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Just as you should never forget to moisturize your body or spray your stinky pits, applying a high-quality hand cream is an essential part of any guy’s grooming routine. And as winter gets closer and years of obsessive hand-washing begins to take its toll, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your skincare options.
Whether you suffer from cracked cuticles or callused palms, looking after your mitts should be a priority for every guy. This guide features eight of the best hand creams for men that’ll alleviate sore skin and provide unmatched hydration.
Key Takeaways
To help, I’ve pored over dozens of sites and rounded up a selection of the best hand cream for men. Each one has been specially designed to keep your paws healthy and offer year-round protection.
So, whether you’re after a non-greasy, ultra-hydrating, or sweet-smelling salve, keep reading for your fast-track ticket to happy hands.There’s options for every budget, including J.R. Watkins’ natural remedy and a wallet-friendly version from Nivea.
Why it’s great: Made with shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado oil, this 98% natural product is a sustainable choice that helps to improve the look and feel of dry and cracked skin—leaving your digits and palms feeling super soft and smooth. With over 1,700 five-star ratings on Amazon, there’s no doubting this is one of the best hand creams for men.
How to use it: Liberally apply to clean hands when desired. I’d suggest testing out a small amount first and adding more until you’re happy.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: You may find it a little sticky as you first squeeze it into your hands, but this soon disappears as you rub it in.
Size: 3.3 oz | Active Ingredients: Shea Butter | Skin Type: All | Scent: Coconut
Why it’s great: When we’re talking about value for money, Nivea Men’s Creme is about as good as it gets. Light and non-greasy, you can use it on your face, hands, and body—leaving you with a masculine-fresh scent that’s noticeable but not overpowering.
How to use it: Ideally you want to apply this cream to clean hands. Start with a small amount and rub it in thoroughly for optimum results.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This hand cream is a jack of all trades, so there may be better options that target hands specifically.
Size: 5.3 oz | Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Skin Type: Dry | Scent: Woody
Why it’s great: If you’ve never used an Aesop product, boy you’re in for a treat. This moisturizing balm offers a dreamy blend of fragrant botanicals and skin-softening emollients that promise to deliver unbeatable hydration to battered hands and cuticles. It smells seriously good and looks pretty impressive when standing in your grooming cabinet (right next to your hair products and body washes).
How to use it: Simply apply to clean hands as often as you feel is necessary. Pay close attention to problem areas such as your cuticles.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Aesop aren’t known for being wallet-friendly, so you’re going to need to stump up a fair bit of cash to get your hands on this cream.
Size: 2.5 oz | Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Skin Type: All | Scent: Citrus, Woody
Why it’s great: Perfect for hardworking hands, this cream instantly boosts moisture levels while creating a protective layer that ensures long-lasting results. Unscented and non-greasy, it’s suitable for all skin types whether you spend your days on a building site or laptop.
How to use it: For the best results, apply after you’ve washed your hands—especially post-shower and before bedtime.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: There’s no scent on this one, so make sure you invest in a good soap if you want your hands to smell sweet.
Size: 6.8 oz | Active Ingredients: Glycerin | Skin Type: All | Scent: Unscented
Why it’s great: Specially made for guys with dry skin, this body and hand cream gets to work with seven moisturizers and three nourishing vitamins. Lightly scented and non-greasy, it’s the perfect everyday companion that’ll replenish the moisture in your skin for healthier-looking hands that don’t feel like sandpaper.
How to use it: Give the bottle a couple of squirts and apply generously as often as needed. If you suffer from particularly dry or rough skin, you’ll likely need more to promote speed of healing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although it’s light, this hand cream is scented. Which means there’s always a risk of slight irritation if you have super sensitive skin.
Size: 6.5 oz | Active Ingredients: Vitamin C | Skin Type: Dry | Scent: Fresh
Why it’s great: This offering wouldn’t be on my list of the best hand creams for men if it didn’t help out dry hands. But it’s the sweet-smelling scent that impressed me the most. Resembling your favorite shampoo or summer cologne, it’s the kind of whiff that’ll have you regularly reapplying. 100% vegan and cruelty-free, it’s the ideal treat for all skin types, whether you have chapped skin or eczema.
