A quality hand cream is one of the most underrated grooming products for men. Everything from harsh winter weather conditions and sun exposure to frequent hand-washing and weightlifting can wreak havoc on our hands. To keep them soft, supple and youthful, we encourage you to invest in a hand cream for men to use all year long.
BEST OVERALL HAND CREAMAesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm$27 AT AESOPREAD MORE
BEST HAND CREAM FOR MANUAL WORKERSO’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream$16 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
BEST MULTI-USE HAND CREAMNivea Men Creme$9 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
BEST NON-GREASY HAND CREAMCeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream$10 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
BEST SMELLING HAND CREAMMalin + Goetz Vitamin b5 Hand Treatment$16 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
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Compared to your average lotion, the best hand creams for men are thicker, in order to allow for deeper protection of the skin. Hand creams are more effective at boosting skin moisture and elasticity when used on a daily basis, as opposed to only when they feel dry. A good hand cream will also reduce dryness and redness of the skin without leaving behind a nasty greasy residue.
We know everyone has a different skin type and preference, so we tested dozens of hand creams to outline the top performers. Our grooming editors, who are experts at testing products, evaluated hydration levels as well as the overall look and feel of their hands after each application. The most common effective ingredients to look for are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and shea butter. Aside from skin-softening benefits, they also create a protective barrier on the surface to lock in hydration and prevent further water loss. Whether you want a nice-smelling, luxury formula or a simple hydrating balm that still gets the job done, keep reading to discover the best hand creams for men to keep within reach at all times.
BEST OVERALL HAND CREAM
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
Now 18% Off
PROS
- Leaves skin feeling soft
- Made with plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients
- Smells amazing
- Delivers rich hydration with each application
CONS
- On the pricey side
The Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm from Aesop ticks all the boxes. For starters, it sinks easily into the skin followed by a clear, smooth finish. Also, the vegan formula is packed with ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, and sweet almond. These moisturizing treatments work to lock in hydration and soften. The herbal scent is worth mentioning too with notes of mandarin, rosemary and cedarwood that smell heavenly.
Our grooming editors are longtime fans of this hand cream. They rave about how it makes their hands feel supple and stays on the skin for hours—especially during the most brutal days of winter. Only half a teaspoon is recommended per application, which means it will go a long way. Not to mention, it lathers so smoothly and doesn’t leave behind any film residue after drying down.
| Size | 2.6 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Mandarin Rind, Rosemary Leaf, Cedar Atlas |
| Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive |
| Scent | Citrus, woody, herbaceous |
BEST HAND CREAM FOR MANUAL WORKERS
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
PROS
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Clinically proven to instantly boost moisture levels
- Amazon best-seller with over 24,000+ 5-star ratings
- Easy to take on the go
CONS
- Must apply a few times daily for the best results
For those whose job is hard on their hands, O’Keefe’s hand cream is right up you alley. Aside from being one of Amazon’s bestseller items with over 24,000 five-star ratings, it works to soothe, relieve and repair dry, cracked skin.
We love how easy it is to take on the go. It can fit in any work bag or your handwarmer pockets for easy access. Whether you’re a carpenter, mechanic or somewhere in between, this is perfect to use throughout the course of the day. For the best results, apply after you’ve washed your hands, taken a shower and before bed.
| Size | 6.8 fl. oz |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Glycerin |
| Skin Type | Dry, Cracked |
| Scent | Unscented |
BEST MULTI-USE HAND CREAM
Nivea Men Creme
PROS
- Good value
- Multi-use for face, body and hands
- Non-greasy
CONS
- Absorbs quickly and may need to reapply
This multi-purpose tub of concentrated cream by Nivea Men is ideal to use on the go. Its packable size is easy to fit into your duffel bag or backpack whenever you travel and can be applied liberally on your face, body and hands.
The lightweight formula is designed to give all areas of your skin the proper boost of hydration to deter from drying out. One Amazon user credits the product for improving the appearance of wrinkles. Another claimed it alleviates skin irritation that occurs post-shave. Plus, a little goes a long way with this straightforward cream.
| Size | 2.6 oz, 5.3 oz |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Glycerin, Vitamin E |
| Skin Type | Dry |
| Scent | Spicy-woody, Herbal Notes with Apple |
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BEST NON-GREASY HAND CREAM
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
PROS
- Developed and tested with dermatologists
- Free of fragrance to avoid irritation
- Safe and effective for eczema
CONS
- Have to reapply after frequent handwashing
If thick heavy creams aren’t your thing, then check out this thinner alternative from CeraVe. The texture strikes a balance between rich and lightweight, and dries down to a soft matte finish. One of its main ingredients is dimethicone, an emollient used to provide long-lasting skin-smoothing benefits.
