Skin Health The 9 Best Lotions for Dry, Cracked Hands in 2022 L'Occitane's Hand Cream is infused with shea butter to revive dry hands By Brittany Loggins Brittany Loggins Twitter Brittany Loggins is a freelance writer for Verywell Health, who has covered everything from wellness to politics. She has a degree in journalism from University of Georgia and lives in New York City. Learn about our editorial process and Brittany Leitner Brittany Leitner Twitter Brittany Leitner is a freelance writer and poet. She has a degree in journalism from Syracuse Univeristy and her book, "23 Emotions" is currently on sale online and in NYC bookstores. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 07, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD LinkedIn Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Whether it’s due to constant hand washing for hygiene, or exposure to dry environments, the skin on our hands can become sensitive and dehydrated and in some cases, broken and peeling. Seasonality can impact the prevalence of dry, cracked hands as well. That's why it's important to have lotion on hand. Reviewed & Approved Infused with 20% shea butter, L'Occitane's Hand Cream revives dry hands and restores moisture. We recommend CeraVe's Therapeutic Hand Cream if you're experiencing eczema. Lotions should have moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and oils, which retain water at the skin's barrier. We researched dozens of lotions and evaluated them for reviews, active ingredients, compatibility with sensitive skin, consistency, and price. Here are the best lotions and hand creams for dry, cracked hands. Our Top Picks Best Overall: L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cruelty-Free: J.R. Watkins Hand Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Eczema: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Natural: Burt's Bees Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best Non-Greasy: O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best SPF Protection: Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Balm: Vermont's Original Bag Balm at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Babies: Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Body Cream at Amazon Jump to Review Best for People with Diabetes: Gold Bond Diabetics' Hand Cream at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected the Lotions for Dry, Cracked Hands What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Best Overall L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Loccitane.com View On Sephora Pros Rich texture Fast absorbing No oily traces Rich in omega 6 and 9 Cons Expensive Scented; not ideal for sensitive skin Contains tree nuts (almond oil) Who else recommends it? Glamour and Elle both picked the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream. What do buyers say? 93% of 15,400+ Amazon reviewers rated it 4 stars or above. 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, which is why we chose it as our top pick. It has a subtle, powdery fragrance and is quickly absorbed into the skin, which makes it pleasant to use in addition to being effective. While it’s not a cheap option, only a little of the lotion is needed for long-lasting relief. Price at time of publication: $30 Active Ingredients: 20% shea butter | Dosage: As needed Best Cruelty-Free J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Hand Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Herbspro.com Pros Made in the USA Free of parabens, dyes, and pthalates All-over body usage Non-greasy Cons Scented; not ideal for sensitive skin Scented The vintage style tube with its signature design contains a nourishing formula of avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter. The 100 percent cruelty-free product is delightfully scented with an invigorating blend of aloe vera and fresh green tea. J.R Watkins has been made in the USA for over 150 years and receives rave reviews from customers. Price at time of publication: $9 Active Ingredients: Aloe vera | Dosage: As needed Best for Eczema CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On CVS Pros National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance Non-greasy Affordable Good for sensitive skin Made with ceramides Cons Product may be too thin for extremely cracked hands This non-greasy, fast-absorbing hand cream is ideal for chafed, dry and cracked skin. It is gentle and non-irritating to skin, while also being water-resistant and fragrance-free. The hyaluronic acid and niacinamide formula, together with three essential ceramides provides long-lasting moisture. 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 for eczema. Price at time of publication: $11 Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides | Dosage: As needed What are ceramides? Ceramides are fats found in the top layers of our skin that form half of the natural skin barrier. They help seal in moisture by preventing evaporation. People with eczema have fewer ceramides in the the top layer of their skin. Replenishing ceramides in the skin with moisturizers that mimic the role of ceramides in the skin has has been clinically proven to improve hydration and the skin's barrier. The 10 Best Ceramide Moisturizers to Buy in 2022 Best Natural Burt's Bees Honey & Grapeseed Hand Cream Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Burtsbees.com Pros Affordable Not tested on animals Travel-friendly size All natural Conditions dry skin for up to 24 hours Cons Scented; not ideal for sensitive skin This rich lotion moisturizes, conditions and heals dry and chapped skin, both hands and feet, while the sweet honey scent is calming and subtle. This softening, protective lotion is formulated without phthalates, parabens or petrolatum. And its handbag-friendly size and budget-friendly price means you might want to keep a few of them in the bathroom cabinet, ready for when you run out. Price at time of publication: $9 Active Ingredients: Burt’s Bees honey, grapeseed oil | Dosage: Apply as needed Best Non-Greasy O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Hardwareworld.com Pros Creates protective layer on the skin Hypoallergenic Highly concentrated Affordable Cons May be stinging for severely dry skin Niche brand, may be hard to find in stores The key ingredients of O’Keeffe’s Working Hands cream include glycerin and paraffin, both designed to moisturize while leaving a protective layer on the surface of skin. Rest assured, there’s no greasy residue after application, so you can treat dry, cracked and chafed skin and carry on your daily business. There’s no need to use a lot, nor to apply the product often, in order to obtain relief. Price at time of publication: $14 Active Ingredients: Glycerin, Stearic acid | Dosage: Start with a small amount; apply all over as needed The 9 Best Lotions for Psoriasis of 2022 Best SPF Protection Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bloomingdales Pros Reef-friendly SPF Fragrance-free Non-greasy Fast absorbing Cons Expensive