Which hand cream is best to tackle fine lines and wrinkles?

When looking to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, opt for a hand cream with antioxidants. As discussed, antioxidants help prevent and reverse premature aging, giving your skin a fighting chance against pesky wrinkles. Also, opt for a hand cream with SPF to fight any damage the sun may cause which can also lead to fine lines.

What ingredients should be avoided in hand cream?

Avoid exfoliating ingredients in hand creams that can further irritate dry or chapped skin. You'll technically want to avoid harsh ingredients altogether if you have sensitive skin, such as alcohol and fragrance.

How often should you apply hand cream?

Regular hand washing can dry out your skin, but following with a hand cream can help keep hands feeling smoother and softer. .If your hands are dry or feel rough, you should apply hand cream each time after you wash your hands.

The 16 Best Hand Creams of 2023

The 15 Best Hand Creams of 2022 — Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang

Though most skincare focuses on the face, below-the-neck pampering shouldn't be overlooked. It's particularly critical for areas regularly exposed to the outdoor elements—namely, your hands. "Hand cream is important to use daily, especially with our recent increase in washing," board-certified dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, tells Byrdie.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

The best hand cream overall is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hands, a dermatologist-recommended formula that keeps hands feeling super smooth. On a budget? Go with Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, a drugstore classic that hydrates and nourishes chapped skin.

There's no shortage of products out there for remedying dry skin, but if you've landed on this page, you're probably on the hunt for the crème de la crème. So, what makes a good formula? We appreciate hand creams that contain nourishing, moisturizing ingredients like plant oils and natural butters, along with antioxidants such as vitamin E and niacinamide. Additionally, Dr. Madfes says, "Hand creams with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalene absorb quickly." And if you have notably reactive skin, you may want to steer clear of lotions with alcohol or added fragrance.

We conducted hours of research on the best hand creams, evaluating each formula on active ingredients, and how well it targeted dry, chapped skin. We also took into consideration how well the cream absorbed into skin, and any extra features, like fragrance. After considering dozens of formulas and consulting with board-certified dermatologists, we landed on the following best in show.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hands at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

O'Keeffe's Hand Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Luxury:

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With SPF:

Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Mature Skin:

StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Volumizing and Rejuvenating Hand Cream at Walmart

Jump to Review

Best Consistency:

54 Thrones African Beauty Butter at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Nourishing:

Benton Shea Butter and Olive Hand Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Scent:

Glossier Hand Cream at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Laroche-posay.us

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Absorbs quickly
Strengthens skin barrier
Long-lasting moisture

What We Don’t Like

Doesn't smell great

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast is a favorite of Dr. Madfes, and we can see why. Containing niacinamide, shea butter, and the brand's signature thermal spring water, the lightweight formula nourishes dry hands, soothes irritation, and strengthens the skin barrier.

What's more, this fast-absorbing French hand cream isn't greasy or sticky and provides up to 48 hours of moisture. Whether your hands are cracked from frequent washing, chapped from cold winter weather, damaged from sun exposure, or just in need of some TLC, you really can't go wrong with Cicaplast.

Price at time of publish: $11

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, shea butter, thermal spring water | Size: 1.7 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Target

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Fragrance-free
A little goes a long way

What We Don’t Like

Slightly sticky

Neutrogena's highly concentrated Norwegian Formula has been a staple for decades. This no-nonsense, wallet-friendly hand cream contains a heaping dose of the humectant glycerin to hydrate and smooth dry skin.

Price at time of publish: $7

Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Size: 2 ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Protective
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Doesn't spread very easily

Formulated with dry, cracked skin in mind, this concentrated drugstore hand cream contains hydrating glycerin and tried-and-true emollient mineral oil. O'Keeffe's Working Hands not only moisturizes but also protects the skin barrier from future damage.

Price at time of publish: $9

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, mineral oil | Size: 3 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstrom

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Aesop.com

What We Like

Nice smell
Natural formula
Softens skin

What We Don't Like

Contains potential allergens

Aesop Resurrection flaunts a splurge-worthy, vegan formula and an intoxicating scent. This high-end hand balm nourishes with sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and natural butters, leaving softer skin and a woody-citrus aroma in its wake.

Price at time of publish: $40

Active Ingredients: Plant oils, cocoa butter, shea butter | Size: 2.6 ounces, 17 ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Loccitane.com

What We Like

Luxury appeal
Softens skin
Several scents available

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

We're also big fans of L'Occitane's luxury hand cream. Containing a medley of plant oils, nourishing honey, and almond milk, and housed in a timeless aluminum tube, the fancy French formula provides silky-smooth skin while evoking five-star-hotel vibes.

Price at time of publish: $30

Active Ingredients: Plant oils, honey, almond milk | Size: 1 ounce | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Contains SPF
Targets hyperpigmentation
No synthetic fragrances

What We Don't Like

Can feel a little greasy

Since your hands get almost as much daily sun exposure as your face, you're wise to use a sunscreen-infused formula. Supergoop! Handscreen is vegan and offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection while targeting hyperpigmentation and loss of firmness.

