Hand lotions are vital these days because the more you spray alcohol and wash your hands, the more you're prone to having dry, cracked palms. To maintain the smoothness and softness of your hands, always remember to use a hand lotion. After all, our hardworking hands also need treatment and pampering.
There are several hand lotions available on the market—just drop by a grocery store or browse a shopping app, you'll find many brands that feature different ingredients and scents. That said, we've come up with a buying guide and a list of the best buys to help you make better choices when selecting a hand lotion. To help you with your search, we also included some comments ad tips from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison.
Quick List - Top Hand Lotions
St. Ives
Combines Shea Butter and Oatmeal for Extra Soft Skin
Dermtropics
Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal for Eczema-Prone Skin
Avon Care
Calming Lavender Lotion for Bedtime Application
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Hand lotions and hand creams are often used interchangeably, but they differ in the formula. Lotions contain more water than oil, while creams usually have a balanced ratio of water and oil.
Hand creams are thicker and more oil-rich, ideal for intense hand hydration. Meanwhile, hand and body lotions, with their lighter texture and higher water content, are designed for broader application on both hands and the body. This allows for quick absorption, providing general hydration without a heavy or greasy feel, appealing to those seeking a versatile product for overall skincare.
If you have dry and chapped skin, definitely go for a thicker texture for added moisture. Some hand lotions are also in gel form, which is lightweight and doesn’t leave a sticky residue on your skin.
When buying a hand lotion, check the list of ingredients and see if it contain agents or properties that can address your skin concern- whether it's for moisturizing dry hands, soothing hands with skin cracks, or relieving the effects of eczema, to name a few.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant superstar, which you will find in most skincare products. It's also beneficial for your hands - for skin repair, strengthening the skin's protective barrier, as well as protecting it from free radicals and environmental aggressors. Lanolin is an emollient that soothes, hydrates, and makes your dry hands smoother and softer.
Shea butter is another ingredient that works like an emollient, which smoothens and softens dry skin. Shea butter also contains vitamin A and E for added moisturizing and skin regenerating properties. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory benefits, great for dry and cracked skin.
Hand lotions should have the right mixture of emollients, occlusive, and humectants to moisturize our hands, especially since we now wash them more frequently. Lanolin is both an occlusive and emollient. Meanwhile, shea butter has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Vitamin E is a popular ingredient in hand lotions and is listed as alpha-tocopherol or tocopherol acetate. It is great for skin hydration and has been shown to improve the water binding capacity by functioning as an emollient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that cause harm to our skin.
Regular sanitizing of your hands can cause dryness. Thus, if you're practicing frequent hand washing and using alcohol to disinfect, look for humectants. These are common skincare product ingredients that retain the moisture of your skin.
Some premium brands have formulations that contain ceramides and hyaluronic acid to protect your skin's natural barrier. To prevent overdrying, check if the product has glycerin, a humectant that locks in your skin's natural moisture.
Humectants are best combined with occlusives like lanolin and petroleum jelly because, in low-humidity conditions, humectants may absorb water from the deeper epidermis and dermis, resulting in increased skin dryness.
Ceramides are emollients and are responsible for maintaining the skin's balance or homeostasis. They are also responsible for the barrier function of the skin's outermost layer, together with cholesterol and free fatty acids.
Hand lotions and creams are also formulated with colloidal oatmeal as a salve to soothe itchy, irritated, and dry skin. It’s a natural ingredient- made when you grind oat grains or Avena sativa into fine powder. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so it’s good for protecting your skin from free radicals.
Aloe vera is an ingredient that has been used for centuries for its healing and soothing benefits. It already has a non-greasy feeling, but if you want a more lightweight variant, you may also look for a hand lotion with pure aloe vera in a gel formula. This works for all skin types, and of course, for sensitive skin.
Colloidal oatmeal contains aventhranides that are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. It also has anti-itch, antifungal, pre-biotic, antioxidant and barrier repair properties making it a good ingredient in hand lotions.
Aloe vera has humectant properties as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to its polysaccharide component. Aloe vera extracts can vary from one product to another, so it's best to choose hand lotions with other soothing ingredients.
