21 Best Hand Creams for Men to Rejuvenate Tough And Dry Skin

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Mar 07, 2024
best hand cream for men
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With the onset of winter, your hands become more susceptible to developing cracked and dry skin. Many men often neglect hand care, yet this overlooked body part requires proper moisturization. Drawing from our experience, the best hand creams for men are specially formulated to rejuvenate even the most weathered hands, addressing dryness, redness, and cracking. During the cold season, the combination of chilly temperatures, low outdoor humidity, and the dry heat generated by indoor radiators deplete moisture from your body at an accelerated rate. Although dry and dehydrated skin can affect your entire body, it is particularly pronounced on your hands due to their frequent exposure to such elements. This is why men must prioritize investing in high-quality and effective hand creams or lotions.

Dr. Andrea Suarez, a certified dermatologist and skincare expert, says, "The reason it's important to use a hand cream is that as we wash our hands throughout the day, we dissolve some of the natural lipid barriers on the skin surface, and then begin to lose water from the hands. This can result in dryness and irritation. So using a moisturizing hand cream consistently can help to combat that dryness and protect the skin and keep its skin barrier stronger and healthier."

To assist you in selecting the most effective hand care products, we've carefully picked some of the promising options available in the market. According to our findings, these creams include skin-friendly emollients that contribute to maintaining well-hydrated, smooth, and healthier hands all year round. Additionally, apart from rejuvenating dry and chapped hands, they also aid in reducing signs of aging while ensuring your hands stay nourished throughout all four seasons.  

Continue scrolling to explore our top recommendations.

21 Best Hand Creams for Men

Our skin tends to get dry and damaged during winter, and while we try our best to moisturize our whole body using lotions, our hands often get neglected. This shea butter-enriched hand cream is exactly what you require to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin on your hands and transform it from dry to soft and supple. Besides, it also helps smoothen the cuticles, preventing flaking, cracking, or peeling. What’s more, is that it is infused with almond and coconut oil, and honey to further soothe your skin, making it a must-have addition to your skincare routine.

Pros
  • Highly nourishing
  • Smoothens cuticles
  • Cost-effective
Cons
  • None
  • Best Scented Lotion

    Archipelago Botanicals Oat Milk Hand Crème

    Archipelago Botanicals Oat Milk Hand Crème
  • Moisturize your dry, rough hands instantly with this wondrous oat milk-infused hand cream from Archipelago Botanicals. It gets quickly absorbed into your skin, leaving no greasy residue behind. What’s more is that it is subtly scented for a rejuvenating experience, and also comes with premium plant extracts and jojoba esters to nourish and soothe your skin. The best part? It is made of clean ingredients that don’t cause any harm to the environment.

    Pros
    • Recyclable packaging
    • Intensely nourishing
    • Powerful ingredients
    • Best for everyday use
    Cons
    • A bit expensive
  • Best Overall

    O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream

    O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream
  • This best men's hand cream is a practical, fragrance-free solution for healing and restoring dry, cracked hands. It is clinically proven to swiftly enhance moisture levels, safeguard against future moisture loss, and establish a protective barrier on the skin's surface to retain moisture and maintain skin hydration. The brand boasts that you'll notice a significant improvement in your skin's condition within a few days of consistent daily use. Plus, it’s unscented and non-greasy, making it an ideal choice for people with sensitive and oily skin types.

    Pros
    • Fast-acting relief
    • Non-greasy formula
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Long-lasting hydration
    • Can improve cracked skin
    Cons
    • Inconvenient packaging
  • Most Luxurious Moisturizing Effect

    Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream

    Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream
  • This plant-rich hydrating moisturizer is enriched with the natural power of pansy, chamomile, and calendula, which offers a luxurious solution for your dry and rough skin needs. This iconic formulation is known for providing intensive hydration to even the most dehydrated and parched skin. Its velvety texture glides on smoothly, enveloping your skin in a cocoon of hydration. The product claims that a tiny dab will instantly make you feel the difference on your hands as it replenishes and revitalizes, leaving your skin softer, smoother, and more radiant.

