10 Best Hand Creams of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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These creams are super absorbent, hydrating, and don’t leave behind a greasy residue
People / Elise Wojczyk Wang
We put our hands through so much. Washing, waving, wringing, you-name-it — our hands have to do it all. Now is the time to incorporate a hand cream into your daily routine. Today’s high-performance hand creams don’t just hydrate; they absorb quickly, so you won’t leave paw marks all over your things.
According to Mary Stevenson, MD, skincare surgeon and associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, one should look closely at the moisturizing ingredients in your hand cream to find the best fit for your skin. “Don’t scrub your hands dry after washing; pat dry, and then moisturize. You want to lock in that moisture,” she says.
We tested 31 hand creams, incorporating them into our everyday life for two weeks to see how they stood up to frequent hand washing and constant screen time. Each of our 10 picks is like a mini spa day in a bottle for your mitts.
Scroll ahead to check out the best hand creams of 2024 that PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Grown Alchemist Hand Cream Vanilla Orange Peel
Pros
The formula had a great consistency; not too thick or too thin
It moisturized our skin without leaving behind an oily residue
This product would make a great gift (to yourself or a friend)
Cons
This one was one of the more expensive hand creams we tested
Its strong scent could prove aggravating to those with fragrance sensitives
The Grown Alchemist Hand Cream has proven to be the (you guessed it) cream of the crop and our best overall pick. It delivers luxury aesthetics and high-quality performance. Grown Alchemist is an Australian brand founded on a holistic scientific approach using plant-based ingredients. Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan, and you, too, can feel moisturized with this hand cream.
First off, we love the sleek minimalist packaging — staying moisturized never looked so chic. Beyond the pretty packaging, this hand cream’s plush consistency is a beautiful balance between not-too thick and not-too thin. It’s basically the Goldilocks of textures.
It's perfectly moisturizing yet doesn’t leave behind an oily residue. During testing, the cream absorbed into the skin about 30 seconds after application, leaving us moisturized and our screens grease-free. Once absorbed, our skin felt notably softer and more supple. This hand cream revitalized our skin’s appearance by nourishing visible dryness and cracks on our hands, and we’re positive it’ll give you hydrated summer skin even in the dry winter months.
On top of its stellar performance, we love this hand cream's sophisticated, refreshing scent. The orange notes smell like peeling a fresh orange, not an artificial “orange” smell. The bright fragrance is a great pick-me-up during your workday or commute, but while we are fans of the fragrance, those with fragrance sensitivities should proceed with caution. This hand cream is on the pricier end of the products we tested, but it’s a solid investment that’ll entice you to stay moisturized. (It would also make a great gift!)
Size: 2.19 oz. | Star Ingredients: Camellia seed oil, rosehip oil, orange peel | Fragrance: Orange, vanilla
Best Budget: Soap & Glory Original Pink Hand Food
Pros
This is the cheapest of the hand creams we tested
Its luxurious, thick creamy texture provided instant relief for our dry hands
There was no greasy or oily residue left behind
Cons
This cream does have a strong scent, which might aggravate sensitivities
Looking for a wallet-friendly thick creamy hand cream? Soap & Glory’s Original Pink Hand Food gets top marks for the creamiest (yet non-greasy) hand cream we tested. We loved the rich consistency of this cream; it was easy to spread during application and absorbed almost instantly. With no greasy or oily residue, we were able to continue on with our day without leaving a trail of smudges. (Not easily said of some other rich hand creams.) This would be especially great for folks who have to wash their hands frequently at work.
This hand cream left our hands feeling soft and velvety throughout testing. It also helped with dryness and flaking. We loved the affordable price point and ample size of this product that is sure to last you awhile. The fun pink packaging is also a plus. The only possible downside is this strong, sweet scent might not be for everyone.
