16 of the best hand creams for silky-smooth skin

A daily hand cream that really works. Aveeno know their stuff when it comes to dealing with dry skin. This oat-infused formula is calming and soothing thanks to it forming a “protective glove” on the skin, which can even stay put through hand washing. Genius.

There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t reach for this hand cream, it’s so good I’ve gotten my mum addicted as well (dry hands clearly run in our fam). Why? Well, the formula ticks every box a good hand cream should, it’s hydrating, soothing, nourishes dry patches and absorbs quickly and cleanly - no sticky palms here. Oh, and did I mention it smells like a spa?

This extra-thick formula will be your hands' saving grace if you need a hand cream that delivers instant soothing results. Packed with 40% glycerin, the concentrated cream relieves skin dryness in a matter of seconds, leaving hands feeling soft and supple again.

Fragrance-free? Check. Packed with moisturising hyaluronic acid? Check.

This hand cream is perfect if you're prone to sensitivity and want to avoid any ingredients that might trigger skin irritations. The cream restores vital moisture back into the hands, helping strengthen the protective skin barrier.

Whilst we're used to investing time, effort and £££ in protecting our face from harmful UV rays, hands tend to be one of the most-neglected SPF spots. Which is why they're usually first in line when it comes to sun damage and pigmentation as we age. Enter, Hello Sunday's SPF30 Hand Cream. All the benefits of a hydrating hand cream, with added UVA and UVB protection.

This vegan and cruelty-free formula is made up of nourishing ingredients, including olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter and theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, along with a host of other sustainably sourced, proactive and 98% natural ingredients. Plus, the gorgeous orange and mango fragrance will having you sighing "ahhhh" at first sight sniff.

Hate hand creams that feel thick, heavy or greasy? This one is for you. The balmy formula absorbs quicker than any other hand cream we've tried, whilst still delivering deep nourishment to dry, parched skin. All that, and it smells in-cred-ible.

Neal's Yard Remedies have concocted the most ah-mazing hand cream, it's powered by a potent blend of Wild Rosehip oil that deeply nourishes skin and nails. Not only is it packed with soothing rose, but it also contains organic geranium and patchouli essential oils, so you can expect your hands to smell dreamy.

The sanitiser and hand cream juggle is real, so there’s something reassuring about a handbag-friendly product that takes care of both (although we wouldn’t advise you bin your official hand sanitiser!) With cedarwood and ylang ylang, this subtle-scented, lightweight lotion harnesses the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil and Bisabolol, alongside other naturally active ingredients that get to work nourishing and hydrating, without leaving a greasy residue.

Warning: after applying this cream you will sniff your hands all day long and people will stare at you. That aside, it really is a dream to use. It boasts next-level moisture-boosting ingredients such as cupuacu butter, squalene and selenium (an essential mineral found in brazil nuts). But despite its next-level moisturising abilities, it absorbs instantly with zero stickiness. Oh, and did we mention the smell?

This rose-oil infused balm-lotion hybrid is a treat for tired hands. Key ingredients include lanolin (obvs), shea butter, cocoa, jojoba oil and vitamin E, a stellar line up to hydrate cracked, dry hands. Plus, it’s not sticky so you don’t have to wait ages to touch things after you’ve applied.

Ok, this hand cream is spenny but it smells like you have your life completely together, you do not suffer fools gladly and you have ticked off 7 things on your to-do before 10 am because you’re a boss. The scent is gardenia, ylang ylang, violet and white musk and the texture is rich and creamy but sinks in quickly (you’re a boss you have things to do!).

New Zealand-based beauty brand, Antipodes, have made it onto our best hand cream hit list thanks to their uber-nourishing formula. Containing a potent blend of rich avocado oil, macadamia nut oil and vitamin E, this cream will soothe the driest of skins. Plus the sleek metal tube packaging is A*.

The blend of avocado, eucalyptus and sesame seed oil gives this formula a rich, soothing and hydrating base. This isn’t a light, quick application kind of hand cream as it’s super thick, but it makes the perfect overnight treatment.

Koba products are heavily focused on adding moisture and hydration back into the body which, as we all know, is most definitely needed during these colder months. The Touch Me hand cream is jam packed with niacinamide, a well known ingredient used for diminishing dullness.

So, it's the perfect pick me up for getting your [hand] glow on!

This hand cream is a super light texture and includes ingredients like jojoba, coconut, shea butter and candula – which vibe together to create an ultra-nourishing formula. The texture is really light too and natch organic.