12 Best Hand Creams We Tested for Soft, Smooth Hands in 2025

Why should you use a hand cream?

“Your best defense against dry hands is to moisturize them consistently,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. According to Dr. Goldenberg, factors like “cold weather, your environment’s humidity, frequent handwashing, and exposure to irritants (such as plastic or rubber)” may contribute to consistent dehydration, and using a quality hand cream is crucial for strengthening your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Dr. Chacon also points out that using a nourishing formula is particularly important during the cold and flu season. “Washing our hands more often will eventually strip the skin of its natural oils,” resulting in severely dry and potentially irritated hands.

How to choose the best hand cream based on ingredients

When choosing a hand cream, look for creams that have the following types of ingredients:

• Humectants: “Glycerin will moisturize and smoothen the skin, meanwhile hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin’s surface and protects the barrier,” says Dr. Chacon.
• Occlusives: Occlusives create a physical barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. Dr. Goldenberg suggests shopping for formulas with occlusives such as petrolatum, which is a commonly used ingredient that “forms a barrier and protects the skin from outside irritants while moisturizing.”
• Emollients: “Thick butters like shea or coconut oil offer ultra-nourishment while providing an extra layer of protection on the top of the skin,” Dr. Chacon shares. Dr. Goldenberg also recommends placing a strong focus on ceramides. “Ceramide-infused products will help repair the skin-barrier function and protect it from environmental irritants,” he adds. As for antioxidant-rich formulas, Dr. Goldenberg points out vitamin E is one of his favorite ingredients: “It helps repair cells that are damaged, and in oil form it can also soothe and moisturize the skin.”

Which formulas are best for sensitive or eczema-prone skin?

“Vanicream, CeraVe, and Eucerin hand creams are examples of great products that would be appropriate for sensitive skin and potentially eczema,” says Dr. Goldenberg.

Dr. Chacon suggests ensuring that your product of choice is “paraben-free, sulfate-free, dye free, and fragrance-free, as it will help lessen the likelihood of any flare-ups or irritation.” Also, be sure to look out for hand creams that have the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

How often should I apply a hand cream?

Dr. Goldenberg advises applying hand cream at least once (ideally twice) per day. That said, if your hands are quite dry and you wash your hands often, he recommends reapplying after every hand wash.

What should I avoid when choosing a hand cream?

Dr. Goldenberg shares that for those with sensitive skin, “avoiding fragrance is important, as fragrance-containing products may cause irritation.”

“Formaldehyde is another ingredient I recommend avoiding,” he says, as it may also result in unnecessary irritation or allergic reactions.

“Look for natural nontoxic ingredients, and avoid dyes and scents when possible,” advises Dr. Chacon.

Is expensive hand cream worth it?

“You absolutely do not need an expensive hand cream,” says Lauren Moy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills, “especially if hydration is the only concern, regular over-the-counter products work great and are affordable.” With so many great drugstore options containing solid, hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and shea butter, they provide just as much long-lasting moisture as their more expensive counterparts for anyone who has dry hands. Don’t sleep on Vaseline or Aquaphor either: “Simple petroleum-based products like Vaseline and Aquaphor are effective for creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture and promotes healing,” says Dr. Moy. This being said, if you enjoy certain textures, scents, or luxe packaging, an expensive hand cream can be a fun splurge, “however, a luxury price tag doesn’t always mean better results,” she adds.

Are there other ways to rehydrate severely dry hands?

Depending upon where you wash your hands, sometimes it’s hard to avoid soaps that contain sulfates and harsh fragrances which can easily strip away moisture from the skin. If possible, “look for simple hand soap formulas [and] apply hand cream while your skin is still slightly damp so it traps water and maximizes hydration,” says Dr. Moy.