Over the course of our testing, we had to reapply after washing our hands. But that doesn’t outweigh the positives: the ultra-sheer formula is water-resistant, glides onto the skin with ease, and gently hydrates. Another bonus: this product is also safe and effective for eczema-prone skin.
| Size | 3 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides |
| Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive, Oily, Acne-prone, Eczema-prone |
| Scent | Unscented |
BEST SMELLING HAND CREAM
Malin + Goetz Vitamin b5 Hand Treatment
PROS
- Created with natural fragrance and color
- Delivers intense hydration to skin, cuticles and nails
- Comes in a recyclable travel-sized tube
CONS
- May run out of it fast
If you’re in the market for a nice-smelling hand cream, you can’t go wrong with this one from Malin + Goetz, which has a bergamot scent that our editors describe as “calm and refreshing.” Its enriched with absorbent fatty acids like vitamin b5 and shea to moisturize and nourish the skin.
We love that this hand treatment comes in a travel-sized tube that can fit right in your pocket or backpack. Also, the fragrance isn’t too dominating that it’ll bother your senses or anyone else around.
| Size | 1 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Vitamin b5, Shea Butter, Sodium PCA, Glycerin |
| Skin Type | Dry |
| Scent | Bergamot |
BEST HAND CREAM WITH SPF
Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40
$14 AT DERMSTORE$14 AT NORDSTROM
PROS
- Good for anti-aging
- Made with fast-absorbing formula
- Ideal for radical damage, hyperpigmentation, sun damage
- Vegan and cruelty-free
CONS
- A little overpriced for the size (but lasts long)
Sun exposure is one of the biggest culprits behind aging—both on your face and on your hands. Not only does this rich cream have SPF40 protection against the sun’s damaging rays, but it also contains sea buckthorn—a key ingredient to help reduce dark spots. Meadowfoam and argan oils are also in the mix for boosting moisture and pumping up the skin with hydration.
Supergoop’s hand screen is perfect for vacations in the sun and cold days in the winter. It’s light enough to reapply throughout the day and rubs into the skin with a clear finish.
Read More: Best SPF Moisturizers for Men
| Size | 1 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Argan Oil |
| Skin Type | Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily |
| Scent | Unscented |
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BEST BUDGET HAND CREAM
Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream
Now 33% Off
PROS
- Contains soothing aloe and triple vitamin blend
- Under $10
- Hyperallogenic
CONS
- Not for you if you’re looking for a scent
Looking to snag an affordable option? Gold Bond carries a healing hand cream that infuses a triple vitamin blend to improve the appearance of skin and protect against environmental stressors. Also, it’s formulated with aloe and 7 intense moisturizers to deliver intense hydration for 24 hours.
Aside from the attractive price tag, the feeling of all-day hydration makes this pick comparable to that of the more expensive brands we’ve tried. It brought our hands back to life with a velvety soft feel. Plus, the feeling of moisture attached to the skin remains after washing your hands or exposing them to the cold.
| Size | 3 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Aloe, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E |
| Skin Types | All |
| Scent | Unscented |
BEST LUXURY HAND CREAM
Le Labo Hinoki Hand Pomade
$33 AT NORDSTROM$33 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUECREDIT: RETAILER
PROS
- Luxury scent
- Plant-based formula
- Comes in a rich creamy consistency, but non-greasy
- Repairs and hydrates skin
CONS
- Pricey than others on the list
Le Labo is synonymous with high-quality fragrances for men and their hand pomade is an extension of that. To deeply replenish, repair and condition, its formula contains sweet almond, shea butter and peony root extract.
Our editors referred to this hand cream as “the holy grail”. From a creamy rich texture to a warm Hinoki scent, this luxury pick lathers oh-so smoothly and smells even better. It also helps with chapped knuckles and dry, cracked palms. The price is higher than most, but if you can bear the expense, your hands will thank you. Plus, it’s made with a plant-based formula which is suitable for all skin types.
| Size | 1.8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Shea Butter, Sweet Almond, Peony Root |
| Skin Type | All |
| Scent | Hinoki |
BEST HEAVY-DUTY HAND CREAM
Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Now 25% Off
PROS
- Soothes, conditions and moisturizes
- Free of parabens and gluten
- Made with recyclable packaging
CONS
- Subtle scent
Kiehl’s maximum-strength moisturizer is designed for dehydration. Like most of their products, the magic lies within the ingredients. The thick formula includes shea butter as well as a medley of avocado, eucalyptus and sesame seed oils, which lock in existing moisture and return suppleness.
