We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Skin & Hair Products 11 Best Hand Lotions for Dry, Cracked Skin, Tested and Reviewed Nourish and restore dry hands all year round with these top hand lotions. By Brittany Loggins and Brittany Leitner Updated on April 02, 2024 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Fact checked by Marley Hall Print Verywell Health / Alexander Huang Unfortunately, dry hands are a common condition. Dry hands can lead to sensitive and dehydrated skin and, in some cases, broken and peeling hands. Frequent hand washing or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause it, but thankfully, utilizing a good hand lotion can help. Hand lotions keep skin protected, comfortable, moisturized, hydrated, and healthy. To find the best lotions for dry, cracked hands, we researched dozens of lotions and tested 31 for two weeks at home. We evaluated them based on active ingredients, consistency, absorbency, moisturizing properties, fragrance, and value. We also had a dermatologist from our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical accuracy. Ingredients to Look for in Lotions for Dry, Cracked Hands When seeking a lotion to treat dry, chafed, chaffed, or cracked skin, look for products that provide moisturizing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, ceramides, and natural oils. Look for dermatologically tested or proven effective lotions for dry skin. David N. Lortscher, MD, board-certified dermatologist, suggests: Oil-based ingredients: Including occlusive agents like petroleum or mineral oil to help seal in moistureSoy: Contains active components that help restore skin barrier function and replenish moistureSilicones: When used in moisturizers, Dr. Lortscher says they act as lubricants and reduce frictionCeramides: Helps decrease dry skin and irritationAloe: Known for skin soothing and healing propertiesHyaluronic acid (HA): It’s a humectant, meaning it binds water and holds moisture in the outermost layer of the skin. Our Top Picks Best Overall: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream at Amazon ($30) Jump to Review Best Cruelty Free: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best for Eczema: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream at Amazon ($10) Jump to Review Best Natural: Grown Alchemist Hand Cream at Amazon ($24) Jump to Review Best for Working Hands: Benton Hand Cream at Sokoglam.com ($11) Jump to Review Best SPF Protection: Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best for Diabetes: Fenty Skin Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask at Sephora ($14) Jump to Review Best for Babies: Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Body Cream at Amazon ($7) Jump to Review Best for Frequent Hand Washing: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Hand Therapy at Amazon ($26) Jump to Review Best Dermatologist Recommended: Eucerin Repair Hand Cream at Walmart ($7) Jump to Review In This Article Expand Ingredients to Look for in Lotions for Dry, Cracked Hands Our Picks How We Selected & Tested What to Look For Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream Amazon View On Amazon $30 View On Loccitane.com $30 View On Sephora $13 Pros Rich texture Fast absorbing with no oily traces Rich in omega 6 and 9 Cons Scented; not ideal for sensitive skin Contains tree nuts (almond oil) Why We Recommend It Before using L’Occtaine’s Shea Butter Hand Cream, we experienced dry hands, especially between the fingers. This shifted once we started using this hand cream. The consistency was perfect for us because it wasn't too thick and/or sticky but still super rich and creamy. It absorbed well and still felt incredibly light without being watery. Infused with shea butter, honey, almond extracts, and coconut oil, this non-greasy, long-lasting hand cream moisturizes dry hands and restores moisture to the skin. It has a subtle, powdery fragrance, which we found pleasant during testing. Only a little of the lotion is needed for long-lasting relief, which goes a long way. We found consistent use improved our hands' overall moisture levels over time. Our skin’s appearance also improved—dry, flakey textures softened and became smoother. Keep in Mind It contains almond oil, which may not be best for people with tree nut oil allergies. The fragrance also doesn't make it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Lastly, while the value is worth it, it is a pricier pick than others on this list. Active Ingredients: 20% shea butter | Size: 1 ounce, 5.2 ounces | Scented: Yes Verywell Health / Alexander Huang Verywell Health / Alexander Huang Best Cruelty Free Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Touch Hand Cream Sephora View On Amazon $16 View On Sephora $16 View On Ulta $16 Pros Doubles as a cuticle cream Bottle is 100% recyclable Cons Scent doesn’t last long Why We Recommend It Sol De Janiero's Brazilian Touch Hand Cream is vegan and made without mineral oils, phthalates, or parabens. It's also cruelty-free and effective in moisturizing dry, cracked hands. Just a pea-sized amount left our hands feeling moisturized, hydrated, and amazingly soft for hours. This hand cream was lightweight and absorbed almost instantly with no leftover residue. It carries a subtle, warm, spicy vanilla scent and can be used as a cuticle cream. This hand lotion is created with cupuaçu butter, which is rich in fatty acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. These benefits benefit your skin's natural oil barrier and help plump it up, giving it a younger, more youthful appearance. The squalene in the formula replenishes the