9 Best Retinol Hand Creams to Take on Sun Spots and Crepiness

When caring for aging skin, the best retinol hand creams are must-haves. We tend to focus on our faces, but our hands are just as quick to develop wrinkles, sun spots, and a crepey texture. And while hand creams in general are nice, they're not exactly formulated to take these on. “Hands, neck, and décolleté are often what give away someone’s age,” says Saami Khalifian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA.

It makes sense—our hands endure sun, wind, harsh soaps, and environmental damage daily, yet they rarely get the love they deserve. “Retinol cream is a great option for hands,” says Dr. Khalifian. By promoting cell turnover and increasing collagen production, retinol helps smooth wrinkles, fade brown spots, and improve skin texture and tone, giving hands a firmer, more youthful look.

Our Top Picks

• Best Retinol Hand Cream Overall: Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream, $15
• Best for Dry Hands: Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment, $62
• Best for Age Spots: Nécessaire The Hand Retinol, $38
• Best Retinol Alternative: Paume Renewing Hand Serum, $42
• Best Splurge: Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream, $84
• Best Budget: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion, $15
• Best for Beginners: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil, $41
• Best for Uneven Texture: Alastin Skincare Renewal Retinol .25, $70
• Best for Wrinkles: SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex, $64

But don’t dive in too quickly. “The skin on the back of the hands is thinner and less tolerant of high-percentage retinol,” says Dr. Khalifian. Start with a low concentration, pair it with a rich hand cream for hydration, and always follow up with sunscreen since retinol can increase sun sensitivity. Now, you're in the clear to give your hands the glow-up they deserve with these dermatologist- and editor-approved retinol hand creams.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is retinol cream good for your hands?
• Where not to apply retinol
• Can you put retinol on dry hands?
• Is it better to put retinol on damp or dry skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Retinol Hand Cream Overall: Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream

Why we love it: When your hands feel like they’ve been through the wringer, reach for the Beauty Pie Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Cream to tackle everything from fine lines to wrinkles to stubborn pigmentation—which New York-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD, uses every time in her own skin-care routine. Its formula includes shea butter, bio-tech collagen, and a 1% slow-release retinol complex that works tirelessly while you sleep—boosting cell turnover and rejuvenating your hands for a refreshed, revitalized look. It takes around six months of consistent use to see noticeable results, but patience pays off.

Editor tip: It also contains bio-sugar moisture magnets that help give skin that silky feel.

Retinol concentration: 1% | Key ingredients: plant-based collagen, shea butter, bio-sugar | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Hands: Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment

Why we love it: Rough, scaly hands will be a thing of the past with the help of Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment. Designed for nighttime use—since retinol can make skin sensitive to the sun—this rich, cushiony formula delivers a burst of hydration. It combines the renewing power of retinol, the soothing benefits of colloidal oatmeal, and the deeply moisturizing properties of panthenol to nourish your skin and nails. Its texture is a perfectly balanced medium-density cream—like the Goldilocks of hand treatments, neither too thick nor too thin—enveloping your hands in a soft, comforting layer of hydration.

Tester feedback: “I love everything about this formula: It never gets greasy, it softens my hands, and I haven't had to deal with cracked knuckles all winter,” says contributing editor Deanna Pai. “I also love the fragranced ‘Hold’ version, which smells warm and cozy.”

Retinol concentration: 0.05% | Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal, panthenol | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Age Spots: Nécessaire The Hand Retinol

Why we love it: Despite its potent concentration of actives, Nécessaire The Hand Retinol is gentle enough for daily use. While you might notice a subtle scent upon application, the infusion of natural, soothing rosewater balances it beautifully, creating a calming and pleasant experience. The formula is fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and hypoallergenic, leaving your hands soft and smooth without residue. Plus, just a pea-sized amount is all it takes to moisturize your hands for hours. Plus, the flexible aluminum tube ensures you can squeeze out every last drop.

Editor tip: The formula naturally includes rosewater byproducts like citronellol and geraniol, but there are no added essential oils or synthetic fragrances—so it’s great for sensitive skin.

Retinol concentration: 0.25% | Key ingredients: alpha-hydroxy acid, peptides, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol Alternative: Paume Renewing Hand Serum

Why we love it: It may not be a retinol-based hand cream, but the TikTok-famous Paume Renewing Hand Serum uses the power of bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that’s as gentle as it is effective. Packed with face-serum-worthy ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it targets stubborn brown spots, deeply hydrates, and restores elasticity for smoother, youthful-looking hands. Despite its rich blend of nourishing oils—safflower, jojoba seed, lavender, and rosemary, to name a few—this lightweight serum absorbs quickly, leaving your skin moisturized without a hint of greasiness.

Tester feedback: “Tons of oils (safflower, jojoba seed, lavender, rosemary, and more) make the blend extra moisturizing, and the light serum texture sinks in quickly so your hands don’t feel slippery as you move onto the next thing,” says deputy beauty director Elizabeth Siegel. “I like to keep the tube in my purse, or next to my sink, where it sits pretty, so I can treat my hands after washing them.”