    Pros
    • Excellent coverage
    • Made with sunflower and sweet almond oil
    • Free from parabens and phthalates
    • It contains minerals and essential oils
    Cons
    • Pretty strong smell
  • Best for Severely Dry Hands

    Grip Clean Hand Cream For Dry Cracked Hands

    Grip Clean Hand Cream For Dry Cracked Hands
  • Give your skin the essential nourishment it craves for a silky-smooth touch with this best hand cream for cracked hands. This famous hand cream is formulated with natural and hydrating ingredients like cocoa butter and glycerine; it provides instant relief while moisturizing and protects from cracks and calluses without the greasy feel. Ideal for daily use and great for both men and women, this heavy-duty formula is your ultimate solution for severely dry, cracked hands.

    Pros
    • Fast absorbing
    • Locks in moisture
    • Ultra-grip formula
    • Very lightweight
    Cons
    • Unpleasant fragrance
  • Best for Instant Hydration

    AmLactin Ultra Smoothing for Rough Dry Skin

    AmLactin Ultra Smoothing for Rough Dry Skin
  • Elevate your skincare routine with a potent therapeutic moisturizer that delicately exfoliates and deeply nourishes your hands, face, and body, revealing your skin's true beauty like never before. This multitasking formula promptly moisturizes extremely dry and cracked hands and provides a smoother skin texture. With 15% lactic acid, it exfoliates dead skin cells and encourages skin cell turnover, enhancing your skin's overall appearance. Crafted without any added fragrances, this paraben-free and non-greasy formula is specifically designed to address dry, rough, bumpy, flaky, and scaly skin, aiding you in restoring the soft, velvety skin you desire.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist-recommended
    • Instantly hydrates
    • Feels light
    • Finely absorb into the skin
    • No residue
    Cons
    • Yields results after consistent use
  • Best Ceramide Formula

    Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream

    Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
  • Experience the ultimate relief from dry, thirsty hands with this advanced repair hand cream. Enriched with ceramide-3, natural moisturizing ingredients, and nurturing shea butter, it rejuvenates and quenches your skin's dehydration. Based on our firsthand experience, you will notice a remarkable difference in your skin with just one application of this non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula. Plus, it is dye-free, ensuring a gentle, refreshing experience for your hands. Additionally, it also contains an active ingredient, lactic acid, that gently exfoliates your skin.

    Pros
    • Fast-absorbing
    • Non-greasy
    • Great for dehydrated skin
    • Moisture barrier repair ceramides
    • Contains amino acids
    Cons
    • Unpleasant smell
  • Best Affordable

    NIVEA Men Creme

    NIVEA Men Creme
  • Designed to hydrate and shield your skin from dryness, this multipurpose cream can transform even the roughest patches into smooth, soft areas. From the face, body, and hands, this cream can be applied anywhere on your skin that requires extra care. The fragrance boasts a masculine blend of spicy-woody notes, complemented by herbal and apple undertones for a refreshing, distinctly masculine scent. With its highly moisturizing formula, your skin feels revitalized and supple.

    Pros
    • Contains vitamin E and glycerine
    • Travel-friendly
    • Nourishing
    • Budget-friendly
    Cons
    • Thick consistency 
  • Best for Eczema Patients

    CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream

    CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
  • This cream for cracked hands is expertly crafted with a blend of skin-loving ingredients. It contains hyaluronic acid to preserve the skin's natural moisture, niacinamide for soothing properties, dimethicone as an effective occlusive, and three vital ceramides to fortify the skin's protective barrier. This hand cream holds the esteemed seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, highlighting its therapeutic qualities. This high-quality hand cream is Dermatologist-approved, and it is an excellent choice for addressing cracked hands and is suitable for various skin types, including dry, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. 

    Pros
    • Fast-absorbing
    • Non-greasy formula
    • No artificial fragrance
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Affordable 
    Cons
    • Runny consistency 
  • Best for Calloused Skin

    Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer

    Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer
  • This cream is meticulously crafted for hands suffering from dryness, cracks, and chapping. Its formula is known to be rich and non-greasy and can soften rough, calloused skin while restoring the health of your cuticles. Contains ingredients like macadamia nut oil, this dry hand healer helps in providing deep, intense nourishment that lasts long. Gently massage a small quantity onto the palms and the back of your hands whenever they require moisture. And you will feel an ultra-nourishing, soft effect instantly.

