Hard-core hand creams. I’m getting targeted ads like crazy and don’t know what to trust. I have really chapped hands (3 kids, one in diapers, sick season…lots of hand-washing) and need something effective pronto!

Note: I have and use Cerave’s cream (not lotion), Evolvetogether’s hand cream, and Prequel’s Hand Wrap and they’re not cutting it.

Question

Hard-core hand creams. I’m getting targeted ads like crazy and don’t know what to trust. I have really chapped hands (3 kids, one in diapers, sick season…lots of hand-washing) and need something effective pronto!

Note: I have and use Cerave’s cream (not lotion), Evolvetogether’s hand cream, and Prequel’s Hand Wrap and they’re not cutting it.

Jamie · Answer

My Humidifier is My Savior: Not quite what you asked for but I have noticed that no matter how many times I apply even the richest of lotions, nothing makes a dent in the cracking hands like keeping my air hydrated. I got a cheap no-name two-pack of humidifiers from Costco that does the trick, but I imagine Wirecutter’s recs in this category are probably quite reliable!

LaurenLikesThings · Answer

Vaseline Dry Hands Rescue hand cream: As someone who hates having greasy hands but lives somewhere with long dry winters, this lotion is perfect. Truly no scent, absorbs quickly and keeps my hands from cracking. It's $5 so I have one tube next to my bed and another on my desk at work.

pairofgeese · Answer

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume: my go-to when my skin is feeling desperate

kathryn · Answer

O’Keeffes Working Hands: absolutely the best. easy to find, super affordable, works so well! their lip balm is also incredible.

Evan McAvenia · Answer

ceramide ato concentrate cream: this is my go to when my whole body is feeling parched and i need something gentle and incredibly effective to revive me. i use it on both my face and body and i will probably keep repurchasing the rest of my life.

Claire · Answer

Weleda Skin Food: Thick, smells great (kind of like bergamot?), and soothes my chapped hands all winter. Essential.

Mo · Answer

la roche-posay lipikar ap+ cream: I swear by this stuff. I had a patch of eczema that would not go away with anything but steroid cream, then as soon as I quit it would come right back with a vengeance. My dermatologist recommended this and it finally helped me to wean off my steroid cream and the patch hasn't come back since.

Shannon · Answer

Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream: It’s not cool but the derm gave me some samples along with a prescription eczema cream and it’s almost as effective.

Emily · Answer

Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve: my ride-or-die. buy it in bulk when it’s buy one, get one free!

Hans · Answer

Beauchamps hand lotion: It comes out very liquidy so at first you’re gonna be like wtf but when I say this has changed my life I am not exaggerating…I’ve tried everything else winter is so tough but THIS is what fixed my dry hands.

Sarah Beck · Answer

Vermont's Original Bag Balm 8oz Tin: My dad is a farmer (his hands take a beating), and this is what he has used on his hands his whole life. The tin is a permanent fixture on the sink in my parents' bathroom. Put it on before bed, wake up changed.

Samantha Culp · Answer

Curel Extreme Dry Hand Relief: Unscented, intense moisture but not greasy or sticky, comes in ideal travel size; my favorite

amy · Answer

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fragrance-Free Hand Cream: This is the only product I’ve been loyal to since high school because I haven’t found anything better in 20+ years! A little goes a long way so it lasts a long time and is already cheap, so excellent bang for your buck. I keep one in my purse and one in my desk at all times.

Bonus tip for chapped hands: DRY THOROUGHLY! A loved one who does a lot of handwashing gave me this tip when I was getting so dried out in the height of COVID and it really helped.

JV · Answer

Shea Butter Hand Cream L'Occitane en Provence: When @juliarotstein27 told me about L’Occitane, I asked if it was greasy, and she didn’t deny that yes, it is greasy. But, “In a good way?” she said. I gave it a shot—it’s a good price point for a purse lotion—and I agree with her! It smells lovely, and leaves a shimmery sheen: the kind that makes you look hydrated. (I pray we all stay hydrated this winter ❄️ )