How to use it: Give the bottle and squeeze and apply a generous amount to your hands before rubbing them together until the cream soaks in. Don’t forget to wash your mitts beforehand.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Scented creams aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, if you prefer your aftershaves to do the smelling, you may want to try something else.
Size: 3 oz | Active Ingredients: Shea Butter | Skin Type: All | Scent: Citrus
Why it’s great: Non-greasy and fast-absorbing, this daily hand cream will relieve, restore, and protect hands that are chaffed, chapped, or cracked. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, the soothing salve helps retain your skin’s natural moisture while calming damage and restoring natural defenses.
How to use it: Wash your hands with a gentle cleanser and apply the cream to let the magic begin. Use a generous amount and add more throughout the day if required.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unlike thicker hand lotions, this is a very light cream. But don’t let that fool you into thinking you need to overcompensate by going crazy with your squirts.
Size: 3 oz | Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid | Skin Type: All | Scent: Unscented
Why it’s great: Not only does this cream moisturize your skin, it helps protect your hands from harmful UV rays. Oil-free and water-resistant, the lightly fragranced option is a must-have for the sunny seasons—whether you’re on vacation or catching up with the boys.
How to use it: Give the tube a shake and apply liberally 15 minutes before exposure to the sun. If you’ve been swimming or sweating, you’ll need to reapply after 80 minutes or immediately after towel drying.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The SPF level is 15, backing 93% of UVB rays. For light or sensitive skin, you may need something stronger.
Size: 2 oz | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone | Skin Type: All | Scent: Coconut
Buying Considerations for Men’s Hand Creams
Skin Type
Men, like women, have different skin types—from sensitive to dry and oily. Choose a hand cream that matches your specific skin type to ensure it addresses your individual problem areas. For example, if you have dry skin, look for a lotion or cream with intense moisturizing properties. If you suffer from sensitive skin, you’ll need to opt a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic option to prevent any adverse reactions.
Ingredients
Check the ingredient list to ensure the hand cream contains beneficial components. Look for ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and natural oils, as they provide deep hydration and nourishment. Avoid creams with harsh chemicals, sulfates, and parabens, as these can be irritating or harmful to the skin.
Texture
Consider the texture of the hand cream. The best hand cream for men should absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. Creams with lightweight or gel-like textures tend to absorb faster and are less likely to leave hands feeling slippery. This is especially important for guys who will need to use their hands shortly after applying cream.
Why You Should Trust Us
I’ll admit, I was a latecomer to the world of moisturizing. But after years of neglect, I’ve now become fully committed to making up for lost time.
With days of research fresh in my mind, I’ve pulled together a compilation of the best hand cream for men. What started as a list as long as my arm, has now been narrowed down to eight salves that’ll hydrate your hands and get them feeling super soft pronto.
Final Verdict
In a world where self-care knows no gender boundaries, males using hand cream is now not only socially accepted but encouraged (if you don’t believe me, just take a look at Reddit). The array of options tailored specifically for guys reflects a shift towards recognizing the unique needs and preferences of every individual. From the rugged outdoorsman to the urban professional, the best hand creams for men not only nourish and protect, but help bring your paws back to their former glory.
J.R. Watkins’ natural hand cream is the perfect choice to get you started. Using 98% natural ingredients, the sustainable option promises to improve the look and feel of your hands, fixing cracks and dryness while leaving them feeling silky smooth.
FAQ
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Absolutely. Everyone can benefit from using hand cream. Taking care of your skin is not limited by gender. Hand creams provide various benefits that are relevant to everyone.
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Choosing the best hand cream for men can depend on individual preferences, skin type, and specific concerns. However, there are some highly regarded brands that are known for effectively moisturizing and nourishing dry hands. These include Nivea and Aesop.
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Yes, it’s perfectly fine to use hand cream every day, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Regular use of hand cream can help keep your skin moisturized, soft, and protected from environmental factors.
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Billy is a content specialist and social media manager. His portfolio includes articles for publications such as British GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health. A self-confessed lover of luxury streetwear, he admits to an unhealthy obsession for baseball caps and high-end sneakers.