Size: 4.2 oz. | Star Ingredients: Shea butter, macadamia oil, grape seed oil, almond oil | Fragrance: Bergamot, mandarin, floral bouquet, patchouli, oakmoss, musk
Best for Dry Skin: Fenty Skin Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask
Pros
The cream completely smoothed our dry patches within minutes
It prevented ashiness by locking in hydration
Its thick formula can double as an overnight mask or daily moisturizer
Cons
It was one of the more expensive creams we tested
This one has a longer absorption time, which might not be best for a mid-work day application
We found this glycerin hand mask from Fenty worked best at keeping any dryness, flakiness, or ashiness at bay. For deeper skin tones, dryness can show up as light or “ashy” patches on the skin, and our tester noted this hand cream prevented that from happening. It’s designed for use as an overnight hand mask, but we tested it for daily use and were super impressed with the results.
The texture of this hand mask is a gel-like cream that felt great on our skin and spread like butter. Application was smooth and seamless, and the perfect amount would dispense when using. We found the cream fully absorbed after about two full minutes, and no residue or greasiness was left behind — just moisturized, happy skin — so no worries about potentially staining your nice silk or satin sheets. We noticed our skin became more supple with continued and consistent use of this mask. Count us in for this hydration habit.
Previously noticeable dryness and ash were completely gone after using this mask, and it was especially great at moisturizing our hands' nooks and crannies. This cream has a light, subtle, pleasant scent — not overpowering or irritating. Though this is on the pricier end of the spectrum, the quality is worth the cost.
Size: 2.5 oz. | Star Ingredients: Glycerin, pathenol, murumuru and mango butters | Fragrance: Tropical fruit, floral
People / Chantia Murphy
Best for Cracked Skin: Benton Shea Butter and Olive Hand Cream
Pros
This was one of the least expensive hand creams we tested that still yielded great results
Its formula is free of artificial fragrances, but the infused essential oils still offer a scent
So lightweight that we could spread a dime-sized amount on both hands
It offered incredible relief to dry, cracked hands in our testing
Cons
The packaging is small, so you don’t get a lot of product. It's probably best to keep it in your purse or pocket for travel.
This product had a longer absorption time than most of the hand creams we tested
Looking to give your dry, cracked hands the relief they're craving? The Benton Shea Butter and Olive Hand Cream is our top pick for an intense yet wallet-friendly hand cream. Benton is a K-beauty brand specializing in affordable, clean beauty products, and we were extremely impressed with this one.
This hand cream is super lightweight: We were able to spread just a fingertip's worth over both hands with ease. After about two minutes, the cream was fully absorbed. It left our skin nourished but not sticky, with no oily residue afterwards. Throughout testing and consistent use, we found our cracked skin more nourished and moisturized than before testing. Our tester commented this cream helped improve the appearance of his hands which were previously “crusty” from regular weight-lifting and exercise, so that says a lot.
While this hand cream is free of artificial fragrances, the essential oil ingredients offer a light and pleasant botanical scent. It gives a lot of bang for your buck, so even though it’s on the smaller side, you can stock up to stay moisturized all year long.
Size: 1.76 oz. | Star Ingredients: Shea butter, olive oil, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance: Mandarin, rosemary, and geranium (from essential oils)
Best for Eczema: Skinfix Eczema Hand Repair Cream
Pros
It soothed and prevented eczema flare-ups in our testing
This formula absorbed quicker than many of the hand creams we tested
It made our hands feel softer, more supple, and hydrated, even after washing them
Cons
The oat scent might not be for everyone, but it is rather mild
Eczema sufferers, we’ve got you covered. The Skinfix Hand Repair Cream is our top pick for those dealing with the itchiness and rashes that come with eczema. Speaking from experience, a key part of treating eczema is preventing flare-ups by staying moisturized, and this hand cream from Skinfix works as an eczema cream to helps keep it under control.
The texture of this rich, thick cream spread easily throughout testing, and a little goes a long way with this product. We found it absorbed in seconds and despite its thick and creamy consistency, it didn’t leave our hands feeling greasy. We could feel a noticeable relief after applying: Trust, your hands with thank you.
