Key ingredients: niacinamide, apple extract, watermelon extract, lentil extract, shea butter, glycerin | Scent: San Ysidro Drive (saffron, amber, rose); Suite 302 (black cherry, leather, tobacco leaves); 21:50 Rêverie (vanilla, cedarwood, tonka bean); Portofino ‘97 (bergamot, amber, vetiver)
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream
Why it’s worth it: Winter skin, you’ve met your match. The La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream is formulated with niacinamide and shea butter, both of which are great at soothing and restoring skin. When they’re paired with glycerin, a humectant that’s known to be hydrating, it’s a winning combo (at a winning price to boot). If you have very dry hands, damaged skin, sensitive skin, or hands frequently exposed to chemicals or cold, dry air, give this hand cream a try.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone, thermal spring water | Scent: unscented
Best for Mature Skin: Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment
Why it’s worth it: Augustinus Bader’s The Hand Treatment does so much more than moisturize, thanks to the brand’s signature ingredient, TCF8. This ingredient is the brand’s proprietary blend of amino acids, antioxidants, and peptides that support elasticity, cellular renewal, and the clarity of your skin (in basic terms, that means bouncier, clearer skin). For added moisturizing properties, this intensive hand cream also contains moisturizing shea butter and hydrating glycerin.
Key ingredients: shea butter, white peony, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, glycerin | Scent: unscented
Best Non-Greasy: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
Why it’s worth it: This medium-weight hand cream is made with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, coconut oil, macadamia oil, and cocoa butter to smooth skin without leaving a greasy film behind. The citrusy, woody, and herbaceous aroma of the Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm gives you a little spa moment wherever you are. Since its formula is so concentrated with moisturizers, a tiny dollop is all you need for an immediate conditioning refresh.
Key ingredients: glycerin, mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas, cocoa seed butter | Scent: citrus, woody, herbaceous
Best for Extremely Dry Hands: Ouai Hand Crème
Why it’s worth it: On the hunt for an ultra-moisturizing hand cream? Look no further. Ouai Hand Crème is made with shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, and murumuru seed butter for an instant softening effect on extremely dry, rough hands. It feels luxurious going on and will make your hands feel soft and moisturized as soon as you slather it on. A little bit of this creamy balm goes a long way, so there’s no need to overdo it.