skin's moisture when your hands dry. Keep in Mind We loved the scent, but it didn't last very long. Active Ingredients: Cupuaçu Butter, Brazil Nut Selenium, Squalan | Size: 1.7 ounces | Scented: Yes Best for Eczema CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream Amazon View On Amazon $10 View On Walmart $10 View On Ulta $13 Pros National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance Made with ceramides Cons Not ideal for severely cracked hands Why We Recommend It This non-greasy, fast-absorbing hand cream is ideal for chafed, dry, and cracked skin. We like how it is gentle and non-irritating to the skin while also being water-resistant and fragrance-free. The hyaluronic acid and niacinamide formula and three essential ceramides provide long-lasting moisture for our hands. Additionally, CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream has received the National Eczema Association seal of acceptance, which sets it apart as being specially approved for use on sensitive skin or eczema. Keep in Mind This may be a little too thin for severely cracked and chafed hands. Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides | Size: 3 ounces | Scented: No Verywell Health / Alexander Huang Verywell Health / Alexander Huang Best Natural Grown Alchemist Hand Cream Amazon View On Amazon $24 View On Grownalchemist.com Pros Certified and verified toxic free Completely cruelty free Cons Pricier Why We Recommend It Grown Alchemist Hand Cream Vanilla and Orange Peel is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, certified and verified toxic-free. After testing this natural lotion for two weeks, this plush, lightweight, and moisturizing pick left our dry, cracked hands feeling hydrated and healthy, especially in the harsh, arid winter months. The sophisticated aroma gave us a little pick-me-up as aroma therapy whenever we encountered it throughout the day. Rosehip oil makes this hand cream super hydrating, while camellia (yes, the flower) helps the hydration last long and penetrate the skin. Seabuckthorn berry and wheat germ work to rejuvenate and regenerate the hands’ natural moisture, using free radical antioxidants that protect the skin and fight the effects of aging. Keep in Mind One thing to be aware of is that this hand cream has a thicker texture, so if you’re averse to thicker hand creams, this may not be the best option for you. Also, it didn't absorb instantly. It took about 30 minutes for it to dry down completely. Active Ingredients: Rosehip oil, camellia, sea buckthorn, wheat germ | Size: 2.19 ounces | Scented: Yes Best for Working Hands Benton Hand Cream Amazon View On Sokoglam.com $11 Pros Great travel size tube No discernable scent Cons Can take a while to dry down Why We Recommend It Our hands were rough before we tested this body butter due to excessive workouts. Benton Shea Butter left us nourished and hydrated through powerlifting and excessive hand work. This pick is derm-tested and full of hyaluronic acid, which is great at hydrating the skin. It also has shea butter and olive oil, which moisturizes, prevents dryness, and locks in moisture. The lotion felt lightweight, and a little went a long way. We covered our hands with just a dime-sized amount, and it helped our hands stay moisturized through our lifting sessions. The consistency was perfect, not too thin or thick, and our hands didn't feel sticky. We also didn't notice any discernible scent, which was very gentle. Keep in Mind It took longer than we would have liked for it to dry down and it left a slight greasy residue after, but it went away fairly quickly. Active Ingredients: Shea Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil | Size: 1.76 ounces | Scented: No Best SPF Protection Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 Dermstore View On Amazon $14 View On Dermstore $14 View On Bloomingdales Pros Reef-friendly SPF Fragrance-free Super silky texture Cons Expensive We tested Supergoop! 's Handscreen, which lived up to its very innovative name. This reef-friendly formula packs broad-spectrum SPF 40 and protects against UVA and UVB rays. It's also derm-tested and has a clean ingredient list. Using seabuckthorn fruit extract, which is rich in omega-7 fatty acids, it's hydrating and nourishing and fights off harsh environments and factors such as (of course) sunlight but also cold weather. Oh! It also comes in multiple sizes, so you can carry one and have one at home, so you're always prepared and protected. Sun damage worsens and intensifies dry skin, so it's important to use a high-protection sunscreen lotion, particularly when you spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to direct sunlight. Since it is a sunscreen, we suggest you use it as directed for maximum sun protection: Apply generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours (unlike other hand lotions, which you apply largely after washing hands or when needed). Keep in Mind We noticed it smelled slightly like sunscreen, but the smell faded fairly quickly and didn’t bother us. If you're sensitive to sunscreen smell, this product may not be for you. Active Ingredients: Sea buckthorn extract, argan oil | Size: 6.7 ounces | Scented: No Verywell Health / Alexander Huang Verywell Health / Alexander Huang Best for Diabetes Fenty Skin Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask Sephora View On Sephora $14 View On Harveynichols.com View On Fentybeauty.com Pros Overnight mask Great for winter months Cons Packaging can make product hard to dispense Why We Recommend It We loved Fenty Skin Hydra'Reset Intensive Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask for dry, cracked hands because it is a super hydrating and luxurious feeling product. It also aids in specific skin care needs that people with diabetes may prioritize. When testing this lotion, the lightweight gel-like cream spread around our hands like butter, and after about two minutes, the gel was completely absorbed into the hands. We didn’t feel any residue or oiliness. It's a hand mask, which is great for people with diabetes because it gives the hands time to rest and absorb as much moisture as possible. It's also full of humectants, which draw in extra moisture. There’s a faint tropical scent, but it wasn’t noticeable to us. It also comes in a standard size and a smaller one that is best suited for travel or small spaces. Also, we suggest using this pick overnight instead of during the day, like traditional hand creams. That way, it can soak in the skin without needing to reapply throughout the day, and you won't fear that it’ll get wiped off. Active Ingredients: Glycerin, panthenol, murumuru and mango butters | Size: 1 ounce, 2.5 ounces | Scented: Yes Best for Babies Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Body Cream Amazon View On Amazon $7 View On Walmart $10 View On CVS $12 Pros Gentle on baby eczema Provides 24-hour protection Cons Babies must be 3 months or older to use Why We Recommend It The discomfort that comes with eczema symptoms, such as sensitive, dry, chapped, and cracked skin, can make an adult emotional. Hence, it's much more important to have a lotion to soothe and address a baby's irritated skin, like Eucerin's Baby Eczema Relief Body Cream. We love it because it addresses those skin conditions while protecting and moisturizing the baby's skin. Colloidal oatmeal is a well-known skin protectant commonly used in lotions and creams formulated for sensitive skin and eczema. Combined with ceramide-3 and licorice root extract, this tried, trusted, clinically proven body cream provides 24-hour moisturizing for dry and eczema-prone skin. Keep in Mind The manufacturer recommends babies three months and up use this pick. Also this pick isn't ideal for anyone with an oat allergy. Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramide 3 | Size: 5 ounces | Scented: No Best for Frequent Hand Washing Perricone MD Cold Plasma Hand Therapy Dermstore View On Amazon $26 View On Walmart $26 View On Macy's $32 Pros Thin and matte formula Works quickly Cons No safety seal on product Why We Recommend It We tested Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ and felt it was the best lotion for frequent hand washing-induced dry, cracked hands. Before testing this lotion, our hands were extremely dry, especially in the winter. The first thing we noticed when using this pick was that it's a very matte, lightweight, thin formula that absorbed quickly into the skin. The hand cream glides easily over the skin, making our skin feel noticeably softer immediately. The formula immediately moisturizes dry, cracked hands and targets dark spots, veins, and discoloration. For best results, apply liberally in the morning, at night, and whenever you feel it is needed throughout the day. Keep in Mind There is no safety seal on this product. Heading Active Ingredients: None listed | Size: 4 ounces | Scented: Not listed Best Dermatologist Recommended Eucerin Repair Hand Cream Target View On Walmart $7 View On Walmart $7 View On Target $7 Pros Neutral scent Not too sticky Cons Dried down texture can feel slippery Why We Recommend It Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme is the best dermatologist-recommended lotion. This hand creme can be extremely beneficial for dry, cracked hands because it’s enriched with ceramide-3 and natural moisturizing factors, including amino acids, similar to those already naturally found in your skin. It can soften skin and seal in moisture to deliver long-lasting hydrating results. Keep in Mind The dried-down texture can feel slippery. Heading Active Ingredients: Amino acids and ceramide-3 | Size: 2.7 ounces | Scented: No Best for Sensitive Skin Soap & Glory Pink Hand Food Ulta View On Amazon View On Ulta $6 View On Target $7 Pros Easy to use dispenser Quick relief Cons Very strong scent; not suitable for all sensitivities Why We Recommend It Soap & Glory's Original Pink Hand Food was thick, creamy, rich, and moisturizing without being greasy. This lotion spread easily across our dry, cracked hands and didn't aggravate our sensitive skin. While there aren't many listed ingredients, it's derm-tested for all skin types. We used this product three to five times a day because we loved how moisturized and nourished our hands felt after using it. Also, after two weeks of use, we still had a substantial amount in the tube, which shows that a little goes a long way. Keep in Mind We noticed that the scent is very strong. If you're sensitive to smell, this may not be for you. Heading Active Ingredients: Shea butter | Size: 4.2 ounces | Scented: Yes How We Selected and Tested the Best Lotions for Dry, Cracked Hands Our recommendations were based on a blend of home testing and expert guidance. We also consulted dermatologists to learn what to look for when choosing a hand lotion. We tested 31 hand lotions total and evaluated them over two weeks based on the following criteria: Consistency: During this period, we noted how quickly the lotion spread, how thick it was, and how it fared against the elements.Active Ingredients: We checked the ingredient list for ingredients that benefit dry, cracked skin.Absorbency: When we applied the lotion, we closely examined how quickly it absorbed into our skin and whether it dried with unwanted or