Some lotions are also formulated for the hands, body, and face- packed with natural botanicals and antioxidants for soothing, moisturizing, and skin repair. And if that's not enough, you may opt for hand and body lotions that have whitening properties, of which you'll find kojic acid and glutathione in the formulations.
If you have sweaty hands, you may want to look for hand lotions that contain aluminum sesquichlorohydrate as a key ingredient. It is used as an antiperspirant agent and found on some deodorants.
It's important to note that we should not rely on hand lotions to lighten hyperpigmented spots on hands but see a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough examination and individualized management.
For those with sweaty hands, topical aluminum sesquichlorohydrate is added to reduce the production of perspiration at the site of application. It has similar efficacy with aluminum chloride that is found in antiperspirants according to a clinical trial published in the Dermatologic Therapy journal.
Don’t forget to read the reviews by the previous customers to make sure that you'll get the most of your money from the hand lotions you will buy. If you have a specific skin concern, especially for eczema and severely dry skin, look into what other customers think about the lotion's effectiveness, and how long it took them to treat the concern.
You may also watch the reviews and feedback from dermatologists and trusted beauty influencers as featured on their Youtube channel and other social media platform. Lastly, another hat tip is to purchase first a small size of the hand lotion to try it out, so you won't waste your money if your skin reacts differently from what other users have claimed.
Reviews can give you an idea if a certain product, in this case, hand lotions, worked well for other people or not. But there are times that what worked for them might not work for you. It's best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for guidance on choosing the right hand lotion for you if you feel overwhelmed by the available products in the market.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Ingredients | Best For | Benefits | Formula | Net Weight | |||||
1 | St. Ives Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Lotion | ![]() | Combines Shea Butter and Oatmeal for Extra Soft Skin | Glycerin, Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Soy Beans | All Skin Types, Including Sensitive Skin | Soothes and Calms Dry, Itchy, and Sensitive Skin, Hydrating, Nourishing | Lotion | 621 mL | |
2 | Aveeno Skin Relief Body Lotion | ![]() | Fragrance-Free and Moisturizing Hand Lotion for Extra Dry Skin | Shea Butter, Triple Oat Complex, Dimethicone, Glycerin | Sensitive Skin | Moisturizes and Soothes Dry Skin, Relieves Itchy Skin, Protects Sensitive Skin, Provides Long-Lasting Hydration, Prevents and Protects Chaffed, Chapped, or Cracked Skin | Lotion | 1000 mL | |
3 | Dermtropics Daily Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion | ![]() | Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal for Eczema-Prone Skin | Organic Wet-Milled Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Milk, Colloidal Oatmeal, Glycerin | Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Soothe Dryness and Irritation, Moisturizing, Hydrating | Lotion | 42 mL, 410 mL | |
4 | Avon Care Relaxing Lavender Hand & Body Lotion|BQ88 | ![]() | Calming Lavender Lotion for Bedtime Application | Lavender Essential Oil | All Skin Types | Hydrating, Calming, Nourishing | Lotion | 250 mL | |
5 | Nisce Whitening Hand & Body Lotion|Lavender | ![]() | Contains SPF 15 for Sun Protection and Nourishment | Vitamin E, Sodium Lactate | Dry and Flaky Skin | Moisturizing, Sun Protection, Brightening, Soothing | Lotion | 50 mL | |
6 | Marks & Spencer Aloe Cucumber Lotion | ![]() | Pampers Your Hands With Refreshing Aloe Vera and Cucumber | Aloe Vera Extract, Cucumber Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Paraffinum Liquidum, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin | All Skin Types | Hydrating, Nourishing, Soothing, Calming | Lotion | 300 mL | |
7 | Elemis Mayfair No. 9 Hand & Body Lotion | ![]() | Has a Luxurious Formula That Elevates Your Hand Care Routine | Starflower, Echium, Shea Butter, Blackcurrant Seed Oil | All Skin Types | Moisturizing, Hydrating, Nourishing, Soothing, and Calming | Lotion | 300 mL | |
8 | L'Occitane Shea Butter Hands & Body Extra-Gentle Lotion | ![]() | Phthalate and Paraben-Free Formulation for Everyday Use | Shea Butter, Honey Extract, Oat Milk | All Skin Types | Moisturizes and Comforts, Softens Skin | Lotion | 300 mL | |
9 | Noble Isle The Greenhouse Hand Lotion | ![]() | Pamper Your Hands With Soothing Tomato-Infused Extract and Real Perfume | Hibiscus Flower, Organic Australian Kakadu Plum, Macadamia, Olive, and Avocado Oils, Shea Butter, Wheatgerm, Rosehip Oils, and Organic Argan Oil | Dry Skin | Moisture, Hydrate, and Replenish Dry Skin | Hand and Body Lotion | 500 mL | |
10 | Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve | ![]() | Thick, Rich Cream Infused with Botanical Oils to Soothe Active, Dry Hands | Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Glycerin, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil | Dry Skin | Deeply Hydrates, Soothes and Conditions, Protects Against Dryness, Forms a Protective Barrier, Provides Long-Lasting Nourishment | Cream | 75 mL |
For skin that needs extra TLC, St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Lotion is the perfect choice. Infused with soothing oatmeal and hydrating shea butter, it tackles dry, rough skin while leaving it soft and smooth. Its creamy texture absorbs quickly without any greasy feel, making it an ideal option for daily use.
What sets this lotion apart is its 100% natural moisturizers, such as soybean oil and plant-based glycerin. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin, paraben-free, and dermatologist-tested, offering gentle hydration without irritation. Customers appreciate its rich feel and light scent, with many noticing softer, smoother skin after just a few uses.
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Oatmeal, Shea Butter, Soy Beans |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types, Including Sensitive Skin |
Benefits | Soothes and Calms Dry, Itchy, and Sensitive Skin, Hydrating, Nourishing |
Formula | Lotion |
Net Weight | 621 mL |
If you have extremely dry skin, this specially formulated skin relief moisturizing lotion by Aveeno is a suitable choice. It contains glycerin, a humectant that works to provide your skin with added hydration. It is also formulated with a triple oat complex consisting of oat flour, oat oil, and extracts with soothing and antioxidant benefits.
This fragrance-free lotion is perfect not just for dry but also for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Thus, you may apply this on your hands as needed. Customers who have used it consistently verified its effectiveness, as some even commented that they were able to "say goodbye to their sandpaper hands and itchy skin."
Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, Triple Oat Complex, Dimethicone, Glycerin |
---|---|
Best For | Sensitive Skin |
Benefits | Moisturizes and Soothes Dry Skin, Relieves Itchy Skin, Protects Sensitive Skin, Provides Long-Lasting Hydration, Prevents and Protects Chaffed, Chapped, or Cracked Skin |
Formula | Lotion |
Net Weight | 1000 mL |
Key Ingredients | Organic Wet-Milled Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Milk, Colloidal Oatmeal, Glycerin |
---|---|
Best For | Sensitive, Dry, Normal |
Benefits | Soothe Dryness and Irritation, Moisturizing, Hydrating |
Formula | Lotion |
Net Weight | 42 mL, 410 mL |
Avon Care Relaxing Lavender Hand & Body Lotion is a fast-absorbing moisturizer designed to provide 24-hour hydration, promoting a serene experience through the inclusion of mood-enhancing essential lavender oil. Particularly beneficial for bedtime application, this lotion is expertly formulated with lavender essential oil to induce a sense of calm and relaxation.
Dermatologically tested and suitable for the entire family, this lotion caters to all skin types, deeply hydrating and leaving the skin feeling remarkably smooth and conditioned. Users have lauded how quickly the lotion melts into their skin, its efficacy in moisturizing, along with its soothing lavender fragrance.
Key Ingredients | Lavender Essential Oil |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Benefits | Hydrating, Calming, Nourishing |
Formula | Lotion |
Net Weight | 250 mL |
Key Ingredients | Vitamin E, Sodium Lactate |
---|---|
Best For | Dry and Flaky Skin |
Benefits | Moisturizing, Sun Protection, Brightening, Soothing |
Formula | Lotion |
Net Weight | 50 mL |
If your hands need some pampering and a boost of hydration, this hand and body lotion from Marks & Spencer is an excellent treat! It features a blend of skin-loving aloe vera and cucumber extracts, both known for their moisturizing, soothing, calming, and cooling properties. Thus, you can count that it to leave your skin moisturized, refreshed, and smooth!
