Best Hand Creams For Dry Hands For 2022

Best for: Glove-like protection

This might be part of Kiehl’s male grooming range, but let’s be honest, hand cream is for everyone. Packed with botanical oils to soothe and condition, this thick formula actually forms an invisible barrier to protect against moisture loss, so you shouldn’t have to reach for this one too often. Maximum hydration, minimum effort - what’s not to love?

The hype: "After using it once overnight my hands look completely different! I have dry skin and I'm basically a compulsive hand washer - this has made my hands look so much younger and so much smoother! Miracle worker." - Customer review

Best for: Sensitive skin

Free from all the no-nos - including Lanolin and synthetic fragrances - Aveda Hand Relief is beyond gentle, but that it’s not up to the task of nursing weathered hands. The magic ingredient? Glycerin - as a humectant, it draws water into the skin and locks it in, meaning a little will go a long way with this one.

The hype: "Anyone with sensitive skin or allergies will know Aveda skincare is as gentle as it comes. It has a wonderfully thick rich texture but still manages to absorb quickly." - Independent

Best for: Derm-approved

With five-star reviews from both eczema and psoriasis sufferers, this restorative hand cream is proven to help replenish and protect even the most compromised skin. Packed with three essential ceramides (fatty acids that help maintain the skin barrier), this soothing cream is fast-absorbing and gentle on the skin. Developed with dermatologist expertise, it’s a must-have for those more specific skin concerns.

The hype: "I suffer with mild psoriasis and dry skin on my hands and a few days of using this cream never fails to make significant improvements, in most instances, clearing it up completely." - Tonia, customer review

Best for: Busy hands

If you’re always on the go and have zero time to wait for rich hand cream to absorb, then this one’s your saviour. Its lightweight texture instantly melts into the skin for immediate relief. Expect soft, supple hands with no greasy after-feel. 

The hype: "Absorbs really quickly and leaves hands soft but not greasy. I use it at work because I can put it on and then carry on writing or typing without my hands being all slippery." - Tori, customer review

Best for: Silky-soft skin

Lasting for up to 10 hand washes, this soothing hand cream nourishes dry, damaged hands and nails. Regenerating even the most rough and irritated skin, its creamy texture repairs barrier function and protects against future damage. Super-soft Shea Butter lends a sumptuous feeling as you gently massage into your hand and nails.

The hype: "My hands have never been this soft. Really good value for money." - Siri, customer review

Best for: Defence

This is a powerhouse hand cream and the perfect protection for hardworking hands at risk of irritation. Rich in skin-loving Omega 3, 6 and 9, this expert formula immediately soothes and reduces ongoing discomfort. Active ingredients also include Manuka Honey - a known antimicrobial agent -  plus deeply-hydrating Vitamin B5 to keep skin soft, smooth and healthy. Apply throughout the day for long-lasting protection.

The hype: "I work in a hospital so now wash my hands even more frequently. This feels so thick and nourishing and smells amazing. I have recommended it to family and friends who have also purchased!" - Christine, customer review

Best for: Sleep-inducing softness

A good night’s sleep is non-negotiable when it comes to skin health, so it makes sense that NEOM created this blissful bedtime treatment to both restore rough hands and relax your senses. To use, warm a pea-sized amount between your hands before massaging into the skin. Then, cup hands over your nose and mouth and breathe deeply, inhaling the balmy blend of snooze-inducing essential oils. You’ll wake feeling super rejuvenated with sumptuously-soft skin to match.

The hype: "Lovely smell, great texture and has become a bedtime ritual." - Debbie, customer review