Style & Beauty

The Top 5 Hand Creams

With colder weather around the corner, it’s time to think about protecting your hands

 

By Katrina Caruso

 

As we move into fall, our skin will get dryer (dry air causes flakiness) and our hands need more protection, though a good hand cream can be a year-round investment. I’m always on the hunt for a good hand cream—something moisturizing, non-greasy, and good for my nails and cuticles, too. Despite all my searching, though, these are the five hand creams that I always end up going back to.

Avène Cicalfate Hand Lotion, $18 for 100ml
(Available at most pharmacies and on Amazon)

This is probably the thickest hand cream, but it’s especially good for cracked skin. Light on fragrance, with powerful moisturizing. Ideal for sensitive skin.

The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Manicure Cream, $10 for 30ml, or $21 for 100ml
(Available at The Body Shop)

I love the Body Shop—products are cruelty-free and products have community-trade ingredients. This hand cream smells great and leaves cuticles soft.

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, $19 for 75ml, or $30 for 150ml
(Available at Kiehl’s and Sephora)

One of Sephora’s bestselling hand creams, it’s great for hands that need an extra bit of love. Ideal for people with eczema or other skin issues, and it has a soft, clean smell.

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Hand Cream, $14 for 50ml
(Available at most pharmacies and on Amazon)

If you’re looking for an extra-delicious-smelling hand cream, look no further: Nuxe’s whole line is decadent and dreamy. This hand cream’s scent is both slightly floral and sweet like honey. It melts right into the skin, leaving no greasy residue.

L’Occitane Shea Whipped Hand Cream, $12 for 30ml, or $24 for 75ml
(Available at L’Occitane and Sephora)

L’Occitane hand creams are beloved by many, for their texture, scents, and moisturizing strength. I prefer the scent and texture of the shea butter hand cream, but the company has a whole range of hand creams with different consistencies and scents.

Photo: iStock/AntonioGuillem.