Retinol concentration: N/A | Key ingredients: bakuchiol, niacinamide, vitamin C | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Splurge: Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream

Why we love it: While the Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream is formulated with encapsulated retinol to bring brightness and even texture back to your hands, its other star ingredient is Chilean tree bark extract, which also helps promote a more youthful appearance. Packed with antioxidants like vitamin C, this luxurious, silky cream is also infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and grapeseed oil to deeply moisturize and replenish skin. With consistent use, your skin will appear less stressed, feel noticeably softer, and show a reduction in hyperpigmentation for a more even-toned, refreshed look.

Editor tip: Its texture is slightly thinner, like a serum, so take care when squeezing it out of the tube to avoid spills.

Retinol concentration: Not listed | Key ingredients: rosewater, vitamin C, shea butter, Chilean tree bark extract | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Budget: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion

Why we love it: If you’re sticking to a budget, don’t sleep on this hidden gem. Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana calls Gold Bond's Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion "an underrated, affordable retinol lotion that has a peptide complex to further plump the skin." In addition to retinol promoting cell turnover, it’s also packed with peptides to boost elasticity, shea and cocoa butters for intense hydration, and niacinamide to even out tone and texture. It glides on effortlessly—even over dry, rough hands, knees, and elbows—and absorbs fully, no matter if you’re the type who loves to slather it on very generously.

Editor tip: Although it's designed for overnight use, don’t be surprised if your skin still feels soft and hydrated when you wake up. Thanks to the rich shea and cocoa butters, this lotion delivers up to 24 hours of long-lasting moisture.

Retinol concentration: not listed | Key ingredients: retinol, peptide complex, shea and cocoa butters, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Beginners: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil

Why we love it: Although it’s not specifically marketed for hands, Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, swears by the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil for keeping her own hands smooth and youthful-looking. “It sets itself apart with a silky-smooth texture and a subtle, pleasant fragrance. Its formula includes a glucose complex to boost the efficacy of retinol while improving skin’s tolerance. Plus, there’s also hyaluronic acid to keep dryness at bay,” she says. “With a lower 0.3% concentration of retinol, it’s ideal for beginners easing into retinol treatments.”

Editor tip: “While it’s gentle enough for daily use, it’s best to start slowly—apply it two to three times per week to allow your skin to adjust,” says Dr. Spearman.

Retinol concentration: 0.3% | Key ingredients: vitamin E, bisabolol | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Wrinkles: SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex

Why we love it: SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex is marketed for the face, but it’s also a go-to for hands among dermatologists, including Dr. Spearman and Dr. Khalifian. With its gentle 0.25% retinol concentration, “it’s an excellent choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin, as it minimizes the risk of irritation,” says Dr. Khalifian. “It features a calming bisabolol and antioxidant-rich formula, which helps soothe the skin while protecting against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. I like how it absorbs quickly, so it won’t leave your hands greasy and pairs beautifully with a rich hand cream if you want to lock in hydration,” he says.

Editor tip: SkinMedica Retinol 0.25 Complex comes in different retinol concentrations. “I recommend starting with the lowest concentration, 0.25%, and gradually working up to 1%. Use it two to three times per week at first, then increase to nightly use—always in the evening,” says Dr. Spearman.

Retinol concentration: 0.25% | Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Uneven Texture: Alastin Skincare Renewal Retinol .25

Why we love it: Alastin Skincare Renewal Retinol .25 is another traditional used for your face, but who’s keeping track? We love it when a skincare staple from our facial routine pulls double duty and delivers results elsewhere, too. This gentle yet effective retinol treatment works wonders for smoothing skin texture and evening out tone, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your hands. “It’s an excellent option for retinol beginners or those with sensitive skin, thanks to its encapsulation in lipids, which enhances delivery and minimizes irritation. Plus, it’s infused with oat extract to provide extra hydration and soothe the skin,” says Dr. Khalifian.

Editor's tip: Whether you apply it to your face or your hands, remember to use sunscreen during the day, as retinol can make skin more sensitive to UV rays.

Retinol concentration: 0.25% | Key ingredients: oat extract, silver mushroom | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

“Yes, retinol cream can be beneficial for the hands,” says Dr. Spearman. “Many people with mature skin focus on the face with treatments to look younger than their age there, but the hands can expose the truth.” Retinol helps stimulate collagen production, increase cell turnover, fade dark spots, and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, making it a great addition to your hand care routine.

However, proceed with caution, as “the skin on the back of the hand can be more sensitive to the side effects of retinol, like irritation, redness, and peeling,” she says. To avoid these issues, she recommends starting with one or two applications per week, working up to daily use. Always pair retinol with a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated, and don’t skip daily sunscreen, as retinol can increase sun sensitivity.

When applying retinol, it’s important to avoid certain areas to prevent irritation. “Steer clear of fingers and knuckles, as these areas experience more friction and are prone to increased sensitivity. Additionally, avoid applying retinol on broken or compromised skin, such as cuts or extremely dry patches, as it can exacerbate irritation,” says Dr. Spearman.

Yes, but, according to Dr. Spearman, you should not apply retinol on cracked or irritated areas, as it can worsen dryness or cause discomfort.

“To minimize sensitivity, always ensure your skin is completely dry before application, as damp skin can enhance retinol’s potency and increase the risk of irritation,” says Dr. Spearman.

• Dara Spearman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Saami Khalifian, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego, CA
• Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best retinol hand creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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