Price at time of publish: $14

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene | Size: 1 fluid ounce, 6.7 fluid ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Volumizing and Rejuvenating Hand Cream

Amazon

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What We Like

Minimizes fine lines
Boosts radiance
Improves texture

What We Don’t Like

Contains fragrance

To combat fine lines, dark spots, uneven texture, and other signs of aging, reach for StriVectin. This expertly formulated hand cream contains everyone's favorite humectant, hyaluronic acid, plus antioxidants to hydrate, boost radiance, and tone your skin.

Price at time of publish: $29

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C | Size: 2 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

54 Thrones

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What We Like

Super rich and nourishing
Natural formula
Great scents

What We Don’t Like

May leave a slightly greasy residue

When your hands are dry, cracked, and craving hydration, you’ll want something extra thick and nourishing to nurse them back to health. This rich all-over body butter from 54 Thrones is superb for soothing hands thanks to its blend of ethically-sourced shea butter and baobab and jojoba oils, and it’s available in a number of beautiful scents. Just keep in mind that this stuff is pretty heavy-duty, so a little goes a long way.

Price at time of publish: $24

Active Ingredients: Shea butter, baobab oil, jojoba oil | Size: 1.7 ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sokoglam.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Long-lasting moisture
Naturally scented

What We Don’t Like

Can feel greasy

Containing a heaping dose of premium-grade shea butter, plus olive oil, glycerin, and botanical extracts, Benton's vegan hand cream offers deep nourishment and long-lasting moisture.

Price at time of publish: $11

Active Ingredients: Shea butter, olive oil, glycerin | Size: 1.7 ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Glossier

View On Amazon View On Glossier.com

What We Like

Smells good
Travel-friendly
Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like

Contains potential allergens

If you prioritize a good scent, you'll love Glossier's hand cream. Infused with the brand's premier You fragrance, it combines a musky base with a creamy, salty heart and spicy, woody notes on top. This sounds like a lot, but we promise it's not overpowering.

Price at time of publish: $27

Active Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil, coconut extract | Size: 1.7 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nubian Heritage Lavender and Wildflowers Hand Cream

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Nubianheritage.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Calming aromatherapy
Naturally scented

What We Don’t Like

Potentially too large for a purse

Infused with a botanical blend of lavender and wildflower essential oils, this hand cream offers calming aromatherapy while nourishing rough, dry skin with shea butter.

Price at time of publish: $12

Active Ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin, essential oils | Size: 4 ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sur.Medic Super Ceramide 100 Intense Protection Hand Cream

Soko Glam

View On Sokoglam.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Natural formula
Strengthens skin barrier

What We Don’t Like

Not enough moisture for super dry skin

We're also loving this natural hand cream from the Korean brand Sur.Medic. The pharmaceutical-inspired aluminum tube is filled with replenishing ceramides, moisturizing olive oil, hyaluronic acid, and adenosine to target fine lines and other signs of aging.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Ceramides, olive oil, hyaluronic acid, adenosine | Size: 1.5 ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Nourishing
Non-greasy formula

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

You'll be glad to have a tube of Dionis on hand when you're on the go. Boasting a blend of protein-packed goat's milk and healing honey, it nourishes, moisturizes, and replenishes dry skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Goat milk, honey | Size: 1 ounce | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Alaffia Coconut Reishi Hand and Body Cream

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Alaffia.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Works on hands and body
Fair Trade ingredients

What We Don't Like

Size isn't practical for body lotion

Alaffia Hand and Body Cream combines coconut oil with adaptogenic reishi mushroom extract to hydrate, nourish, and protect your skin from head to toe. The Fair Trade formula is exceptionally creamy yet super easy to blend.

Price at time of publish: $10

Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, reishi extract | Size: 8 ounces | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Pump bottle
Long-lasting moisture
Nice smell

What We Don’t Like

Contains synthetic fragrance

Looking for something to place next to your sink? You can't go wrong with Ouai. This 16-ounce pump bottle contains a skin-soothing blend of avocado, jojoba, and rosehip oils to lock in moisture while gracing you with a refreshing citrus scent.

Price at time of publish: $32

Active Ingredients: Avocado oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil | Size: 16 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Provides intense moisture
Lasts all day
Fragrance-free

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

If you have eczema, you need a heavy moisturizer that soothes and hydrates, and this hand cream from Gold Bond helps protect sensitive, dry skin. It forms a rich barrier on the hands that keeps hands feeling soft all day, even through hand-washing. As a plus, it's a budget-friendly drugstore staple.

Price at time of publish: $4

Active Ingredients: Petrolatum, jojoba esters, collagen | Size: 3 ounces | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

The best hand cream overall is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hands, a dermatologist-recommended formula full of skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, niacinamide, and thermal spring water. On a budget? Go with Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, which calls on a high concentration of glycerin to hydrate and smooth dry skin.

