Best Softening Hand Creams of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Softening hand creams are an essential part of any beauty routine, especially during the cold winter months when skin tends to get dry and cracked. These creams are specifically designed to moisturize and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Many of these hand creams contain natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera, which help to hydrate and soothe the skin. They come in a variety of scents, from floral to fruity, so there is something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a luxurious treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a loved one, softening hand creams are a must-have.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream Cover #TOP 1
Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Hand Cream Cover #TOP 2
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Hand Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Dove Intense Care Hand Cream Cover #TOP 3
Dove Intense Care Hand Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Softening Hand Creams

Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream

381370036579
WHITE
Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream Cover
Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream with Soothing Prebiotic Oat for Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin Cream Softens & Smooths Hands & Lasts Through Hand Washing, Fragrance-Free, 3.5 oz

Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream is a dermatologist-recommended non-greasy and fast-absorbing hand cream that locks in 24 hours of intense moisture, leaving your hands feeling soft and smooth. Formulated with soothing Prebiotic Oat, it helps heal dry skin and forms a protective barrier against the elements. This fragrance-free hand cream for sensitive skin is allergy tested and free of parabens and dyes. Use as needed to soothe and moisturize dry hands.

What We Like
Locks in 24 hours of intense moisture
Soothes and heals dry skin
Forms a protective barrier against the elements
Non-greasy and fast-absorbing
Fragrance-free and free of parabens and dyes
#TOP 2

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Hand Cream

010181043550
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Hand Cream Cover
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Hand Cream for Dry, Cracked Skin. Travel Size Hand Lotion, 3.4 Ounce

Palmer's Hand Cream offers intensive relief for dry, cracked hands with its rich blend of pure cocoa butter and vitamin E. This formula provides up to 48 hours of moisture, making it ideal for use after sanitizing to prevent dryness. As a vegan product, it contains no animal ingredients or testing, ensuring a cruelty-free choice. Additionally, it features high-quality, natural ingredients to promote soft and hydrated skin, supporting sustainable practices in the production of cocoa butter and other key elements. Experience the difference with this effective hand cream that nurtures your skin.

What We Like
Intensive moisture for dry hands
Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Natural, high-quality ingredients
48-hour hydration
#TOP 3

Dove Intense Care Hand Cream

White
3 Ounce (Pack of 4)
Dove Intense Care Hand Cream Cover
Dove Body Love Moisturizing Hand Cream for Rough or Dry Skin Intense Care Softens and Smoothes 3oz 4 Count

Dove Hand Cream is perfect for anyone dealing with dry skin. This intense care formula helps your hands feel softer and smoother with every use. It retains nine times more moisture than untreated skin, ensuring long-lasting hydration for up to 48 hours. Infused with a unique ceramide serum, it replenishes essential nutrients that strengthen your skin's moisture barrier. Plus, as a dermatologist-approved product, it absorbs quickly and is non-greasy, making it convenient for daily use. Pamper your skin and keep it healthy with Dove Hand Cream.

What We Like
Deep moisturization
Long-lasting hydration
Fast-absorbing formula
Strengthens moisture barrier
Dermatologist-approved
#TOP 4

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream

3380810469585
No Color
Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream Cover
Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream | Award-Winning | Softens, Nourishes and Shields Skin | Strengthens Nails and Conditions Cuticles | Natural Plant Extracts, Including Shea Butter | 3.4 Ounces

Hydrate, comfort and condition your dry hands and nails with Clarins Hand Cream. This daily hand and nail cream is formulated with natural plant extracts, such as Shea Butter, Sesame Oil, and Myrrh, to nourish, soften, and protect your skin from external aggressors, such as cold, heat, and hard water. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving your hands feeling soft and smooth. Additionally, the cream strengthens your nails and conditions your cuticles. Say goodbye to dry, cracked hands and hello to healthy, beautiful skin with Clarins Hand Cream.

What We Like
Award-winning
Strengthens nails
Conditions cuticles
#TOP 5

L'Occitane Almond Delicious Hands

29MA075A21
L'Occitane Almond Delicious Hands Cover
L'OCCITANE Almond Delicious Hand & Nail Cream: Soften hands & Cuticles with Irresistible Almond Scent, Moisturizing, Infused With Almond Oil, 24-hour hydration*, 2.6 Oz

Indulge in the luxurious L'Occitane Almond Delicious Hands cream, perfect for keeping your hands moisturized and smooth. This hand cream comes in a conveniently sized 2.6-ounce tube, making it easy to carry with you on the go. The almond scent is both calming and refreshing, adding an extra touch of indulgence to your daily routine. Made in France, this cream is a true luxury beauty item that's sure to pamper your hands.