    Pros
    • Contains Vitamin A and E
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Fragrance-free
    • Very gentle and soothing effect
    • Doesn’t leave an oily or shiny finish
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Invigorating Scent

    Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief

    Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief
  • Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief in a convenient travel-sized pack for on-the-go dryness relief. This quick-absorbing hand cream is perfect for long-lasting relief, especially after frequent hand washing. Enriched with the refreshing essence of eucalyptus extract, this hand cream softens, smooth, and deeply moisturizes to ensure you always have this skin-soothing solution at your fingertips. Plus, it is sensitive skin friendly too. So, pour a generous amount over your hands to fight dryness.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist approved formula 
    • Lasts through 3 handwashes
    • Paraben and fragrance-free
    • No residue
    Cons
    • None reported yet
  • Best Paraben And SLS-free Formula

    Burt's Bees Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream

    Burt's Bees Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream
  • This luxuriously rich lotion provides 24-hour moisturization and revitalizes and deeply conditioning dry skin. Formulated with honey, grapeseed oil, and honey cream, this men's hand cream is perfect to nourish and hydrate the skin on your elbows, knees, and feet. Made with 98% natural-origin ingredients, consistent application of this product can protect rough, hardworking skin from dry and patchy skin. Because of the nourishing power of cupuacu butter, grapeseed, and macadamia oil, it soothes cracked skin with daily usage and provides you with smoother, softer hands.  

    Pros
    • Enriched with Vitamin E
    • Decrease the signs of aging
    • Dermatologist recommended
    • Paraben and SLS free
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Unpleasant tactile sensation
  • J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Hand Cream

    J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Hand Cream
  • Discover the soothing touch with this naturally moisturizing hand cream. Enriched with shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado oil, this nourishing and hydrating hand moisturizer provides intense effects and immediate results after application. Being 100% cruelty-free, this hand cream in the invigorating aloe and green tea scent pampers your skin with natural goodness. Pamper your hands with the finest ingredients and make them soft, smooth, and beautifully scented. Experience the essence of nature's care with every application.

    Pros
    • Good for sensitive skin
    • Nourish cracked skin
    • Free from parabens, dyes, or phthalates
    • Can be used as a full-body moisturizer
    Cons
    • Leaky packaging
  • Caswell-Massey Centuries Almond Hand Cream

    Caswell-Massey Centuries Almond Hand Cream
  • Elevate your hand care routine with Caswell-Massey Centuries Almond Hand Cream, a soothing hand lotion crafted with shea butter, avocado oil, and aloe vera extract. This rich and deeply moisturizing product is proudly made in the USA, and dive your hands into the luxurious moisture and the gentle essence of almond and other skin-loving ingredients. Infused with botanical extracts such as Grape, St. John's Wort, and Arnica Montana, this formulation nurtures and promotes your skin's well-being. It's your ideal defense against dryness from frequent hand washing and sanitizing. Experience the timeless elegance of Caswell-Massey as it pampers and revitalizes your skin, leaving your hands feeling soft and replenished.

    Pros
    • Powered by botanical extracts
    • Cruelty-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Great for travel and everyday use
    • Non-greasy formula
    Cons
    • The fragrance is not very appealing
  • Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream With Vitamin E

     Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream With Vitamin E
  • Indulge your parched, cracked skin with the luxurious Mario Badescu Hand Cream infused with Vitamin E. This product is specifically designed to address the needs of your dull and rough skin. This product perfectly balances lightweight and non-greasy, delivering instant, noticeable softness and rejuvenation. Ideal for those who prefer a lighter option over heavy, oily hand creams, it features a delicate fragrance that leaves your hands feeling refreshed and revitalized. Suitable for both men and women, it's a pampering experience

    Pros
    • Fast-absorbing formula
    • Nourishes the skin
    • Blends well
    • Fresh scent
    Cons
    • Some may find the scent to be overpowering
  • Aveeno Intense Moisturizer Hand Cream