There is a mild scent reminiscent of oat (due to the soothing colloidal oatmeal ingredient), but it’s not off-putting or irritating. It’s a familiar smell to many living and managing eczema. During testing and after consistent use of this cream, we didn’t experience eczema flare-ups — which is huge. Our skin feels better, softer, and our hands have never looked better. They’re more supple and hydrated, even after washing.
Size: 3 oz. | Star Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, sweet almond oil, shea butter, Aloe | Fragrance: None
Best with Shea Butter: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Pros
It proved to last longer between applications
The product absorbed quicker than many of the other hand creams we tested (5-10 seconds)
The formula strikes the balance of creamy but not sticky and lightweight but not watery
Cons
It is relatively more expensive than others we tested
If you want a shea butter hand cream that’ll go the distance, the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream is for you. L’Occitane is known for their high-quality ingredients and formulations, and this popular hand cream kept us moisturized for hours after application.
We loved the consistency: It’s a perfect balance of creamy and rich, but not too heavy or sticky. And thanks to the shea butter element, it was lightweight, but not too watery. It only took about 5 to 10 seconds for the hand cream to fully absorb. Even when applying more layers of product, we found it continued to absorb fully with no sticky layer of residue left behind.
Throughout testing, we noticed using this L’Occitane cream consistently left us with more moisturized and hydrated skin for hours. We noticed improvement in the softness, appearance, and texture of our skin. This cream also worked great on dryness between the fingers and rough, flaky textured skin. We enjoyed the subtle scent of this hand cream and didn’t find it too harsh or off-putting. The classic L’Occitane packaging evokes a cute, provencial aesthetic, so we’d be happy to display it at our desk for easy, frequent application.
Size: 5.2 o.z | Star Ingredients: Organic shea butter | Fragrance: Yes
Best Unscented: EltaMD So Silky Hand Creme
Pros
There's no fragrance, so it's an excellent option for those with allergies or sensitivities
Its lightweight formula spread easily; a little goes a long way
Cons
Since it's very lightweight, it's not as rich in texture as other options
It had a slightly longer absorption time than most of the hand creams we tested
This one’s for our friends with fragrance sensitivities. EltaMD's So Silky Hand Créme is our top pick for a high-performance hand cream free from any fragrance, artificial or otherwise. EltaMD is known for its dermatologically tested sun and skincare for all skin types, especially those with sensitivities.
This hand cream has a very lightweight consistency but isn’t too watery. We found it dispensed and spread easily during application. A dime size amount was enough to moisturize both hands and took about one to two minutes to fully absorb. It left our skin nice and moisturized, but never sticky, oily, or greasy after applying. We found consistently using hand cream (one to three times a day) throughout the testing process helped prevent dry spots and cracks from forming on our hands.
We love that this product is truly unscented. It’s perfect for when you or those around you are sensitive to fragrance or when you don’t want to draw attention to your moisturizing habit — like in the middle of a work meeting or on a crowded work commute. If you’ve already nailed down your signature scent, good news, this cream won’t clash with your perfume.
Size: 3 oz. | Star Ingredients: Sclareolide, ceramides, vitamin E, jojoba esters | Fragrance: None
Best Quick-Absorbing: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream
Pros
The cream comes in a small, portable size that's perfect for any pocket or purse
It touts the quickest absorption of all the creams we tested
Cons
The price of this was higher than some of the other larger-volume hand creams we tested
Its strong scent might aggravate some with fragrance sensitivities
The Sol De Janeiro Brazilion Touch Hand Cream absorbed faster than any other hand cream we tested. It’s perfect for moisturizing on-the-go because time is money, and you just can’t be waiting around for your hand cream to dry. Plus, your devices will thank you for keeping them grease-free.
This hand cream is small but mighty: The lightweight formula spread easily on our hands, and we found a little really goes a long way with this product. A pea-sized amount immediately made our hands feel hydrated and nourished for hours afterwards, no reapplication necessary. Plus, it doesn’t leave behind any film-like residue.
