Whether you opt for nourishing hand soap, something antibacterial or a quick hand sanitiser, keeping one of the best hand creams on you is essential for tackling the moisture loss that comes with frequent washing.
And with the copious options that are on the market to choose from, nailing a great hand cream can feel a little overwhelming.
So we've laid out some of our top picks for topping up the hydration in your hands and keeping them nourished all day long.
Whether it's something skincare-esque you're looking for, a multitasking product or something for sensitive skin, we have an option for everyone here.
There's even something on offer for those who are more prone to sweaty palms but still need some extra hydration, as well as a more conditioning options for those dealing with cracked skin.
Best hand creams
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CeraVe reparative hand cream
An expert skincare formulation made suitable for hands
Where best to take inspiration from for dry hands than one of our favourite brands for dry skin? CeraVe has already developed a cult following thanks to their hydrating hyaluronic-packed face wash and this hand hero has followed suit with a mega infusion of the hydration essential.
The non-irritating formula quenches dry hands with its nourishing complex of hyaluronic acid, which draws in moisture and maintains the skin's hydration levels, along with three essential ceramides that reinforce the skin's barrier to lock in all the moisturising goodness.
L'Occitane shea intensive hand balm
Nourishment and luxury working hand in hand
French beauty brand L'Occitane has some of the best hand creams around and this intensive balm is their crème de la crème. With its elegant cream and navy packaging and its thick buttery formula, this product screams luxury.
Its high 25% concentration of shea butter gives the cream a rich texture that melts dreamily into even the driest of hands - and if you want a real treat, you can even slather it on as a weekly 10-minute intensive mask.
Palmer's coconut oil formula hand cream
Make the most out of your investment with this long-lasting budget buy
This nutty and nourishing formula uses ethically and sustainably sourced raw coconut oil and Tahitian monoï oil to fast-absorbing hand cream that keeps hands soft with daily use.
It promises 24-hour moisture, creating a creamy barrier for hands that lasts even through multiple hand washes. And we love the softly sweet almond and coconut scent that's balanced out with a hint of floral Tiaré petals.
First Aid Beauty ultra repair cream
This one ticks all the boxes
If you like to go simple with your skin and body care then this multitasking star can do everything from soothing flaky elbows to hydrating the décolletage and quenching wrinkled hands.
Its light, whipped feel means that it can even used on oilier skin types, while the infusion of colloidal oatmeal makes it a soothing option for sensitive skin. And it's even been clinically proven to improve skin hydration by 169%.
Neal's Yard Remedies bee lovely hand cream
Ethical, charitable and nourishing all in one
Powered by fair trade organic honey from Mexico, this ethical hand cream is naturally moisturising and smells delicious.
It is also part of the brand's Save the Bees campaign, which sees 3 per cent of sales go to charities to help the species.
Aveeno daily moisturising hand cream
A true saviour for dry and sensitive skin
Clinically proven to keep hands moisturised for 24 hours, this calming oat-infused hand cream soothes even the most sensitive of skin while creating a glove-like protection that looks after hands even through washing.
O'Keeffe's working hands hand cream
Massage away your cracked skin with this balm
Formulated to support extremely dry hands, this concentrated formula will soothe skin - no matter how many cracks you're sporting.
Be warned though - a little goes a long way with this one so use it sparingly!
Neutrogena hydro boost hand gel cream
Gel and cream come together in this lightweight formula
Those prone to oilier skin are likely faced with the perpetual battle between cracked knuckles and sweaty palms, so this gel-cream hybrid will deliver a hit of moisture to your hands (thanks to hyaluronic acid) without leaving a greasy residue on your palms.
Burt’s Bees lavender and honey moisturising hand cream with shea butter
A calming bedtime treat
We all love a bit of lavender scent before sleeping, so this hand cream brings nourishing shea butter together with the calming essential oil and a touch of sweet honey for a pampering pre-bedtime treat.
Nursem caring hand cream
A rich blend that's formulated for care and efficiency
This hand cream has gained a bit of a cult following thanks to its medical-grade Manuka honey that soothes inflammation and conditions even sensitive skin.
Developed by an intensive care nurse, this has become a favourite for healthcare professionals after being tested for safe use in hospitals - and it's fast-absorbing for maximising efficiency. Well if it's good enough for the nurses...
Our verdict on the best hand creams
There's an abundance of options on the market when it comes to great-performing hand creams, but for us the CeraVe reparative hand cream takes the crown for its powerful infusion of hyaluronic acid and comfortable non-greasy formula.
We also love the First Aid Beauty ultra repair cream, as it ticks pretty much every box you would want in a hand cream with its multitasking abilities, suitability for multiple skin types and high level of hydration. And if it's serious nourishment you want, then the medical use of Nursem's caring hand cream makes it a real contender.
These hydrating heroes will keep your hands silky all year round!
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