     Aveeno Intense Moisturizer Hand Cream
  • Discover a fast-absorbing, deeply hydrating cream that works magic even through handwashing. This moisturizing wonder contains soothing Prebiotic Oat, ensuring your hands stay luxuriously moisturized for 24 hours. Crafted to heal dry skin and create a protective moisture barrier against external contaminants, this non-greasy formula is perfect for sensitive skin. Allergy-tested and non-comedogenic, it's free of fragrances, parabens, and dyes, making it an ideal addition to your daily skincare routine. Experience the richness of intense moisture with this hand cream.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy
    • Very soothing
    • Lightweight
    • Fragrance-free
    • Provide instant relief
    Cons
    • Faulty packaging
  • AHAVA Men's Mineral Hand Cream

    AHAVA Men's Mineral Hand Cream
  • Experience a rapid-absorbing hand cream that works its magic on rough, dry, and cracked skin, leaving behind no greasy residue. Enriched with witch hazel extracts, it not only smooths your skin but also imparts a refreshing and revitalizing sensation, leaving your hands naturally smooth and rejuvenated. This hand care product swiftly enhances skin's moisture, softens rough and dry skin, and reinstates its suppleness. For effective results, gently apply a small amount onto your hands and massage until completely absorbed into your skin.

    Pros
    • Soften the texture of the skin
    • Doesn’t contain GMOs
    • Natural skin-smoothening conditioners
    Cons
    • Terrible fragrance
  • CHANEL LA CRÈME MAIN Hand Cream

     CHANEL LA CRÈME MAIN Hand Cream
  • Experience the benefits of mattifying moisturizer, enriched with the natural power of pink rock rose and willowherb. This unique formulation enhances radiance, refines skin texture, evens your complexion, and minimizes pore sizes. Its quick absorption ensures your skin remains hydrated and in optimal health. Elevate your skincare routine with this all-in-one solution, formulated to address multiple skin concerns for a more radiant and confident you.

    Pros
    • Hydrates skin
    • Reduces pore sizes
    • Mortifies skin
    Cons
    • Very expensive
  • PRE de PROVENCE No.63 HAND CRÈME MAINS

      PRE de PROVENCE No.63 HAND CRÈME MAINS
  • Show your skin some love with this specially crafted hand lotion enriched with organic shea butter for healing, protection, and relief. This deeply moisturizing formula creates a protective shield on the skin's surface, instantly elevating moisture levels and safeguarding against future dryness. Designed for men, it's a non-greasy hand lotion that effectively locks in moisture without the typical slippery texture. The scent is a harmonious blend of aromatic, warm, and spicy notes, complemented by cedarwood, juicy plum, and violet leaves. With this best cream for cracked hands, treat your skin to an exquisite experience

    Pros
    • Made from fine natural ingredients
    • Lightweight
    • Elegant packaging
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • Insufficient product
  • Oars + Alps Dry Hand Repair Cream Fresh Ocean Splash

    Oars + Alps Dry Hand Repair Cream Fresh Ocean Splash
  • Elevate your hand care game with Oars + Alps Hand Cream. This hydrating formula boasts the nourishing benefits of Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, providing your hands with the ultimate moisturizing experience. Vegan and gluten-free, it's designed to meet your unique preferences and needs. Enriched with the natural goodness of coconut oil, a rich source of vitamin E that deeply hydrates the skin and combats free radicals. Additionally, Sunflower Oil contributes to reducing redness and improving skin texture. Our formula contains a remarkable 20% Shea Butter, a superfood for the skin that offers intense moisturization, abundant vitamins, and essential fatty acids to nourish and revitalize your skin.

    Pros
    • Travel-friendly
    • Made from skin-friendly ingredients
    • Free of alcohol
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan formula
    Cons
    • Unpleasant fragrance
  • Dionis Goat Milk Skincare Men's Hand Cream Gift Set

      Dionis Goat Milk Skincare Men's Hand Cream Gift Set
  • Provide a clean and nourishing touch to your most neglected part of the body and make your skin moisturized without overwhelming scents. These compact, travel-sized tubes are perfect for daily use, whether at the office or in your work bag. Crafted from natural goat milk and rich in vitamins and minerals, this hand-healing cream nourishes and maintains your skin's moisture. It's the perfect remedy for individuals with dry, hardworking hands, offering the care your skin craves.