What We Like
Conveniently sized for on-the-go use
Luxurious almond scent
Made in France with high-quality ingredients
#TOP 6

O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream

114890
3 Ounce (Pack of 1)
O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream Cover
O'Keeffe's Working Hands Intense Renewal Hand Cream, 3oz Tube (Pack of 1) - Softens and Smooths Extremely Dry, Callused Hands

O'Keeffe's Hand Cream is designed to transform extremely dry hands quickly. In just one application, you will notice softer skin, thanks to its fast-acting formula that provides 48 hours of hydration. This cream not only boosts moisture levels but also protects against further moisture loss, ensuring your hands stay nourished. With its 3-in-1 formula, it exfoliates, smooths, and removes dry skin, making it perfect for those with rough hands. It also creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated long after use.

What We Like
Fast-acting hydration
Exfoliates and smooths
Locks in moisture
Non-greasy formula
#TOP 7

WORKMAN'S FRIEND Hand Cream

WORKMAN'S FRIEND Hand Cream Cover
WORKMAN'S FRIEND Superior Healing Hand Cream - Intense Moisturizer - Heals Extremely Dry & Cracked Skin - 2.5 ounce

WORKMAN'S FRIEND Healing Cream is a non-greasy, fragrance-free hand cream that offers superior treatment for dry and damaged skin. This hand cream is formulated for hard working hands and is perfect for use in extreme environments and conditions. The advanced skin repair formula is a thick, therapeutic lotion that repairs and restores your skin's health. You can also use this cream to restore and soften rough skin on your arms, face, neck, and feet. The powerful moisturizer soothes extremely dry, cracked skin, preventing further chafing or chapping. The formula includes trusted herbs and ingredients such as comfrey, allantoin, Vitamin E, and calendula which are known for their healing and soothing properties. Apply up to three times daily for best results.

What We Like
Non-greasy
Fragrance-free
Trusted ingredients
#TOP 8

Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

3700194708498
2.5 Fl Oz / 75 ml
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve Cover
Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, Deeply Hydrating Hand Lotion, Thick and Rich Formula for Intense Moisture and Conditioning, Protects and Repairs Dry Hands, Paraben and Gluten Free - 2.5 fl oz

Kiehl's Hand Salve offers a rich and deeply hydrating solution for your dry hands. This thick lotion provides essential moisture, soothing and conditioning your skin effectively. It creates a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss, ensuring your hands remain smooth and nourished. With special ingredients like Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, and Sesame Seed Oil, it not only improves dry skin but also softens and revitalizes it. You can apply this salve as often as needed, both day and night, to keep your hands in top condition.

What We Like
Intense moisture delivery
Protective barrier for hands
Rich, thick formula
Soothes and conditions skin
Paraben-free ingredients

L'Occitane Shea Butter Rose Hand Cream|Nourishing and Softening|1 Oz

285879
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
L'Occitane Shea Butter Rose Hand Cream|Nourishing and Softening|1 Oz Cover
L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Delightful Rose Hand Cream|Nourishes and softens|20% shea butter|1 Oz

If you're looking for a hand cream that not only nourishes but also hydrates while providing a delicate scent of rose, L'Occitane Shea Butter Delightful Rose Hand Cream is the perfect choice. The cream contains 20% shea butter that helps in making your skin soft and supple, while the rose fragrance leaves your hands smelling fresh and floral. The cream is made in a cream form that is easy to spread on your hands and is quickly absorbed, leaving no oily residue behind. With this hand cream, you can enjoy soft, hydrated and delicately perfumed hands.

What We Like
Nourishes and hydrates the skin
Delicate rose scent
Quickly absorbed without leaving an oily residue
Contains 20% shea butter for extra softness

Grown Alchemist Restorative Hand Cream

Grown Alchemist Restorative Hand Cream Cover
Grown Alchemist Restorative Hand Cream. Vanilla and Orange Peel. Non-Greasy Moisturizer that Soothes and Softens Hands (65ml).

The Grown Alchemist Hand Cream offers a soothing blend of botanical extracts and antioxidants to nourish and repair your skin daily. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula ensures deep hydration, leaving your hands feeling soft and supple without any oily residue. The cream also helps to hydrate and soften both hands and cuticles, making it perfect for everyday use. With a refreshing scent of vanilla and orange peel, this hand cream enhances your skincare routine while promoting optimal skin health through its clean, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients.

What We Like
Non-greasy formula
Deep hydration
Soothes hands and cuticles
Refreshing scent
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our softening hand cream research, we found 48 softening hand cream products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 61,281 customer reviews through our big data system to write the softening hand creams list. We found that most customers choose softening hand creams with an average price of $12.84.

The softening hand creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of softening hand creams, including Aveeno, Palmer's, Dove, Clarins, L'Occitane. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.