Pros
- Leaves skin feeling soft
- Smells amazing
- Delivers rich hydration with each application
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- The most expensive option on this list
Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm delivers on every front I look for in a hand cream. It absorbs effortlessly into my skin, leaving behind a smooth, clean finish, while ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and sweet almond oil lock in moisture and keep my hands feeling soft and nourished.
The scent is just as impressive, blending mandarin, rosemary, and cedarwood into a fresh, herbal fragrance that feels subtle yet elevated. I only need about a dime-sized amount of the stuff, and it spreads easily without leaving any residue, yet keeps my hands feeling supple for hours, even in the harshest conditions.
Read More: Best Body Lotions for Men
| Key Ingredients | Mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas |
| Size | 2.6 oz. |
| Scent | Citrus, woody, herbaceous |
| Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive |
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
O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is aptly named. If you’ve ever spent any time in a car garage, you’ve probably seen a container or two lying around. If my hands take a beating throughout the day, I rely on this hand cream to soothe, repair, and relieve dry, cracked skin. It consistently delivers hardworking results with a simple, glycerin-led formula that’s free of fragrance and any other irritants.
I also like how easy it is to carry, despite being nearly 7 oz. It fits into any bag or even my pockets, so I can reapply whenever I need. Whether I’m doing hands-on work or just dealing with daily wear and tear, I use it throughout the day, especially after washing my hands, showering, and before bed for the best results.
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin |
| Size | 6.8 fl. oz |
| Scent | Unscented |
| Skin Type | Dry, Cracked |
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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 you prefer something lighter, this CeraVe hand cream is the best option. It strikes the perfect balance between rich and lightweight, dries down to a soft matte finish, and uses dimethicone to smooth and protect the skin. I do often find myself reapplying after washing my hands, but the ultra-sheer, water-resistant formula glides on easily and delivers gentle, reliable hydration. It’s also a great choice for eczema-prone skin (officially accepted by the National Eczema Association), which makes it even more versatile.
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides |
| Size | 3 oz. |
| Skin Type | Dry, Sensitive, Oily, Acne-prone, Eczema-prone |
| Scent | Unscented |
Pros
- Contains soothing aloe and triple vitamin blend
- Under $10
- Hyperallogenic
Cons
- Not for you if you’re looking for a scent
If you’re looking for the most affordable option that’s still effective, this Gold Bond healing hand cream is the way to go. It combines a triple vitamin blend with aloe and seven intensive moisturizers to improve my skin’s appearance, protect against environmental stressors, and deliver hydration that lasts all day. Despite the budget-friendly price, it performs like more expensive formulas I’ve tried, leaving my hands feeling velvety soft and fully revived. Even after washing my hands or being out in the cold, the moisture still lingers.
| Key Ingredients | Aloe, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E |
| Size | 3 oz. |
| Skin Types | All |
| Scent | Unscented |
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I reach for this maximum-strength moisturizer whenever my hands feel seriously dehydrated. Its rich formula, packed with shea butter and nourishing oils like avocado, eucalyptus, and sesame seed, helps lock in moisture and restore softness. Despite its thickness, it absorbs within minutes and keeps my hands hydrated for hours, even after drying activities like working on a car under the hot sun or mowing the lawn. I also appreciate the squeeze tube and flip cap, which make it easy to control exactly how much I use.
| Key Ingredients | Shea butter, avocado oil, sesame seed oil, eucalyptus oil |
| Size | 2.5 oz. |
| Scent | Unscented |
| Skin Type | All |
Pros
- 100% biodegradable
- Incredible, expensive-smelling scent
- Antioxidant rich
Cons
- One of the more expensive options on this list
I only need a dime-sized amount of this cream, two or three times a day, and my dry, even cracked hands are relieved in a couple of days. The formula feels rich and creamy but absorbs quickly, leaving my hands hydrated without any greasy residue. It also, crucially, never leaves my hands feeling sticky or clammy. Beyond the results, the scent is great. It smells light, fresh, and subtly blends rose with citrus in a way that feels elevated, gender-neutral, and far more luxurious than its price suggests.
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin B5, vitamin C, Vitamin E, glycerin |
| Size | 1.7 oz |
| Scent | Modern Rose |
| Skin Type | All |
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Pros
- Effective anywhere on the body
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Travel-friendly
Cons
- Not greasy, but thick
Dry, cracked, and irritated skin is common on the hands, but it can happen anywhere on the body. By far the best option for healing these ailments from fingers to toes and everywhere in between is Cicaplast Balm B5. As a hand cream, this non-greasy formula protects and heals dry, rough, and irritated skin while locking in moisture to prevent chafing and environmental damage from wind, heat, and cold.
Hero ingredients panthenol (aka vitamin B5) and shea butter soothe, hydrate, and help restore the skin barrier, making it gentle and effective on the entire body. Plus, its 1.35 oz package is perfect for travel, and easily fits in any bag, Dopp kit, or even pocket.
Read More: Best Skincare Brands for Men
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin B5, shea butter |
| Size | 1.35 oz |
| Scent | Unscented |
| Skin Type | All |
Pros
- One of the largest containers on this list
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Smooth texture
Cons
- Too large to fly with
Before I discovered how easy it was to introduce cream into my routine, my hands would get so dry, especially during the cooler months, and start to bleed, giving the impression I had recently been involved in a brawl. Duke Cannon understands that, while this image did help offset my unimposing frame, it wasn’t a healthy habit.
With Bloody Knuckles Hand Balm, my hands remain soft and smooth, without any signs of apparent violence, thanks to a soothing glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil formula. It also has one of the most interesting textures on this list, initially feeling almost like marshmallow before melting into your hands and quickly absorbing into the skin. Best part, it’s completely unscented and safe for sensitive skin.
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, shea butter, jojoba seed oil |
| Size | 5 oz |
| Scent | Unscented |
| Skin Type | All |
Sean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean’s not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.
Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.