Our hands appeared (and felt) more supple in using this product, and we really loved how the moisture seemed to stay in our pores for a long time after application. We found the vanilla coconut scent gentle and pleasing, but it may not be for those with fragrance sensitivities. This Sol De Janeiro Brazilion Touch hand cream is pretty pricy for the small amount that you get but is a high-quality travel-friendly option.
Size: 1.7 oz. | Star Ingredients: Cupuaçu butter, Brazil nut selenium, squalane | Fragrance: Cheirosa ’62 (perfume)
Related: The 10 Best Face Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
People / Katherine Moran
Best Lightweight: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Hand Therapy
Pros
Its secure pump dispenser with cap prevented leaking
The cream dried down to a soft matte finish with no greasy residue
Its formula is fragrance-free, which is good for those with sensitivities
Cons
The cream tends to come off easily with washing, so you’ll need to reapply after
We’ve named the Cold Plasma Plus+ Hand Therapy cream from Perricone MD our best lightweight option. The ultra sheer formula was a dream to apply, gliding onto our skin with ease. If thick, sticky hand creams aren’t your thing, this is the one for you.
We love the matte finish achieved with this cream, because no one wants to walk around with greasy hands. Our hands were softer and more moisturized with each use. During testing, we noticed we needed to reapply after each hand-washing — something to keep in mind for frequent hand washers. However, this hand cream is fragrance free and good for sensitive skin.
The pump design comes with a secure cap, so you don’t have to worry about lotion leaking all over the inside of your handbag. Plus, the packaging is luxe and looks great. It’s on the pricier end for the small size, but this is a great option if you’re craving a thinner, lighter hand cream.
Size: 2 oz. | Star Ingredients: Shea butter, phospholipids, glycine | Fragrance: None
People / Stella Yu
Best Luxury: Chanel La Crème Main
Pros
It features attractive, travel-friendly packaging
The product absorbed quickly and dried down to a powder-like finish
It left our skin soft and smooth without feeling oily or greasy, even healing chapped knuckles
Cons
This was the most expensive hand cream we tested
The fragrance was similar to perfume and may not suit those with sensitivities
The Chanel La Créme Main hand cream is for those with the coin and desire to gift someone (or themselves) a truly luxurious moisturizing experience. Chanel is synonymous with luxury, and this cream delivers on all fronts. The darling egg-shaped packaging is super pocket- and purse-friendly. The delicate, floral scent doesn’t disappoint and delivers the quality fragrance one expects of Chanel.
This hand cream doesn’t just look and smell good — it’s high-performance too. This luxury cream is rich to the touch but absorbs in seconds and dries down to a powder-like finish. Throughout testing, we found it left our skin feeling softer and smoother but never sticky or oily afterward. The small packaging may be concerning, but a small amount goes a long way with this product.
Over the course of testing, our skin became more and more supple with each use. Chapped knuckles seemed softer, and dry, cracked palms became more plump. We loved just how soft our hands became while using this hand cream, and if you can swing the price, you should definitely treat yourself to this little bottle of luxury.
Size: 1.7 oz. | Star Ingredients: Iris pallida, may rose wax | Fragrance: Yes
People / Caitlyn Martyn
Things to Consider Before Buying Hand Cream
Skin Type
When buying hand cream, consider your skin type and any particular skin concerns you’re looking to address. If you have dry hands, you might want to grab a hand cream with a rich consistency like Fenty’s Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Hand Mask.
Those with sensitive skin will shy away from certain ingredients, so a mild formula like that in Elta MD’s So Silky Hand Creme will be the best option. “[Look out for] fragrances, preservatives, or anything that may be irritating to you,” says Dr. Stevenson, who prefers a fragrance-free formula.
