18 Best Hand Creams of 2022 for Dry, Cracked Skin

“Many factors can contribute to dry, cracked skin on the hands, including genetics, environmental and occupational exposures, and daily wear and tear,” says Dr. Garshick. “Hand creams help to improve the look and feel of dry hands by boosting moisture and supporting the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.”

When shopping for the best hand creams, Dr. Garshick suggests choosing options with “humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that hydrate, emollients such as squalene to help soften and smooth, ceramides to strengthen the skin, and occlusives like petrolatum—which provide a barrier to protect the hands from external irritants.” And for those worried about fine lines and dark spots, she mentions there are a variety of formulas to address those, too. “Moisturizing the hands regularly can help improve the overall appearance of [the] skin; however, it’s important to remember that similar anti-aging ingredients can be used on the hands as are used on the face,” she says. “These ingredients may include retinol to boost collagen production, antioxidants to protect against free radical damage, peptides to help strengthen and firm the skin, and sunscreen to protect against UV rays that can cause discoloration.” She adds that certain exfoliating ingredients, like lactic acid, may also help keep hands looking more youthful by eliminating dead skin cells and combatting dullness.

Regardless of your age or skin type, Dr. Garshick mentions you should always apply SPF to your hands—whether in the form of a classic sunscreen or targeted moisturizer—to prevent future damage.

Ahead, find your guide to the 18 best hand creams for soft, supple skin. Included are a range of Dr. Garshick’s expert picks and top-rated options customers are raving about. Plus, we even included one of our personal favorite selects.