The Best Hand Creams for Men, According to Dermatologists
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Whether it’s obvious or not, the hands are under constant risk of dehydration and stress. So many things can compromise their natural moisture levels and softness, including soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, hot water, cold air, hard labor, weight lifting, cleaning products… the list goes on. All of this underscores the importance of using the best hand cream for men every single day.
But don’t just reach for the first hand lotion on Amazon or the cheapest one at the drugstore. It’s better to first understand the key ingredients or properties to look for in the best men’s hand cream, as well as to know the nomenclature. (Believe it or not, hand lotions and hand creams are quite different from one another, and same for hand balms.) The best hand cream for men is probably the most universal option of the trio, since it will actively reverse dry skin without feeling too goopy and occlusive.
A great men’s hand cream will also work terrifically year round. Best of all, there are some extremely affordable hand creams that have been proven effective and which are loved by dermatologists. Read on to discover what constitutes the best hand cream for men, as well as a list of top-tier picks based on a decade of testing experience (by this writer) as well as the studied perspective of board-certified dermatologists.
What the Experts Say
Doctors know best, which is why SPY called in some hands-on expertise (pun intended) from two board-certified dermatologists in New York: Dr. Dendy Engelman of Shafer Clinic and Dr. Asmi Sanghvi. Their insights should help inform any hand-cream purchases.
The Best Ingredients in Hand Creams
Here are the key hand cream ingredients most valued by Sanghvi and Engelman, though a product that excludes these ingredients is not necessarily subpar. Overall, look for ingredients that provide similar hydrating and nourishing benefits.
Ceramides: Sanghvi’s top ingredient, ceramides help to reinforce the skin barrier. “This means they will help keep moisture in the skin and prevent environmental toxins from getting in, since having low ceramide levels can lead to dehydrated and irritated skin,” she says. Engelman adds that she thinks of ceramides as the “glue” that holds skin cells together, along with fatty acids.
Hyaluronic acid: This deservedly buzzy ingredient is a favorite across all skincare categories for its ability to attract and retain up to 1000 times its own weight in moisture. “Hyaluronic acid makes the skin feel flexible and elastic while reducing fine lines and wrinkles,” says Sanghvi. No wonder it’s a miracle worker on hard-working hands. “Hyaluronic acid also has the added bonus of helping wounds heal faster, which makes it especially beneficial for cracked and damaged skin,” adds Engelman.
Shea butter: In terms of base ingredients, shea butter is Sanghvi’s favorite. “It’s a natural, creamy fat that comes from nuts growing on shea trees in Africa,” she explained. “Shea butter is rich in nutrients including vitamins A and E, as well as fatty acids. This makes it deeply nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and healing.”
Vitamin E: One of vitamin E’s many benefits for skin is its antioxidant abilities, notes Engelman. “This helps protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging,” she says.
“This is important, as the hands are constantly exposed to the elements and among the first parts of the body to show signs of aging.” But there’s more: Vitamin E also has humectant and emollient powers. “It attracts water and holds it to the skin, intensifying a hand cream’s moisturizing effects,” adds Engelman.
BEST OVERALL
Nécessaire The Hand Cream
Nécessaire always gets it right with body care. Until recently, I was extremely content using its signature body lotion on my mitts, but when the brand launched this weightier hand cream, it quickly became a new favorite. It’s terrific at reviving dry skin and maintaining soft, smooth skin, too.
What makes it stand out? For starters, it’s got an impressive roster of ingredients. There are five different ceramides and peptides, so that your hands also look as healthy and soft as they feel. This formula also summons niacinamide to boost skin’s barrier defenses (and moisture retention), as well as nourishing marula oil and butter to condition skin and prolong that softness.
Price-wise, it’s a pinch more expensive than the drugstore options, but I think it’s a worthy upgrade without being too lofty in cost. I’d even suggest adding the brand’s recent retinol-charged hand serum as a nighttime application beneath the cream (then using the cream standalone during the day), which will give you even smoother skin (both visually and to the touch). You can even save $10 if you buy the cream-serum duo together. But the cream on its own will give most everyone the results they want and need, without ever feeling too lightweight or too hefty. It’s just right — like all things Nécessaire.
BEST DRUGSTORE
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream (Fragrance Free)
Dr. Sanghvi, Dr. Engelman, and I all share an affinity for this low-cost skin savior from Neutrogena (and a bunch of their patients prefer it, too, especially in winter). When it comes to skincare products, don’t forget that many dermatologists prefer options from big-name brands — which is great news in terms of saving money — since those companies’ formulas endure more proper research and testing.
And regarding this fragrance-free pick in particular: “It has a thick, heavy consistency but doesn’t feel greasy,” notes Sanghvi. “It also absorbs quickly, making it convenient for those always on the go.” Personally, I prefer it in the colder months because it feels a bit on the dense side, but I do use it year-round on my parched elbows. Engelman likes to use this cream in the morning: “I reach for it specifically when I’m looking for something that will last me throughout the day and does not have a strong fragrance” she explains.
There’s no ignoring its cost, either: It’s a fraction of others on this list, yet remains a dermatological favorite. Good ol’ Neutrogena.
BEST LUXURY
Chanel La Crème Main
There are many reasons one might want to splurge on a luxury product, including a hand cream. It could be because money isn’t of concern, or that it’s important to have something top-shelf to showcase in the bathroom or dopp kit — just in case a house guest or fellow traveler takes notice. Or, it could be because the product is damn good, too, like Chanel’s own hand cream, which is beloved by Dr. Sanghvi.
