japanese mulberry, which together act like a shield to protect hands from the elements.

    Key Specs

    Size3.5 fl. oz.
    Rating4.3-star average from 253 Sephora reviews
    Best IngredientsSesame oil and Japanese mulberry
    Headshot of Nicole Saunders
    Nicole Saunders
    Beauty Editor

    Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. She takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Beauty Awards package.

    Headshot of Jennifer Hussein
    Jennifer Hussein
    Beauty Editor

    Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.

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