This hand cream stood out because it absorbs within minutes and sticks around for hours. It’s also perfect to restore the drying effects of outdoor activities like doing yard work or shoveling snow. We also like the convenience of the squeeze tube and flip cap dispenser to control the amount we use.
| Size | 2.5 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Oil |
| Skin Type | All |
| Scent | Unscented |
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BEST UNSCENTED HAND CREAM
Nécessaire The Hand Cream
$25 AT SEPHORA$25 AT NORDSTROM
PROS
- Helps with anti-aging and loss of firmness
- Non-Comedogenic
- Vegan and cruelty-free
CONS
- The tube is not recyclable
- Costly
This unscented hand treatment exceeds the bare minimum of supplying moisture. Thanks to ingredients like cermaides and niacinamide, the Nécessaire hand cream helps improve dark spots, restore plumpness and strengthen the skin barrier.
Our editors who are team sensitive-skin love that hand cream is free of fragrance, so there’s no cause of irritation or clashing with your signature cologne. Despite the lightweight feel, it instantly relieves dryness for hours, even after washing your hands.
| Size | 2.2 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Five Ceramides and Five Peptides, Niacinamide, Marula Butter and Marula Oil |
| Skin Type | All |
| Scent | Unscented |
BEST SANITIZING HAND LOTION
Dove Hand Sanitizer Moisturizer
PROS
- Two-in-one lotion and sanitizer
- Nourishes skin 10 layers deep for soft, smooth hands
- 99.99% effective against many germs
CONS
- Not travel-size
This clever two-in-one sanitizer-lotion fights away germs and bacteria, while at the same time provides moisture to dry hands. And get this—it’s been clinically proven to hydrate skin up to 8 hours and nourish 10 layers deep for an ultra-soft surface.
Most sanitizers can strip away moisture, but this one does quite the opposite. Instead, there’s just an incredible boost of hydration and a scent that’s not too overbearing for your senses.
Read More: Best Hand Sanitizers
| Size | 8 oz. |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Naturally derived alcohol, skin natural nutrients |
| Skin Type | All |
| Scent | Unscented |
EDITORS PICK
evolvetogether Monaco
PROS
- 100% biodegradable
- Smells expensive
- Antioxidant rich
CONS
- Cost a little more than others
Our of editors first used this hand cream on a ski vacation when their hands were dry, cracking, and desperate for relief. Two days later, they were baby soft and healed of the eczema and dry patches typically experience on their hands all winter long.
A dime-sized amount of this luxe cream is all you need per application. It feels rich and creamy but soaks in quickly and totally for a hydrating, non-greasy feel. I’ve even applied it directly before slipping on a pair of winter gloves, and my hands are never left feeling clammy.
How well it works and feels is only a fraction of why it made our list. The real kicker, is the smell. The brand describes its Monaco scent as a ‘modern rose’, which paints a pretty accurate picture. It’s light and fresh with subtle, gender-ambiguous notes of rose and citrus, and smells way more expensive than it is.
| Size | 1.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Vitamin B5, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Glycerin |
| Skin Type | All |
| Scent | Modern Rose |
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What to Look For in Hand Creams
Everyone’s skin type is different, so finding the best hand cream relies on understanding your skin’s needs and the ingredients that best meet those needs. Below, we have listed must-have ingredients for the most common concerns.
For dryness and cracked skin: You will need the best source of hydration, which will derive from humectants such as aloe vera, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. They attract and bind water to your skin, increasing its moisture. Also, keep an eye out for emollients like argan oil, d imethicone, shea butter, squalane, and petrolatum. These ingredients create a physical barrier over the surface of the skin to prevent water loss and lock in hydration.
For wrinkles and anti-aging: The skin on top of the hands is very delicate and prone to show early signs of aging. While some of the same anti-aging ingredients found in face products can also be effective for the hands, the combinations may vary. To help the skin stay soft and youthful, look for the following ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, lactic acid, niacinamide.
For dark spots and discoloration: The best way to prevent discoloration on the skin is by protecting yourself from long bouts of sun exposure. Find a hand cream with SPF 30 or higher.
How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men’s Health‘s Grooming editors and writers on the best hand creams for men. Experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, put a number of hand soaps to the test and evaluated their ingredients, scent, and performance in the winter. We also considered top-reviewed hand creams that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.
Why Trust Men’s Health
At Men’s Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations.
Our grooming editors and writers are experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality. They evaluated hand creams on their performance during the coldest winter months as well as in between washes. Their rankings were also concluded based on ease of use, scent, texture and whether it’s possible to spot a significant difference whether you have acne, dark spots, or eczema-prone skin.
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