    Pros
    • Dermatologist tested
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Loaded with nutrients
    Cons
    • Doesn’t provide lasting results

    Selecting the best hand cream from the abovementioned options can be quite challenging. Drawing from our hands-on experience, we've compiled a list of critical factors to consider when choosing from our top recommendations.

    How to Choose the Best Hand Cream for Men?

    • Skin Type: Just as with facial skincare, the specific needs of your hands can vary depending on whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin. If you have dry hands, look for a hand cream that offers intense hydration with ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid. Those with sensitive skin should opt for a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic hand cream to avoid any potential irritation. For oily skin, a lightweight, non-greasy formula is ideal. O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream works wonderfully on dry and cracked hands and provides guaranteed relief with consistent usage.
    • Ingredients: For a good quality men's hand cream, ideally, you want to look for ingredients that promote hydration and skin health. Components like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and ceramides are known for their moisturizing properties. These ingredients help to lock in moisture, repair the skin's natural barrier, and keep your hands soft and supple. On the other hand, it's crucial to avoid hand creams with harsh chemicals, fragrances, or allergens, especially if you have sensitive skin, as they can lead to irritation or allergic reactions.
    • SPF Protection: When choosing the best hand cream for men, considering SPF protection is particularly important, especially if you spend a significant amount of time outdoors. The skin on the hands is constantly exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays, making it susceptible to sun damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Hand creams that include SPF (Sun Protection Factor) protect against these adverse effects. Look for a hand cream with a sufficient SPF rating, typically SPF 30 or higher, to ensure your hands are adequately safeguarded.
    • Texture And Absorption: The texture of the cream should align with your comfort. Some people prefer lightweight lotions that absorb quickly, leaving no greasy residue, making them ideal for daily use without discomfort. On the other hand, thicker, more emollient creams are well-suited for deep hydration and protection, especially in harsh weather conditions or if your hands are severely dry or cracked. It's essential to choose a texture that you find pleasant and easy to work with. Also, choose creams that absorb well into your skin, as you won't have to wait for the product to dry before resuming your activities. Mario Badescu Hand Cream stands out as an excellent choice for hand care. It boasts an ultra-lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it an ideal option for all skin types. This versatility and rapid absorption make it a superb daily hand cream

    Conclusion

    Whether you're a man or a woman, hand creams are an essential part of a comprehensive skincare regime. Skipping this step can result in dry, flaky, or itchy hands in the long run. Plus, it can cause wrinkles and fine lines and speed up the aging of your hands. To achieve soft, smooth, healthy, and youthful-looking hands, it's essential to use the best hand creams for men. Out of the choices listed above, pick the one that suits your skin type to get the best results. CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream is incredible for dry cracked hands as it is enriched with the goodness of hyaluronic acid that will provide deep moisturization. However, if you have dehydrated skin, opt for Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream, as its thick lotion-like consistency offers more intense and nourishing properties. We believe that this guide will provide you with great inspiration to kickstart your handcare routine.

    FAQ's

    Should guys use hand cream?
    Yes, guys should use hand cream to maintain healthy, moisturized hands.
    Is cream or lotion better for dry hands?
    Creams are usually better than lotions for treating dry hands, as they are thicker and provide more intense moisturization
    Do hand creams work?
    Yes, hand creams can be effective in moisturizing and improving the condition of your hands, especially if you choose the right one for your specific needs.
    Is it OK to use hand cream every day?
    Yes, it's perfectly fine to use hand cream every day, and it can help maintain healthy and moisturized hands.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our skincare expert, Anoushka, says it's important to use hand cream regularly to keep your hands well-hydrated, smooth, and soft. Anoushka herself is diligent about applying hand cream and recommends opting for a product that contains gentle ingredients to ensure proper skin nourishment. Be it a man or woman, she also inspires her family and friends to follow a good handcare regimen. Since there are so many hand creams, she's made a list of the best ones to help you find the right one more easily when you shop.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More