Lifestyle
It’s important to find a hand cream that fits your lifestyle. If you’re on the go and need a lightweight cream that will absorb quickly, you should try the Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream. If you’re someone who washes their hands often (like a healthcare worker or new parent), you’ll want something that will stand up to frequent washes such as the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream that kept our hands moisturized for hours after testing.
Moisturizing Ingredients
Moisturizing is an obvious aim of hand cream, and there are three types of moisturizing ingredients with varying functions: occlusives, humectants and emollients. Your dream team hand cream (say that three times fast) will ideally have two of these three ingredient types.
“Occlusives, like petrolatum, seal in moisture while humectants suck in moisture like a sponge,” says Dr. Stevenson. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are two humectants found in the Benton Shea Butter and Olive Hand Cream and Fenty’s Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Hand Mask, respectively. Oils and shea butter are both emollients found in the Soap & Glory Original Pink Hand Food— the perfect duo to moisturize and soften.
How We Tested Hand Cream
Our real-world testing process took place over the course of two weeks. We tested 31 hand creams by using them every day (ideally after hand washing), implementing them into our daily routine, and testing them for these qualities:
Consistency: We started by applying a dollop of the cream to the backs of our hands, noting each hand cream's consistency as we rubbed it into our skin. We took note of whether each cream felt thick or light, how easily it absorbed into the skin, and whether it left behind any kind of tacky or shiny finish on the hands.
Immediate Results: After rubbing the creams into our hands, we took note of how our skin felt and looked right away. We took note of how hydrated the creams made our hands feel, and whether they immediately appeared to soften cracks and ease redness. We noted any averse or positive reactions to the scents of the hand creams, as well as any obvious relief from skin issues.
Long-term Results: We continued to apply the hand creams over the next two weeks, taking note of both the immediate moisturization and any long-term effects of the creams. We looked for hand creams that made our hands feel less dry and look less cracked and flakey and took note of whether the creams had positive effects on our skin long-term, even when not in use. We recorded our insights throughout the two weeks and shared how each hand cream worked for our skin and lifestyle.
Once the testing period was over, we rated each product on a 1 to 5 scale (5 being the best) based on the following attributes: moisturizing, absorption, appearance, and scent. The products with the highest average ratings earned a spot on this PEOPLE-toned list of the best hand creams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hand cream is best for extremely dry hands?
Dr. Stevenson recommends creams over lotions for extremely dry hands, as “they have more moisture in them.” She recommends layering an occlusive like petrolatum on top “to lock in moisture.” Fenty’s Hydra’Reset Intensive Recovery Hand Mask is our pick for extremely dry hands.
What is the difference between hand lotions and hand creams?
“Lotions contain more water; they are thinner and can absorb more quickly, but creams, which I recommend for my patients, are thicker and provide more moisture.” says Stevenson. “If you are not super dry, you might consider lotion in the summer and cream in the winter.”
Does hand cream help with aging?
A good hand cream can definitely help with the appearance of one’s hands but Stevenson clarifies: “Sunscreen and retinoids are the two best defenses to preventing skin damage and promoting collagen. Every adult should have this in their regimen.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
L.A. Hubilla is a freelance commerce writer and frequent beauty product tester for multiple digital outlets, including InStyle and Byrdie. She’s endured sensitive, eczema-prone skin her whole life and is obsessed with moisturizing. For this article, she reviewed the extensive tester insights, drew on her own extensive experience with body moisturizers, and consulted a dermatologist for their recommendations and clinical advice.
Hubilla sorted through the testing data for findings that correlated with Dr. Stevens recommendations for key ingredients. She also considered important factors for varying personal preferences in hand creams based on skin conditions and lifestyle. Hubilla personally uses the La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream when her skin is particularly reactive and sensitive. Most of the time, she’s devoted to her Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream for its super rich and moisturizing texture and pleasant, non-irritating botanical scent that keeps her and her hands happy.
Meet Our Expert
Dr. Mary Stevenson, MD, is a skincare surgeon, beauty expert, and an associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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