Hand cream for hands that take a lot.

When you work with water, shampoo and colour all day, as we do in the salon, you know your hands need more than a nicely scented cream. Which hand creams really nourish – from repair balm to handbag essential.

Two hands, one pressing cream into the back of the other, fine gold ring, yellow sweater

Hand creams we recommend

1Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream

Absorbs instantly

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream

A light cream with glycerin that sinks in within seconds – you can touch your phone, paper or hair straight afterwards. Our first choice for everyday life with lots of hand washing.

What we like

  • Absorbs instantly
  • No greasy film
  • Affordable

Keep in mind

  • Too light for badly cracked hands
2Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Concentrated Hand Cream

For cracked hands

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Concentrated Hand Cream

The classic with a high glycerin content – it goes a very long way; a pea-sized dab is enough for both hands. For rough, cracked knuckles in winter, hardly anything helps as reliably.

What we like

  • Goes a very long way
  • Helps with rough patches

Keep in mind

  • Feels sticky for a moment
3L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Rich with shea butter

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

According to the manufacturer, it contains 20% shea butter. Rich, but surprisingly quick to absorb, with a subtle scent. Our choice for overnight – or as a gift.

What we like

  • Very nourishing
  • Subtle scent

Keep in mind

  • Expensive
4AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream

Light, fresh scent

AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream

A light cream with Dead Sea minerals and a fresh, slightly floral scent. Non-greasy and well suited to daytime use.

What we like

  • Non-greasy
  • Pleasant scent

Keep in mind

  • Too light for very dry skin
5Bärnängen Hand Cream

Scandinavian, affordable

Bärnängen Hand Cream

A Swedish skincare brand with a creamy texture at a small price. Nourishes reliably without sitting on the skin for long.

What we like

  • Affordable
  • Pleasant texture

Keep in mind

  • Not available in every shop
6lavera Hand Cream

Natural cosmetics

lavera Hand Cream

Certified natural cosmetics with plant oils. A good choice if you want to avoid mineral oil and synthetic fragrances.

What we like

  • Natural cosmetics
  • Affordable

Keep in mind

  • Absorbs a little more slowly
7Rituals Hand Cream

For your handbag

Rituals Hand Cream

A beautiful tube, scented to match each Rituals collection. Nourishes decently and is a pleasure to use – more of a treat than a repair cream.

What we like

  • Lovely scent
  • High-quality packaging

Keep in mind

  • Perfumed
  • Pricier per millilitre
8Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand and Nail Cream

Hands and nails

Caudalie Vinotherapist Hand and Nail Cream

Cares for hands and cuticles in one step, with grape seed oil and shea butter among other ingredients, according to the manufacturer. Absorbs quickly and smells fresh.

What we like

  • Also cares for the cuticles
  • Absorbs quickly

Keep in mind

  • Small tube, higher price
9Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream

Rich, in a pot

Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream

A thick cream with almond oil in a pot – ideal for overnight or to keep on your desk. Less practical on the go.

What we like

  • Rich
  • Good for overnight

Keep in mind

  • Pot is impractical on the go

What we look for

Glycerin and urea
They bind moisture in the skin. For very dry hands, they matter more than exotic plant extracts.
Lipids
Shea butter, plant oils or lanolin form a protective film on the skin. The drier your hands, the richer it can be.
Fragrance
Fragrances sting on cracked skin and can irritate. For cracked hands, unscented is better.
Texture
Light and fast-absorbing for the day, rich for the night. Two creams often make more sense than one compromise.
Packaging
Tubes are more hygienic and fit in any bag – the best hand cream is the one you have with you.

Frequently asked questions

Which hand cream helps very dry, cracked hands?

A rich, ideally unscented cream with glycerin or urea, applied after every hand wash. In the evening, apply a thick layer and wear cotton gloves. If cracks don’t heal or your hands itch badly, have it checked by a doctor.

How often should you moisturise your hands?

After every hand wash and before bed. If you work with water or cleaning products, more often.

Why do hands dry out so quickly?

The skin on the backs of the hands is thin and has few oil glands. Water, soap and hand sanitiser also strip away the skin’s own lipids.

Can I use body cream on my hands?

Yes, if it’s rich enough. But hand creams usually absorb faster and are designed for frequent application.