Caudalie, Clarins and L’Occitane vs pharmacy favourites Nivea, O’Keefe Working Hands and Palmer’s compared for hydration, absorption, feel on the skin and more…
Published: 25 September 2025. Manca Virant Researcher & Writer for WHICH? View full article here.
Your hand cream questions answered
Dr Angela Tewari, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, answers your questions about hand creams.
Can you use hand creams on your face?
You can, but as the face has sebaceous appendages (its own natural moisturisers) to lubricate the skin, it’s also more susceptible to blockages and acneiform changes – in other words, spots.
That’s why face creams tend to be more lotion-based and may also contain very small amounts of salicylic acid, which helps to reduce hyperkeratosis (a skin condition where the outer layer of skin thickens abnormally) and blocked pores. If you’re prone to acne, oily skin or have sensitive skin, then I would hold off using hand creams on your face.
Why do hands get dry so easily compared with other parts of the body?
Hand hygiene is universally accepted as the single most important strategy for preventing and reducing healthcare-associated infections.
This means we wash our hands several times a day with whatever soap is available, potentially stripping the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the skin) and resulting in evaporation of moisture and increased risk of dryness.
What are the key ingredients that actually heal dry, cracked skin – versus just making hands feel soft temporarily?
To heal dry and cracked skin, rather than just soften, use a ceramide and free fatty acid-based moisturiser, followed by petroleum jelly-based ointments to seal it in.
How do hand creams differ from hand lotions?
Hand creams are oil-in-water formulas, which means the consistency is thicker, stays on skin for longer and helps to keep moisture locked in for longer.
Lotions are a thinner consistency, so if you’re prone to very dry skin or wash your hands frequently, it may be best to go for a thicker formula.
What’s the best type of hand cream for very dry or cracked hands, especially in winter?
I would go for a non-lanolin-based formula and ointment-based hand cream, applied at night with cotton gloves worn over the top.
Are there any ingredients in hand creams that consumers should avoid, especially for sensitive skin?
Lanolin and acids such as BHA (beta-hydroxy acid), for example salicylic acid.
Can hand creams help with skin issues such as eczema or dermatitis, or are specialised treatments better?
Yes, hand creams can help with skin issues such as eczema, which is the same as dermatitis.
I would go for a barrier ointment to help protect the skin barrier, rather than a cream-based formula, as this prevents further moisture loss and also will have key humectants to draw in water.
Should you use a hand cream with SPF? Are hand creams that also provide sun protection effective enough for daily use?
I wouldn’t always use a hand cream with an SPF. Definitely go for one with SPF on holiday, but avoid touching your face as it may irritate delicate skin, especially around the eyes.