When it comes to our skincare routines, we’re happy to dedicate a serious amount of time to make sure they’re thorough and effective. If you think about it, it makes sense. Considering that the skin on our faces is exposed to all of the elements all day, every day, it’s safe to assume that it needs a little more TLC than the skin on the rest of our bodies, which is, for the most part, protected by our clothes.
With that being said, besides our faces, there is another part of our bodies that faces the wrath of the great outdoors but doesn’t seem to receive nearly as much attention. That’s right—just like how external aggressors can force our skin into a panic, potentially resulting in dryness, oiliness, breakouts or sensitivity, the skin on our hands can suffer too.
And it’s not only the cold weather than can turn previously soft hands dry, cracked and sore. From drying hand soaps to irritating surface cleaners, the skin on our hands can react badly to a number of things throughout the day. It’s imperative, therefore, that we do all we can to make sure we give our hands all the moisture they need to ensure skin remains soft, supple and comfortable.
And trust me, I know the perils of applying greasy hand creams all too well. There is little I hate more than the feeling of coated, slimy hands. Therefore, I have made it my personal mission to find some of the very best hand creams out there that don’t make me go "ick." So if like me, you dislike the feeling of greasy hands, but hate dryness even more, keep scrolling for the most nourishing hand creams and balms out there.
1. L'Occitane Shea Hand Cream
If I could only buy one hand cream ever again, it would be this stuff. Full in rich shea butter to not only nourish but also soothe, this balm sinks straight in without even a hint of greasiness.
2. The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
There are very few hand creams quite as rich and effective as this one. It might have a slightly odd scent (it's earthy), but you get used to it very quickly. Plus, it's easy to overlook when it delivers as much relief as it does.
3. Chanel La Crème Main
Okay, fine—this one may have made it onto the list purely because it's just so chic. But Instagram bonus points aside, the formula is also totally dreamy.
4. Haeckels Eco Marine Hand Balm
I apply this luxurious balm every single night before I go to sleep. The calming scent helps me drift off in a matter of seconds and I wake up with the softest hands going. I also love that it's oil-free so doesn't leave a film.
5. Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
For a spa-like experience every time you apply your hand cream, look no further than this balm from Aesop. The blend of rosemary leaf, mandarin and lavender make for the perfect beauty pick-me-up.
6. Diptyque Luxurious Hand Balm
Subtle but fresh, this beautifully rich hand cream smells like freshly washed linen. Plus, it delivers intense moisture before it absorbs (which it does in a matter of seconds). It's one of my favourite hand creams of all time, and no matter what my hand treatment of the moment is, I always find myself going back to this.
7. This Works Perfect Hands Intense Moisture
Not only does this rich cream work to nourish and soothe dryness, but it also contains rose oil and mimosa to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
8. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Ideal for those with sensitive skin that might react to essential oils or fragrance, this unscented cream is full of glycerin for ultimate hydration and relief. And be warned: A little goes a long way.
9. Rituals The Ritual of Ayurveda Hand Balm
With sweet almond oil and Indian rose, applying this hand balm truly does make for the most ritualistic experience. Not only does it soothe extremely dry hands, but it also calms the mind as it gets to work.
10. Jo Loves Seville Orange and Neroli A Hand Lotion
The perfect addition to any bathroom, kitchen or bedside table, this fresh, citrus-scented hand cream smells so good that you'll never forget to moisturise your hands ever again.
11. Miller Harris Scherzo Hand Cream
Don't be fooled by the sweet scent—this hand cream means business. With glycerine, shea butter, vitamin E and aloe, it smooths, soothes and softens like no other.
12. Byredo Blanche Hand Cream
Proving that it's totally okay to love a hand cream on smell alone, it's lucky that this beautifully scented formula is a treat for the skin too.
13. Jo Malone Vitamin E Hand Treatment
As far as hand creams go, this is a little expensive, but it is Jo Malone. With pomelo and cassis, it smells just as good as any other Jo Malone product, but it's also formulated with deeply moisturising vitamin E for the ultimate skin treat.
14. Soap Glory Hand Food Hand Cream
For those that like fruity, floral scents, this super affordable hand cream really is incredible value for money. It offers high-end levels of hydration without even a hint of greasy residue.
15. Jurlique Rose Hand Cream
If you're a fan of natural beauty products, here's one for you. Delicately rose-scented, this rich hand cream is infused with almond seed oil and vitamin E to keep hands looking and feeling their softest.
16. Nursem Caring Hand Cream
Luxe, hydrating and created by nurses (if anyone has experience with dry hands, they do), you're going to want to get your hands on this if you're constantly dealing with tight and sore skin. It comes in both a pump bottle and a squeeze tube—one for at home and one for on the go.
This story was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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