Best Softening Hand Creams of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 29 Jan 2025

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Softening hand creams are nourishing lotions designed to hydrate and soothe dry, chapped hands. They are formulated with moisturising ingredients such as shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E, which help to replenish the skin's natural oils and restore its moisture barrier. Many softening hand creams also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and irritation, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin. With a range of scents and textures available, there is a hand cream to suit every preference and skincare need.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CUTICURA Repair Hand & Nail Cream for Intense Hydration Cover #TOP 1
CUTICURA Repair Hand & Nail Cream for Intense Hydration
ftb score rating icon 9.9
NIVEA Intensive Moisture Hand Cream with Almond Oil Cover #TOP 2
NIVEA Intensive Moisture Hand Cream with Almond Oil
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Avon Care Cocoa Butter Hand Cream Pack Cover #TOP 3
Avon Care Cocoa Butter Hand Cream Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 7 Softening Hand Creams

#TOP 1

CUTICURA Repair Hand & Nail Cream for Intense Hydration

40026916
White
75 ml (Pack of 1)
CUTICURA Repair Hand & Nail Cream for Intense Hydration Cover
CUTICURA Repair Hand & Nail Cream 75ml, Intense Hydration, Softening, Protect Damaged Skin, Stronger Nails

The CUTICURA Repair Hand Cream is specially designed to hydrate and restore very dry skin. With key ingredients like glycerine and Vitamin B5, it provides deep nourishment and all-day hydration, helping to relieve the discomfort of cracked skin. This cream also works to strengthen your skin's natural barrier, ensuring that your hands stay protected throughout the day. Additionally, the inclusion of Vitamin E helps create a protective layer on the skin, supporting overall cell function and enhancing skin resilience.

What We Like
Intense hydration for dry skin
Strengthens skin barrier
Contains nourishing ingredients
Protects against damage
Supports cell function

NIVEA Intensive Moisture Hand Cream with Almond Oil

Clear
1 g (Pack of 1)
NIVEA Intensive Moisture Hand Cream with Almond Oil Cover
NIVEA Intensive Moisture Hand Cream (100ml), Nourishing Hand Cream with Almond Oil and Shea Butter, Daily Intensive Moisturising Hand Lotion for Dry Hands

NIVEA Intensive Hand Cream is designed to provide deep moisture for your hands. Enriched with Almond Oil, it delivers 24-hour nourishment, leaving your skin feeling smooth and soft. If you struggle with very dry hands, this hand cream offers protective care that effectively moisturises, making a noticeable difference. Its fast absorption means you won't have to wait long before getting on with your day, as it quickly soaks into your skin while leaving a lovely NIVEA scent.

What We Like
Deep 24-hour nourishment
Fast absorption into skin
Vegan-friendly formula
Effective for very dry hands
#TOP 3

Avon Care Cocoa Butter Hand Cream Pack

Avon
75 ml (Pack of 2)
Avon Care Cocoa Butter Hand Cream Pack Cover
Avon Care Cocoa Butter Softening Hand Cream - Pack of 2

The Avon Cocoa Butter Hand Cream is designed specifically for dry to extra-dry skin. With an item volume of 150.0 millilitres, this cream provides ample product for your needs. It offers intense moisture, helping to soften and nourish your hands. You will appreciate the soothing benefits of cocoa butter, which leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated. This hand cream is perfect for regular use, ensuring that your hands stay soft and protected throughout the day.

What We Like
Intense moisture for dry skin
Convenient pack of two
Cocoa butter nourishes hands
Easy to apply and absorb
#TOP 4

Embryolisse Nourishing Hand Cream with Shea Butter

3350900001193
White
50 ml (Pack of 1)
Embryolisse Nourishing Hand Cream with Shea Butter Cover
Embryolisse Nourishing Hand Cream 50ml - Softening Hand Cream with Shea Butter - Deeply Hydrating & Nourishing Hand Lotion Leaves Your Hands Silky Smooth & Replenished - Vegan & Non-Greasy Formula

The Embryolisse Hand Cream offers intensive hydration, perfect for keeping your hands moisturised and silky smooth. Infused with shea butter and essential oils, this cream absorbs quickly, allowing you to enjoy relief from dry skin without any greasy residue. Its vitamin E and antioxidants work to repair and protect your hands from environmental stressors, ensuring long-term skin health. Plus, the delicate fragrance provides a luxurious touch to your skincare routine, making each application a sensory delight.