unusual residues. We also noted whether it gave our skin a glow or had a matte sheen.Moisturizing properties: We monitored our skin to see how it felt before and after use and how hydrated it felt. We also checked throughout the day to see how well our skin retained the newly added moisture.Fragrance: We noted any fragrances the hand lotions had and how discernible and strong they were. We also timed how long the scent stayed on our hand or dissipated.Value: We compared the above to the price point to see if the hand lotion's performance matched the product's financial cost. What to Look for in a Lotion for Dry, Cracked Hands SPF: Dry and sensitive skin is only further damaged and sensitized when exposed to the sun, so be sure to use a lotion with sun protection or apply sunscreen in addition to moisturizing lotion.Consistency: Lotions come in varying consistency, from watery and thin to thick and creamy. When addressing dry, cracked skin, it’s important to find a consistency of lotion that will help lock in moisture (often found in thicker creams), but that’s also still wearable and comfortable.Disclaimers for prolonged use: Some products are not recommended to be used regularly or continuously. Read the directions for use and seek medical guidance if you have any questions.Fragrance: Unscented lotions can limit the risk of additional skin irritation. Dr. Lortscher recommends unscented lotions for dry, cracked hands to avoid irritation from alcohol or other common irritants. Our Experts We consulted experts at every step of this article. We consulted the following dermatologist: David N. Lortscher, MD, board-certified dermatologist Frequently Asked Questions Can you use hand lotion on other areas of the body? Unless specifically stated on the product, hand lotions should not be used on other areas of the body, especially the face. According to Dr. Lortscher, while hand creams and lotions are both moisturizers, lotions have a higher water content, which can be more drying. Hand creams are more occlusive, which helps with water retention. He adds that hand creams are a better defense against cold, dry air. How often should you reapply moisturizing lotion? If you're experiencing dry and cracked skin, you should apply hand lotion as frequently as you feel is needed. Dr. Lortscher recommends applying and reapplying whenever the skin feels tight or dry. How can you prevent dry, cracked hands? You can prevent dry, cracked skin by applying moisturizing hands lotions and creams daily, after washing, or before going outside and facing weatherly elements. If your dry, cracked hands are the result of a health condition, it’s always recommended to keep your health condition’s symptoms and traits in mind when selecting a cream or lotion. It’s also wise to talk to a medical professional as well. Why Trust Verywell Health Brittany Loggins is a freelance writer with a depth of experience in a range of subjects, from wellness to politics. She is a seasoned health reporter who seeks input from doctors and experts in order to provide thoroughly-vetted product recommendations. Additional reporting by Brittany Leitner As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won't break the bank. 13 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Fleck CA, Newman M. Advanced skin care – a novel ingredient. J Am Coll Clin Wound Spec. 2014;4(4):92-94. Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra S, Gambhir M. Moisturizers: the slippery road. Indian J Dermatol. 2016;61(3):279-287. Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, et al. Advantages of hyaluronic acid and its combination with other bioactive ingredients in cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4429. Mármol I, Sánchez-de-Diego C, Jiménez-Moreno N, Ancín-Azpilicueta C, Rodríguez-Yoldi MJ. Therapeutic applications of rose hips from different rosa species. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(6):1137. Zakaria R, J Musa R, Faraj J, H Mahmoud Abudayeh Z, A Mohammed H. Evaluation of the wheat germ oil topical formulations for wound healing activity in rats. Pak J Biol Sci. 2021;24(6):706-715. Zielińska A, Nowak I. Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2017;16:95. Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. González-Acedo A, Ramos-Torrecillas J, Illescas-Montes R, et al. The benefits of olive oil for skin health: study on the effect of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleocanthal on human fibroblasts. Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2077. Nisbet SJ. Skin acceptability of a cosmetic moisturizer formulation in female subjects with sensitive skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:213-217. Sagiv AE, Dikstein S, Ingber A. The efficiency of humectants as skin moisturizers in the presence of oil. Skin Res Technol. 2001;7(1):32-35. Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(1):43-48. Ciganović P, Jakimiuk K, Tomczyk M, Zovko Končić M. Glycerolic licorice extracts as active cosmeceutical ingredients: extraction optimization, chemical characterization, and biological activity. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;8(10):445. Huang HC, Chang TM. Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate-irritated skin. Int J Dermatol. 2008;47(8):812-819. Additional Reading Ilnytska O, Kaur S, Chon S, et al. Colloidal Oatmeal (Avena Sativa) Improves Skin Barrier Through Multi-Therapy Activity. J Drugs Dermatol. 15(6):684-690. Spada F, Barnes TM, Greive KA. Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2018;11:491-497. doi:10.2147/CCID.S177697 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit