The 17 best anti-aging hand creams of 2024, according to dermatologists

Size: 3 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides

Two of the dermatologists we talked with raved about this CeraVe hand cream, and thousands of Amazon shoppers are fans, too. Jaliman recommends it because "it contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates the skin, and ceramides which help to protect the skin barrier. And it has niacinamide which evens skin tone." Dr. Sonia Batra, host of CBS’ syndicated daytime talk show The Doctors and a board-certified dermatologist, likes it, too: "It absorbs quickly and can be used throughout the day after handwashing without feeling greasy. It contains three ceramides to restore the barrier of the skin and is fragrance-free." Bonus: It’s super affordable.

Size: 1.69 ounces

Scented: Yes

Hero ingredients: Lanolin, vitamin E

This rose-scented hand cream is a top pick of Zeichner’s. "This ultra-rich moisturizer does a great job of hydrating and protecting the skin without leaving my hands feeling heavy or greasy," he said. "Its hero ingredient is lanolin, the same ingredient that makes sheep’s wool waterproof. Plus, it contains a rose extract with known antioxidant benefits, which is why it is commonly used in anti-aging skin care products." He’s not the only one who is a fan. Hundreds of shoppers love it too, with one buyer calling it the "best hand cream EVER!"

Size: 1.75 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Petroleum jelly

While it’s not technically a hand cream, that doesn't bother experts. Both Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, and Dr. ​Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, recommended using Vaseline to keep your hands looking youthful. "It’s made from a purified mineral oil that is the ultimate barrier repair cream, making it great for nights and cold days," Gohara said. Along with protecting and hydrating skin, the noncomedogenic formula also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines for a more youthful appearance.

Size: 2.5 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Retinol, squalene, shea butter, glycerin

Thanks to its ability to reduce wrinkles and even out skin tone, retinol is one of the most powerful anti-aging treatments out there — so it makes sense that it’s the main ingredient in this dermatologist-approved hand cream. Jaliman likes it because "it also contains squalene, shea butter and glycerin which are extremely hydrating. It is also fragrance-free." It’s definitely pricey, but shoppers say it’s well worth the cost. "I normally would not pay as much for a hand cream, but in this case, I am on my second tube. My hands have not looked this good in years. The spots are barely visible. I am usually skeptical about product descriptions, but this one is right on," raved one.

Size: 1.7 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Vitamin E, macadamia nut oil, retinol

This multitasker not only helps fight wrinkles on your face, but Zeichner says it works great on your hands. "It combines Coenzyme Q10, which is a potent antioxidant with a retinyl ester to strengthen and smooth the skin. Since it is not irritating, it can be used across all skin types, even in people who are sensitive," he added. Along with being fragrance-, alcohol- and dye-free, the cream is packed with other hydrating and anti-aging ingredients including vitamin E, macadamia nut oil and retinol to smooth and strengthen skin.

Size: 15 ounces

Scented: Yes

Hero ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, green tea extract, chamomile, aloe vera

While this powerful antioxidant-rich formula by Medix 5.5 can be used anywhere on your body, people say it works wonders on their hands. Nearly 19,000 Amazon shoppers have given the fast-acting formula their seal of approval because it helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots and improve skin tone and elasticity — and it smells amazing to boot. One verified customer said, "I bought this for my mama because her hands were starting to get that crepe-like texture. Her hands are much better and it helped lighten the dark spots, too."

Size: 1 ounce

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides

Although it’s marketed for the face, this vitamin C-packed serum by RoC is one of Zeichner’s top picks for hands. "This serum contains a stabilized form of vitamin C, which is known to brighten dark spots and even skin tone, while offering protection against free radical damage that the hands are exposed to on a daily basis," he said. While it will aim to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, it isn’t as hydrating as most options since it’s not a cream, so we recommend layering on a regular hand lotion, too.

Size: 1 ounce

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Sea buckthorn fruit extract, meadowfoam seed oil, argan oil

Since pesky UV rays are one of the biggest causes of early aging, investing in a good hand cream with a high SPF is the best way to avoid future damage. This option from Supergoop! not only has SPF 40 for optimal sun protection, but it’s infused with powerful antioxidants and natural oils to nourish, moisturize and brighten the skin on your hands. I’ve kept a bottle in my car ever since my dermatologist told me how damaging the sun can be even through car windows, and I love to put it on every time I head out for a long ride.

Size: 2.5 ounces

Scented: Yes

Hero ingredients: Mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas

If you’re picky about textures in hand creams like Deals Writer Taylor Lane, you’re in luck. She has found an option with the "dreamiest consistency." Lane adds that "it blends in immediately and doesn't leave a greasy finish behind. It instantly hydrates hands and smooths cuticles. I also love its gentle ingredients like rosemary and Mandarin rind. And the scent is gorgeous!" Nearly 1,400 Amazon shoppers are also fans, with one raving, "You need only use a small dab on the back of each hand and then work it in. I do this at night before bed and put gloves on to sleep in. My skin feels so much better. I recommend this balm to anyone needing help keeping or obtaining youthful hands."