What We Like
Intensive hydration for dry hands
Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula
Repairs and protects skin
Delicate, pleasant fragrance
Dermatologist-approved for all skin types

E45 Daily Hand Cream for Dry Skin

E45
5011417570364
Other
50 ml (Pack of 1)
E45 Daily Hand Cream for Dry Skin Cover
E45 Daily Hand Cream 50 ml – E45 Hand Cream for Very Dry Hands - Hand Moisturiser for Dry Skin and Sensitive Skin - Non-Greasy Hand Repair Cream for Soft and Supple Hands - Fast Absorption Formula

E45 Hand Cream offers intense nourishment to keep your hands soft and hydrated. Its fast absorption formula ensures that it is easily applied and quickly soaks into your skin, leaving no greasiness behind. With emollient ingredients, it hydrates and relieves dryness, making it suitable for daily use by the entire family, including infants over one month old. This hand cream is dermatologically tested and fragrance-free, providing the perfect solution for dry and sensitive skin.

What We Like
Intensely nourishes dry hands
Fast absorption, non-greasy
Suitable for all skin types
Travel-friendly 50 ml size
Dermatologically tested and fragrance-free

Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Hydrate Hand Cream

Bronze
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Hydrate Hand Cream Cover
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Hydrate moisturiser with ultra-hydrating lipids and shea butter Hand Cream for dry hands 75 ml

Vaseline Cocoa Hydrate Cream is specially formulated to rejuvenate dry hands. It contains pure cocoa butter and Vaseline jelly, providing intense moisture from the very first application. The addition of ultra-hydrating lipids and shea butter helps to fortify your skin barrier, ensuring your hands feel soft and protected. This hand cream absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue, allowing you to enjoy hydration and healthy-looking skin effortlessly. Incorporate it into your daily hand care routine for best results.

What We Like
Intense moisture from first use
Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula
Softens dry hands effectively
Fortifies skin barrier
#TOP 7

EarthZest Organic Hand Cream for Dry Skin

SBLHB-101
60 ml (Pack of 1)
EarthZest Organic Hand Cream for Dry Skin Cover
Soothing Hand Cream for Dry, Cracked Hands, Chapped Skin, Eczema, Psoriasis & Dermatitis. 100% Certified Organic Ingredients for Immediate Relief. 100% Natural Hand Balm with Natural SPF. Chemical Free - NO Synthetic Chemicals or Added Water so Highly Concentrated, Intensive, Effective & Long-Lasting (a pea size amount is all that’s needed). Formulated for Working Hands, Diabetics & Sensitive Skin. Certified Vegan & Cruelty-Free. Made by EarthZest Organics in the UK – Love it or Your Money Back

EarthZest Hand Cream is an intensive barrier cream that provides immediate relief for dry, cracked hands and chapped skin. It is perfect for anyone, from gardeners to diabetics, as it deeply hydrates and protects against harsh elements. With no added water or cheap fillers, this cream absorbs quickly, leaving your skin visibly softer and younger-looking. It also contains natural SPF to shield your skin from sun damage, making it ideal for daily use, especially after long days outdoors.

What We Like
100% organic ingredients
Deeply moisturises skin
Natural SPF protection
Long-lasting and effective
Suitable for sensitive skin
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our softening hand cream research, we found 115 softening hand cream products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,604 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 £4.81.

The softening hand creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of softening hand creams, including Cuticura, NIVEA, Avon, Embryolisse, E45. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 4,654 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.