The winter cold can have a lasting impact on your skin, particularly your hands. The cold is notorious for drying out skin, and when it comes to adding moisture back to your hands, only the best hand cream for dry hands will do. In this quick guide, we will share the 5 best hand creams for dry skin based on customer reviews, product popularity and product quality including the ingredients used. Whether you have sensitive and eczema-prone skin or extremely dry hands, we have suitable hand cream options for you. Additionally, we have Skincare voucher codes to help you save on your choice of hand creams.
- Choosing a hand cream
- E45 Repairing Hand Cream
- La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Soothing Hand Cream
- Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream
- Shea Hand Balm
- CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream
Choosing a Hand Cream for Dry, Cracked Skin
Before diving into all the hand creams that are on the market, here are some important FAQs and answers to give you more insight into choosing the right hand cream for your needs:
1. Why use hand cream?
The hands are exposed to various chemicals such as soaps and hand sanitisers, temperature and weather changes, and are constantly in use. This can result in a loss of moisture, causing dehydration and tight and cracked skin, especially in winter.
In winter, factors such as the cold air, low humidity, frequent use of hot water and the use of heating contribute to the skin on the hands drying out. "Using hand cream adds moisture back into the skin, ensuring the hands stay hydrated, soft, healthy and looking good," says Marylyn Ncube, Love Discount Vouchers' resident product and deal finder.
2. How often should hand cream be applied?
It is best to apply hand cream after washing your hands. Other than that, consider factors such as the temperature and your skin's needs. If it is winter or your hands feel dry throughout the day, regularly apply a hand cream to keep your hands moisturised.
3. What is the best hand cream for dry skin?
The best hand cream for dry skin is one that adds and locks in moisture, and this can be achieved through the inclusion of ingredients such as:
- urea (for very dry skin)
- glycerine
- ceramides
- hyaluronic acid
- niacinamide
Ultimately, when choosing a hand cream, it is important to consider your skin’s needs, sensitivities and your personal preferences.
1. E45 Repairing Hand Cream - A Budget-friendly Option for Eczema
- Price: £5.99
- Size: 50ml
Tried, tested and recommended by The Independent, this E45 hand cream is specifically designed for those who have sensitive skin and struggle with dry hands. The combination of urea and glycerine in the lotion is designed to provide instant relief and moisture for up to 72 hours. This 50ml bottle is handy to have while on the go, and Boots has it at a budget-friendly price, with the option to use a Boots discount code to get a better deal.
What we love about the E45 Repairing Hand Cream
- Hypoallergenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including eczema-prone skin
- Dermatologically tested
- Fragrance-free if you are sensitive to scents
- An affordable option for sensitive skin types
- Does not leave the hands feeling greasy or sticky
- Provides intense moisture
2. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Soothing Hand Cream
- Price: £9.00
- Size: 50ml
Available for purchase with savings from a LOOKFANTASTIC discount code, this La Roche-Posay hand cream is perfect for dry and sensitive hands affected by the winter cold. The key ingredient to the hand cream’s moisture is thermal spring water, and the 4% niacinamide and 30% glycerine ensure moisture sealing and skin barrier protection.
What we love about the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Soothing Hand Cream
- Thick but light and absorbs quickly
- Does not leave the hands feeling greasy and sticky
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Effective in repairing dry and cracked hands
3. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream - A Natural & Vegan Hand Cream Option
- Price: £12.00
- Size: 75ml
This hand cream is vegan and made with 98% natural ingredients, including grape seed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, and shea butter. It provides the moisture needed to repair and maintain soft and healthy skin. This hand cream stands out because it also targets the nails and cuticles to ensure overall hand moisture and strength. Natural and vegan products don't always have to be pricey, and while this Caudalie hand cream has a reasonable price tag, you can save on it with a Space NK discount code.
What we love about the Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream
- Provides antioxidant protection, which is great for minimising signs of ageing on the hands
- Light and quick to absorb
- Non-greasy after application
- Strengthens and nourishes the nails and cuticles
- Repairs dry skin, reducing dehydration and skin tightness
- Lightly fragranced and may not be suitable for those sensitive to scents
4. Shea Hand Balm - A Natural & Vegan Hand Balm
- Prices: £7.00, £17.00
- Sizes: 30ml, 100ml
Staying true to The Body Shop’s brand, this hand balm is made with 97% natural ingredients and is vegan. This hand balm packs a punch when it comes to moisture, thanks to the key ingredient, shea butter. Different from hand creams, this hand balm is perfect for repairing dry and very dry hands, thanks to the high fat content of the shea butter and its thick consistency. It comes in two sizes that you can save on with a The Body Shop coupon code.
What we love about the Shea Hand Balm
- Comes in a recyclable and easy-to-use tube
- Formulated to moisturise skin for up to 96 hours
- Absorbs quickly
- Does not leave a greasy and sticky residue
- Treats the nails and cuticles too
5. CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream - Another Budget-friendly Option
- Prices: £5.60, £10.60
- Sizes: 50ml, 100ml
Similar to the E45 hand cream, this CeraVe hand cream is also a great budget-friendly option for those with sensitive skin that gets dry and irritated easily. Formulated with three ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this hand cream adds moisture, restores the skin barrier and locks the moisture in. Depending on the size you choose, you can use a Notino discount code to score a discount.
What we love about the CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Provides 24-hour moisture
- Promotes the skin barrier’s regeneration
- Soothes skin irritation
- Can also be used on the face
Save on the Best Hand Creams for Dry Skin with Skincare Voucher Codes
Skip the dry and cracked hands, but don’t skip the chance to save on the best hand creams for dry skin with our Health & Beauty promo codes!
