10 Hand Creams Kitchn Editors Are Constantly Reaching for Right Now
My hands have been way busier than usual these past few weeks. If I’m not washing them frequently, I’m using them to constantly sanitize surfaces and doorknobs around the house, put together three meals a day, and then do all the washing after. Phew! They’re exhausted and also slightly dry and cracked. And here’s the scary part: According to research, those cracks can give bacteria an easy entry point. That’s why it’s imperative to take the extra step of keeping overwashed hands nourished and moisturized. If you’re on the hunt for a solid hand cream to soothe your flaky skin, Kitchn editors are here to help. From lightly fragranced creams to dermatologist-approved salves to one very popular option three editors are obsessed with, we rounded up 10 of our favorite hand creams we simply can’t stop slathering on, especially right now!
1. Weleda Skin Food
“Weleda Skin Food, forever. It is kind of expensive, but a little goes a long way. I keep one on my desk and in our kitchen, and even my husband likes it for moisturizing.” — Meghan Splawn, Associate Food Editor
Buy: Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, $19 at Dermstore
2. Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
“Kiehl’s is my go-to for both facial moisturizers and hand creams. Their products are light and not greasy at all, and really, truly, work! I perpetually have dry hands since I’m constantly washing them as I’m cooking (and now doing even more washing), and this hand salve really revives them.” — Grace Elkus, Deputy Food Director
Buy: Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, $23 at Nordstrom
3. Aquaphor Healing Ointment For Dry & Cracked Skin
“Weleda Skin Food is also my favorite, though I recently ran out of it. Instead, I’ve been dipping into a tub of Aquaphor. I use it for my son’s eczema, and right now it’s also doing wonders for my hands.” — Kelli Foster, Associate Food Editor
Buy: Aquaphor Healing Ointment For Dry & Cracked Skin, $12 (normally $14) at Target
4. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
“Another vote for Weleda Skin food, but my backup is CeraVe. My dermatologist recommended it. It is fragrance free and makes my skin soft without leaving it greasy.” — Patty Catalano, Contributor
Buy: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $14 at Dermstore
5. Burt’s Bees Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream
“I love this hand cream because it’s simple with just a subtle honey fragrance. I like to keep it near my kitchen sink to use after washing up so my hands don’t get cracked. It’s a bit pricey for such a tiny tube, but a little goes a long way.” — Jesse Szewczyk, Studio Food Editor
Buy: Burt’s Bees Honey & Grapeseed Oil Hand Cream, $10 at Bed Bath & Beyond
6. EltaMD So Silky Hand Crème
“It’s my favorite hand cream because it’s moisturizing and leaves my hands hydrated and soft without that greasy feeling. Also, love that it’s soothing and fragrance free.” — Yasmin Lashley, Affiliate and Commerce Manager
Buy: EltaMD So Silky Hand Crème, $20 at Dermstore
7. L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream
“I was gifted this hand cream a couple years ago, and I absolutely love it. It’s thick, not greasy, and melts into your hands. It also has this light floral scent that makes me feel like less of a bum when I’m working from home and haven’t gotten off the couch in too long.” — Arie Knutson, Features Director
Buy: L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream, $12 at Nordstrom
8. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
“I don’t like the feel of dry hands and feet and keep this on the bedside for whenever I need. It keeps me moisturized without being overly scented.” — Amelia Rampe, Studio Food Editor
Buy: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $10 at Bed Bath & Beyond
9. Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream
“I always need to be within easy reach of TJ’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream. It’s so thick, you only need a small dab for it to work its magic. Plus, it smells amazing (even my husband thinks so)!” — Sheela Prakash, Senior Contributing Food Editor
Buy: Trader Joe’s Ultra Moisturizing Hand Cream, $14 at Amazon
10. Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm
“Although It’s pricey, Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm basically lasts forever. I got mine way back in September, and it’s still going strong. The fragrance is a soothing blend of rosemary and mandarin rind, which feels like such a treat every time I rub some on. I also love that it’s ultra-nourishing without leaving me with sticky, icky hands!” — Sholeen Damarwala, Commerce Editor
Buy: Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm, $37 at Nordstrom