12 Best Hand Creams for Dry, Cracked Skin

1. Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief Cream

BEST OVERALL HAND CREAM

PROS

Most moisturizing in Lab tests
Softens skin
Non-sticky
Bargain price

CONS

Some would prefer a thicker formula

Key ingredients	Glycerin, vitamin E, plant oils
Size	3 oz.
Fragrance	None

“Cure” even the most dehydrated skin with Curél’s plant oil-infused lotion, the hands-down winner in GH Beauty Lab hand cream testing. Created to last through hand washing, it boasts one of the highest increases in skin moisturization the Lab has ever measured. In Lab assessment with the Corneometer device, which calculates skin moisture levels, the formula raised hydration by a record 64%.

Though a few users said they would prefer a thicker texture, a full 100% of testers agreed the lotion left their skin feeling soft to the touch and it scored high for not being tacky. “It cleared up dry, scaly spots and stays on even when I rinse my hands,” a user commented. Another agreed: “I wash my hands at least a dozen times a day, and my hands felt and looked noticeably smooth.”

2. Vaseline Radiant X Deep Nourishment Hand Butter

BEST VALUE HAND CREAM

PROS

Strong skin hydrating effects
Rich formula
Great scent

CONS

Could leave skin feeling greasy

Key ingredients	Glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil
Size	3.4 oz.
Fragrance	Warm, sweet

True to its name, rich and buttery Vaseline earned top marks in GH Beauty Lab evaluations for deeply moisturizing dry hand skin. The formula, blended with shea butter and coconut oil, was also a tester favorite, receiving raves for its “warm, vanilla-like” fragrance.

It elevated skin moisturization by a strong 56%, second only to the winner in Beauty Lab Corneometer calculations and rated best with testers for its “pleasant” scent. Two called the formulation “thick and creamy” and “very moisturizing” (a few users said it felt oily, though). Another reported: “My friends asked to use it because it smells so good.”