There are plenty of people out there who don’t see the value in pricey hand lotions, but we are not among them. Luxed-up, stylish body products make your bathroom look better, your skin softer, and can stand in as a less intrusive form of cologne. That said, it’s space-heater, radiator, wash-your-hands-in-scalding-hot-water season, and it’s time to bring out the big guns. The packages on these babies might not be Instagrammable. The scents range from “nothing” to “vaguely plastic.” But every time you work some into your ashy, tight skin, it will feel like a tiny victory. Today you got something done—you fixed your dry, cracked hands.
The best part is, unlike your beloved Byredo, these lotions cost less than a fancy winter cocktail, which means you can buy multiples for your bathroom, your desk, your car, and your gym bag. And when you use them, you don’t have to be precious about it. Give your friend a courtesy squirt, forget one in the back of a cab, and Amazon Prime replacements like it’s toilet paper (with eyes half closed, 11 p.m., on your phone). Here, seven such miracle creams we—and thousands of everyday Internet reviewers—endorse. Join the party. Fix your skin.
SkinClinical Extreme Healing Daily Treatment
We called this one of the “
best hand creams for a confident handshake” for a reason. Stuff works (the National Eczema Association agrees with us, too). Yes, it’s slightly pricier, but the secret is, it’s light enough to use on your face, too.
Eucerin unscented Advanced Repair Hand Cream
While there is some debate over Eucerin recently changing the formula on this cult-loved hand cream, it’s still one of the best-rated hand lotions on the market. Also, it’s cheap. What do you have to lose?
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream
This packaging is deeply unattractive, but this product works so good. Just ask the 8,777 people who reviewed its powers on Amazon. Seriously: The dedication to this product verges on religious.
Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream
This healing hand cream is thick but not greasy, giving you that “ahhh” feeling every time you put it on. Target sells it in its travel-size aisle, so you grab a handful of them for your winter excursions.
Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer
Jack Black might look like an old-school grooming brand, but its formulas are surprisingly natural and organic. Macadamia nut oil is the secret ingredient in this cult-loved hand lotion, which is also—as the brand points out—great for feet.
Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands
This heavy-duty hand cream is a rare find. The packaging is stylish, the ingredients are 100% organic, and it comes in a salve formula, which means it won’t spill all over your stuff when you’re on the go.
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
You trust Kiehl’s with your face and hair...why not your hands, too? This rich, oil-infused hand lotion is one of the brand’s best-sellers because it soothes dry skin and offers a “glove-like” protection for hands.