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If your hands feel more like sandpaper than skin lately, you aren't alone – but you might be using the wrong hand cream. Winter undoubtedly affects the skin barrier, and when it’s compromised, run-of-the-mill lotions won’t do more than sit on your skin’s surface. To find relief from painful cracking and peeling, you're going to want to use one of these actually-nourishing hand creams that truly penetrate your skin for the ultimate hydration.
From dermatologist-loved brands to drugstore superheroes, these are the 5 best hand creams made to transform ultra-dry skin overnight.
Amazon
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream
This thick (but non-greasy) hand cream is formulated with seven different moisturizers alongside vitamins A, C and E for long-lasting hydration. Its instant repair lasts even after hand-washing, which is exactly what dry, cracked hands need this winter. This $4 pick has also been tested by dermatologists, has zero fragrance, and is hypoallergenic so those with sensitive skin can feel confident using it.
Amazon
L'Occitane 20% Organic Shea Butter Hand Cream
Packed with 20% organic shea butter and coconut oil, this $13 hand cream feels like a full, comforting hug of hydration for wind-bitten hands. Not only does it keep the hands looking top-notch, it benefits your nails and cuticles, too.
Amazon
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Similar products that claim their strength simply aren't as strong or effective as this $34 hand salve. And trust us – the price is so worth it. A little of this product goes a very long way because it's packed with avocado, olive, sesame seed, and eucalyptus oils. These oils sink deep within dry skin for unmatched nourishment. Its formula also features barrier protectants that ensure any moisture stays put well under the surface.
Amazon
Havyn Comforting Collagen Hand Cream
Not only does this hand cream deliver satisfying hydration, it also smells like a total dream. It features a non-toxic fragrance that excludes hormone disruptors, carcinogens, phthalates, and parabens. This means the formula is safe for sensitive skin, even those who are prone to eczema. It's become a total purse, desk, and bedside table essential for us this winter because it's effective and fun to use.
Amazon
Prequel Skin Hand Wrap
This non-greasy "hand wrap" locks in moisture for ultra-dry hands using a lipid-rich formula that favors the skin barrier. Said to deliver 24-hour hydration, your hands will be feeling soft and smooth after application and beyond. It has a fragrance-free formula that's pH-stabilized, so anyone with dry, oily, or sensitive skin can use it without stressing over flare-ups or intense reactions.
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