May be greasy Sun damage is known to worsen and intensify dry skin, so ensuring that you use a high protection sunscreen lotion is important, particularly when you spend quite a bit of time outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight. This reef-friendly formula packs broad-spectrum SPF40 protection against UVA and UVB rays without octinoxate. Price at time of publication: $14 Active Ingredients: Sea buckthorn extract, argan oil | Dosage: Apply once a day, 15 minutes before sun exposure The 10 Best Sunburn Relief Gels and Lotions of 2022 Best Balm Vermont's Original Bag Balm for Dry Chapped Skin Conditions Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Affordable Great for hands and body Versatile, can be used on callouses, cuts, and scrapes Cons Tin packaging isn't the most portable May be greasy after application A favorite of many, this product by Vermont’s is relied on to treat severely dry and calloused hands. The formula was first originated in 1899 when it was used to protect dairy cows from the harsh conditions of the Vermont environment. It doesn’t boast a calming scent like other options and isn't completely non-greasy, but it can be used on dry skin all over the body. Price at time of publication: $25 Active Ingredients: Petrolatum, Lanolin, 8-Hydroxy Quinoline Sulfate 0.3%, Paraffin Wax | Dosage: Apply liberally as needed Best for Babies Eucerin Baby Eczema Relief Body Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Bed Bath & Beyond Pros Gentle on baby eczema Affordable Provides 24-hour protection Cons Babies must be 3 months or older to use Colloidal Oatmeal is a well known skin protectant and is commonly used in lotions and creams formulated for sensitive skin and eczema. Combined with Ceramide-3 and licorice root extract, this tried and trusted, clinically proven body cream provides 24-hour moisturizing for dry and eczema-prone skin. This product is ideal for babies 3 months and older. Price at time of publication: $9 Active Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, ceramide 3 | Dosage: Apply as needed or as directed by a doctor What is colloidal oatmeal? A skin protectant often used to treat dry, sensitive skin conditions, colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oats. The oats become emollient in this finer texture, which make them easier for the skin to absorb. Studies have found colloidal oatmeal to be effective repairing the skin barrier among those with atopic dermatitis. The ingredient is clinically-proven to improve skin dryness. The 10 Best Lotions for Eczema of 2022, Tested and Reviewed Best for People with Diabetes Gold Bond Ultimate Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief Hand Cream Amazon View On Amazon View On CVS View On Walgreens Pros Fast-absorbing Good for sensitive skin Fragrance-free Cons Thicker formula may not be suitable for summer months Research has found that the overall prevalence of skin disorder in people with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) contrasted between 51.1 and 97 % in various regions globally. This hydrating body lotion provides a fast-absorbing, rich cream that restores essential moisture to the skin. The cream contains aloe, vitamins B, C, and E, and dimethicone. This formula is both steroid and fragrance-free. Price at time of publication: $5 Active Ingredients: Dimethicone | Dosage: Apply as needed The Best Lotions for Dry Skin and Ingredients to Look For How We Selected the Lotions for Dry, Cracked Hands We spoke with dermatologists to find out what people should look for when choosing a hand lotion. We considered products based on their ingredients, dosage, and whether or not they were formulated specifically for hands. We selected a range of formulations, from lotions to balms, and ones that can treat a variety of conditions, including conditions like diabetes and eczema. What to Look for in a Lotion for Dry, Cracked Hands Ingredients 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 products that are dermatologically tested, or clinically proven to be effective for dry skin. David N. Lortscher, MD, a dermatologist from San Diego, California, recommends choosing: Oil-based ingredients, including occlusive agents like petroleum or mineral oil to help seal in moisture Soy, which contains active components that helps restore skin barrier function and replenish moisture Silicones: When used in moisturizers, Dr. Lortscher says they act as lubricants and reduce friction Ceramides: Helps decrease dry skin and irritation Aloe: Known for skin soothing and healing properties Hyaluronic acid (HA): it’s a humectant, meaning it binds water and holds in moisture in the outermost layer of the skin. Sun Exposure Dry and sensitive skin is only further damaged and sensitized when exposed to the sun, so be sure to use a lotion containing sun protection or to apply sunscreen in addition to any moisturizing lotion. Disclaimers for Prolonged Use Some products are not recommended to be used regularly or on an ongoing basis. Read the directions for use and seek medical guidance if in any doubt. Scented vs. Unscented When it comes to scented lotions, an unscented version can limit the risk of additional irritation to the skin. “For dry, cracked hands, you should generally choose unscented lotion that is free of alcohol and other common irritants," says Dr. Lortscher. Frequently Asked Questions Can you use hand lotion on other areas of the body? Unless specifically stated on the product, you should avoid using hand lotions on other areas of the body, especially the face. According to Dr. Lortscher, “While hand creams and hand lotions are both kinds of moisturizers, lotions can be a bit drying if they have higher water content. In general, hand creams tend to be more occlusive than hand lotions, meaning they provide a restorative layer of oil on the skin’s surface that helps slow down water loss, which is a good 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 feels needed. Dr. Lortscher says he’d recommend applying and reapplying any time the skin feels tight or dry. Why Trust Verywell Health Brittany Logginsis a freelance writer with a depth of experience on 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 8 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 out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won't break the bank. 5 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. The Best Hand Cream to Soften and Protect Dry, Cracked Skin. Glamour. https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-hand-lotion 23 Hand Creams To Use After Excessive Washing. Elle. https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/g38869506/best-hand-creams/ 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 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. de Macedo GMC, Nunes S, Barreto T. Skin disorders in diabetes mellitus: an epidemiology and physiopathology review. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 8(1):63. 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