Meet the Expert

• Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in chemical peels, facial rejuvenation, and general skincare. She is an attending physician at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a member of several professional societies, including the American Academy of Dermatology.

• Sonya Dakar is a skincare expert and founder of Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic.

What to Look for in a Hand Cream

Antioxidants

When looking at hand cream ingredients, antioxidants are always a plus. "Antioxidants work by reversing and preventing oxidative stress aka free radical damage," says Sonya Dakar, skincare expert and founder of Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic. "Think of antioxidants as an insurance plan for your skin. They protect you from future damage as well as help reverse damage to your cells." Antioxidants can help with premature aging, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation, all of which our hands are particularly exposed to. They are also super anti-inflammatory.

Nourishing Creams

If you are purchasing a hand cream to tackle the all-too-common issue of dry hands, seeking a cream that nourishes the skin should be a priority. Hydrating ingredients including shea butter and coconut oil help keep the skin nourished and help fight dry, cracked skin. L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream contains both shea butter and coconut oil and has a super rich, creamy feel.

Formulas

Just like any skincare product, there are different hand cream formulas to choose from. In winter (or dry, colder months), opt for a heavier thicker cream or ointment (don't worry, we've listed those that don't leave a greasy residue on your hands). In the summer months, opt for a lighter-weight hand cream. And of course, year-round, always opt for a hand cream that has SPF when possible.

FAQ

Which hand cream is best to tackle fine lines and wrinkles?

When looking to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, opt for a hand cream with antioxidants. As discussed, antioxidants help prevent and reverse premature aging, giving your skin a fighting chance against pesky wrinkles. Also, opt for a hand cream with SPF to fight any damage the sun may cause which can also lead to fine lines.
What ingredients should be avoided in hand cream?

Avoid exfoliating ingredients in hand creams that can further irritate dry or chapped skin. You'll technically want to avoid harsh ingredients altogether if you have sensitive skin, such as alcohol and fragrance.
How often should you apply hand cream?

Regular hand washing can dry out your skin, but following with a hand cream can help keep hands feeling smoother and softer..If your hands are dry or feel rough, you should apply hand cream each time after you wash your hands.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Theresa Holland is a skincare aficionado and freelance copyeditor specializing in cosmetics, wellness, and lifestyle. For this article, she interviewed a board-certified dermatologist for product recommendations and insight into formulations. She considered dozens of products from myriad brands, combed through ingredients lists, and referenced peer-reviewed resources before making her final selections. From the above list, she has personally tested Neutrogena, O'Keefe's, Monat, Supergoop!, Dionis, and L'Occitane. Theresa covers skincare, makeup, and haircare at Byrdie.

These 13 Soaps Make Hand Washing Way More Enjoyable

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Sarkar R, et al. Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available? J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2013 Jan-Mar; 6(1): 4–11. doi: 10.4103/0974-2077.110089.
Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. doi:10.2147/CCID.S144180
Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol.
Malcolm BJ, Tallian K. Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?. Ment Health Clin. 2018;7(4):147-155. doi:10.9740/mhc.2017.07.147
Abella, M L. Evaluation of anti-wrinkle efficacy of adenosine-containing products using the FOITS technique. International journal of cosmetic science vol. 28,6 (2006): 447-51. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00349.x
McLoone, Pauline et al. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Central Asian journal of global health vol. 5,1 241. 4 Aug. 2016, doi:10.5195/cajgh.2016.241
Yin, Zhuming et al. Preventive and Therapeutic Effect of Ganoderma (Lingzhi) on Skin Diseases and Care. Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 1182 (2019): 311-321. doi:10.1007/978-981-32-9421-9_14
Arulselvan P, Fard MT, Tan WS, Gothai S, Fakurazi S, Norhaizan ME, Kumar SS. Role of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Inflammation. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:5276130. doi: 10.1155/2016/5276130. Epub 2016 Oct 10. PMID: 27803762; PMCID: PMC5075620.
Kampf G, Ennen J. Regular use of a hand cream can attenuate skin dryness and roughness caused by frequent hand washing. BMC Dermatol. 2006 Feb 13;6:1. doi: 10.1186/1471-5945-6-1. PMID: 16476166; PMCID: PMC1397860.

Best Overall

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hands

Best Budget

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

Best Drugstore

O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream

Best Splurge

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

Best Luxury

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Best With SPF

Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40

Best for Mature Skin

StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Volumizing and Rejuvenating Hand Cream

Best Consistency

54 Thrones African Beauty Butter

Best Nourishing

Benton Shea Butter and Olive Hand Cream

Best Scent

Glossier Hand Cream

Best Aromatherapy

Nubian Heritage Lavender and Wildflowers Hand Cream

Best K-Beauty

Sur.Medic+ Super Ceramide 100 Intense Protection Hand Cream

Best Travel-Friendly

Dionis Goat Milk Skincare Hand Cream

Best for Hands and Body

Alaffia Coconut Reishi Hand and Body Cream

Best Countertop

Ouai Hand Lotion

Best for Eczema

Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream

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