“This nourishing hand cream carries a subtle fragrance and leaves skin and nails feeling silky, soft, and luxurious,” she says. “It goes the extra mile with the ingredient iris pallida, which brightens the skin by evening skin tone and fading dark spots.”
It’s worth noting that scented hand creams might be irritating to skin, so anyone who has an inflammatory skin condition or sensitive skin should always choose unscented options (or those whose scent is derived from natural oils and extracts). So, while La Crème Main may be off the table for those individuals, it’s very much en vogue for luxury buyers.
BEST FOR CRACKED SKIN
Cetaphil Cracked Skin Repair Balm
Engelman likes to take things up a notch when addressing cracked skin, hence why she recommends this balm for skin in need of serious repair — or just those with seasonal issues or sensitive skin.
“This hypoallergenic and fragrance-free hand cream is perfect for sensitive skin, as it’s very gentle yet extremely hydrating,” she explains. “This cream is a go-to in the winter because it repairs deep cracks in the skin while also protecting against further damage, thanks to skin-protectant ingredient dimethicone.”
It’s also a staple drugstore label, so it won’t crack open the bank, either. And perhaps best of all, it even doubles as a cracked heel repair balm, so there’s some serious value packed into a single tube.
BEST TREATMENT
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment
Here’s an overnight miracle-worker for those mitts when they need it most. It also doubles as a satisfying daytime product, since it traps moisture in the skin and prevents water loss in the first place. (The “treatment” aspect pertains to its deeply nourishing properties for fast repair and long-lasting defense.)
“This one earns a top spot on my list because it is fast-absorbing and non-greasy, yet keeps the skin moisturized all day,” says Engelman. “My hands are noticeably soft after using this moisturizer, thanks to the powerful humectants in the formula that keep hydration locked into the skin.”
Engelman also loves that this product has undergone thorough clinical, dermatologist, and allergy testing — a step above what many brands can claim. And while the brand is certainly in the luxe sphere, it remains cost-accessible.
BEST DUAL CREAM
Nivea Creme for Body, Face, and Hands
This cult-favorite cream is terrific for minimalists who want fewer products in their dopp kit, or people who want to get the most bang for their buck. Not only will it nourish the hands and body, but it’s also gently formulated for the face, too.
Its formula is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores, namely on the face), and it is even formulated for the most sensitive skin types. Few products have this kind of range; it is chock full of vitamin B5 to expedite skin healing, fortify the natural skin barrier, and calm inflammation.
Oh, and it’s extremely affordable. There’s no reason a jar of this shouldn’t be handy at all times.It’s even effective as a foot moisturizer. I suggest applying it to the heels after a shower, then pop on some socks and call it a night; you’ll wake up with much softer and smoother peds. I promise.
BEST FOR WINTER
Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer
I encountered this product in my first year of grooming coverage, and it became a wintertime staple for those long, blustery NYC winters. I’d bring it home to South Dakota (where the cold weather would always be worse yet), and would also deploy it whenever I had overly dried out my skin (like after cleaning, or if I washed my hands too much). It’s one of my favorite products to endorse in terms of quick-turnaround skin revival.
It’s got a glycerin base, and is dense enough that it almost borders on balm, but its consistency is unmistakably creamy. It also has eucalyptus, plus vitamins A and E, to keep skin looking and feeling soft, smooth, and soothed.
It also works as an emergency effort for dry heels, dry elbows, hangnails, and more. The brand isn’t kidding when they call it industrial-strength. For those who use their hands for work all day, or who have callused mitts from lifting weights, it’s a true game-changer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hand Creams for Men
What is the difference between hand cream and hand lotion?
Hand creams tend to be heavier than hand lotions. This is because lotions typically have a water base, while creams contain oils. If it’s seeming difficult to keep hands soft and hydrated, make sure to switch out any lotions in favor of creams (or even hand balms, which are the densest and most occlusive of the three). “Choosing between one of these three options really depends on the dryness of the skin. If the hands are extremely dry, cracked, and irritated, then I typically recommend a balm or cream,” adds Engelman. “If the dryness isn’t as severe, then a lotion may do the trick.”
Does hand cream expire?
All skincare products expire. Typically, the expiration date depends on a couple of things, including the manufacturing date and the day a product was first opened. Secondly, the vessel used will determine how quickly a product loses its efficacy due to exposure to light and air. (Something opaque will be better than something in a clear jar, while something in a pump bottle will be better than a twist-off jar.) Also, the formula itself (and how well it has been balanced with stabilizing ingredients) is a key factor, along with how it is stored. Generally a cool, room-temperature environment is best.
However, because it’s difficult to factor all of these things and determine a product’s expiration date, it’s smart to check the label for the tiny expiration symbol (typically the number 3, 6, or 12 will appear inside a tiny outline of a jar, noting how many months past opening the product is deemed effective by FDA regulations). When in doubt, toss a product after six to 12 months.
Will hand cream work on feet?
In theory, yes, hand cream will help nourish feet, just as facial moisturizer will also work on the hands, body, or feet. But it’s still wise to choose a dedicated foot cream for nourishing the feet. These will use more occlusive and skin-softening ingredients to target the thicker skin of the feet, as well as conditions that are specific to the feet, like calluses and cracked heels.