This lotion has a lightweight consistency so it is easily absorbed by the skin. It is also non-sticky, so there is no need to fret even if it's hot. Another thing you can expect from this lotion is its ability to leave your skin delicately scented, perfect if you're not a fan of overpowering scents. However, it does contain parabens, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
Key Ingredients | Aloe Vera Extract, Cucumber Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Paraffinum Liquidum, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Benefits | Hydrating, Nourishing, Soothing, Calming |
Formula | Lotion |
Net Weight | 300 mL |
Treat yourself to a luxurious formula that hydrates, softens, and moisturizes the skin, leaving it silky smooth. This lotion incorporates fully traceable and sustainably sourced shea butter and borage oil, guaranteeing a conscious and premium skincare experience.
It is infused with the signature British Mayfair No.9 fragrance inspired by essential oils and enriched with natural ingredients like starflower and blackcurrant seed oil. This lotion goes beyond simple moisturization; it evolves into a sensory experience that leaves the skin irresistibly smooth. If you're looking to make your hand care routine a little more indulgent, definitely consider this one!
Key Ingredients | Starflower, Echium, Shea Butter, Blackcurrant Seed Oil |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Benefits | Moisturizing, Hydrating, Nourishing, Soothing, and Calming |
Formula | Lotion |
Net Weight | 300 mL |
The L'Occitane Shea Butter Hands & Body Extra-Gentle Lotion is a dermatologically tested moisturizer with 5% shea butter from Burkina Faso. It effectively counteracts the drying effects of external aggressors, leaving the skin soft and delicately scented. To make it even better, its lightweight and fast-absorbing formula is suitable for everyday use and for all skin types.
Its non-greasy texture and subtle fragrance make it a great choice as it provides optimal moisturization without leaving any overpowering scent. This makes it perfect for those looking for a lotion you can reapply without the lagkit factor. For best results, use it every time your skin feels dry or tight.
Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, Honey Extract, Oat Milk |
---|---|
Best For | All Skin Types |
Benefits | Moisturizes and Comforts, Softens Skin |
Formula | Lotion |
Net Weight | 300 mL |
Key Ingredients | Hibiscus Flower, Organic Australian Kakadu Plum, Macadamia, Olive, and Avocado Oils, Shea Butter, Wheatgerm, Rosehip Oils, and Organic Argan Oil |
---|---|
Best For | Dry Skin |
Benefits | Moisture, Hydrate, and Replenish Dry Skin |
Formula | Hand and Body Lotion |
Net Weight | 500 mL |
Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Glycerin, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil |
---|---|
Best For | Dry Skin |
Benefits | Deeply Hydrates, Soothes and Conditions, Protects Against Dryness, Forms a Protective Barrier, Provides Long-Lasting Nourishment |
Formula | Cream |
Net Weight | 75 mL |
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Meg Sison. Read on below to find out more!
Hand lotions can also be used for the body. It's best to apply them within 3 minutes after bathing to lock in the moisture on the skin.
Hand lotions may be used on the face of you as long as you can tolerate it. Make sure also that it is lightweight and it does not contain fragrance or essential oils that can cause irritation because the skin on our face is more sensitive compared to the hands and body.
Apply just the right amount of hand lotion after every hand washing and avoid applying too much product to prevent wastage. You should apply hand lotion as often as needed and after every hand washing to prevent your hands from becoming dry.
Consult a board-certified dermatologist if your hands still feel dry even after using hand lotions in order to address the underlying cause/s of skin dryness.
Check out these top picks made by our team if you're looking for other lotions to address a specific skin concern. Whether you have dry skin, want a whitening lotion or a product that offers SPF, there's something for you to try.
10 Best Lotions for Dry Skin in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Whitening Lotions in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
10 Best Lotions With SPF in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
10 Best Body Lotions in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Author: Maria Krisette Capati
Re-editors: R. Victoriano, Samantha Tidalgo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: St. Ives|Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Lotion
No. 2: Aveeno|Skin Relief Body Lotion
No. 3: Dermtropics|Daily Moisturizing Hand and Body Lotion
No. 4: Avon Care|Relaxing Lavender Hand & Body Lotion|BQ88
No. 5: Nisce|Whitening Hand & Body Lotion|Lavender
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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