Size: 2 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, plantain leaf extract, peptides

This super-hydrating hand cream by StriVectin is a popular option, and rightfully so — it’s specially formulated with plantain leaf extract that works to firm loose, crepey skin. Jaliman is a fan because it also boasts "peptides that stimulate collagen production and shea butter and glycerin for hydration." Bonus: You don’t need to use a lot to see results. One happy Amazon customer wrote, "This is by far the best hand cream that I have ever used! StriVectin products are the best! After only three days of using this hand cream, my hands are showing a big difference! Less crepey skin and more volume! You don't need to apply a lot, a little goes a long way! Will be ordering again!"

Size: 2.2 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Marula oil, niacinamide, peptides

Sleek packaging, cruelty-free ingredients, hypoallergenic and powerful? It’s no wonder Katelyn Mullen, our commerce managing editor, adores this fragrance-free hand cream. "I’ve tried quite a few brands across many price points to help my hands look more hydrated and less ... old," she said. "I found all my previous creams to be too oily, until I tried Nécessaire’s The Hand Cream. The texture is soft, there is no scent and it absorbs quickly, which was my No. 1 requirement. The only downside is the price. I use it often so I have been going through it a little faster than I’d like at this price point."

Size: 1.69 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin

Jaliman approves of this La Roche-Posay option because "it’s fragrance-free, which is good for sensitive skin. It also contains shea butter and glycerin so it provides good moisturizing properties. Plus, it has niacinamide to even skin color and to improve skin texture." Not only does the brand say the cream will instantly soothe dry skin, but it also promises your hands will stay hydrated for up to 48 hours since it’s resistant to washing.

Size: 8 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Glycerin, omega fatty acids, antioxidants

If dry, wrinkled hands are making you appear older than you are, give this Gold Bond option a try. Not only is it constantly a top-seller among Yahoo readers, but our deals writer and self-proclaimed "skin-care freak" Britt Ross is also a fan. "My skin felt noticeably more moisturized and smoother just eight hours after I’d slathered it on, and stayed that way the rest of the day," she said. It's packed with seven moisturizers, three vitamins, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and botanicals to tackle thin, crepey, dry skin.

Size: 2.53 ounces

Scented: Yes

Hero ingredients: Glycerin, steric acid

"Loaded with glycerin and steric acid (a lipid that is in our skin barrier) it helps to keep moisture in and irritants out," said Gohara about this popular drugstore pick. Thicker than your average hand cream, this Neutrogena option aims to give dry, chapped and cracked hands instant relief, making them look and feel smoother and more hydrated. Users say you need to give it some time to dry after application before you go about your day, but that the results are worth the wait. "This hand cream is thicker than most and needs to dry when applied. It works fantastically though. ... My hands and nails look great," wrote one.

Size: 16 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Petroleum, glycerin

Looking for an anti-aging hand cream that provides all-day hydration? Consider this option from Vanicream. "Though this is thick, it absorbs quickly and does not have common chemical irritants such as dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens or formaldehyde releasers. It is also very affordable," Batra said. One five-star Amazon reviewer said she was searching for a cure for her dry hands and "pretty much got the same answer from every woman that I asked, and the dermatologist. And that’s Vanicream. They told me to put it on my hands before I go to bed and wear gloves to bed. ... Within three days my hands started feeling not only back to normal but better than they have been since I was in my youth."

Size: 1.35 ounces

Scented: Yes

Hero ingredients: Vitamin E, phtyo-peptides, sweet almond oil

A favorite among Yahoo Life staffers, this nontoxic, vegan and cruelty-free option just happens to smell incredible (cue the sweet almond and sage). According to the brand, the blend of botanical extracts and antioxidants helps minimize fine lines and sun damage. And we can’t get enough of the retro packaging. "Best hand cream," reported an Amazon five-star reviewer. "I love this product! It makes your hands soft and is not greasy. It has a subtle scent. My manicurist commented that my cuticles have never been this good!"

Size: 3.3 ounces

Scented: No

Hero ingredients: Sucralfate, copper-zinc sulfate complex, thermal spring water

Looking to restore and soothe your hands? Batra recommends this Avène cream because "it lasts through five handwashings and contains ingredients to help calm and restore the skin such as sucralfate, copper-zinc sulfate complex and thermal spring water. It is also hypoallergenic, hydrating and absorbs quickly." Shoppers rave that in addition to making their hands softer and more moisturized, it also helps them look more youthful. "Very good product, I keep buying more when it finishes. My hands look younger even after constant use," said one.