10 Best Hand Creams in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
Frequent handwashing can leave the hands feeling rough and dry. But fear not! The right hand cream can restore moisture, soothe irritation, and even prevent eczema or dermatitis. But with so many options, choosing the perfect hand cream can feel overwhelming.
To help you choose, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan shares expert tips to find your perfect match! We also rounded up the 10 best hand creams available online. With this article, we hope that you'll soon find your way back to having soft and smooth hands!
Quick List - Top Hand Creams
Human Nature
A Natural Hand Cream That Locks in Moisture and Addresses Signs of Aging
Gold Bond
Provides Continuous Moisture for People Who Frequently Wash Their Hands
Graduated Dermatology Residency from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan is a Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society. She is the co-founder of Pandapatan Dermatology Clinic in Marawi City. She is also a part-time faculty of Xavier University-JPRSM in Cagayan de Oro. She is passionate about skin health and skincare, and dreams of world peace.
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
- Do I Have Eczema, or Are My Hands Just Dry?
- How to Choose a Hand Cream – Buying Guide
- Get a Hand Cream With a Mix of Humectant, Emollient, and Occlusive Ingredients1
- Select a Hand Cream Based on Your Unique Skin Needs2
- During Hot Days, Reach for Non-greasy Hand Creams3
- Check Out Hand Creams With Additional Benefits for Convenience4
- For Safety, Choose Hand Creams From Reputable Brands and Those Approved by the FDA5
- Consult Your Dermatologist for Proper Assessment
- Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan
- How Often Should I Use Hand Cream?
- When Is the Best Time to Apply Hand Cream, Day or Night?
- Can Hand Cream Also Be Used in Different Parts of the Body?
- Is Hand Cream Better Than Lotion?
- Be Kind to Your Hands
- How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Do I Have Eczema, or Are My Hands Just Dry?
Eczema needs treatment, not just moisture, so knowing the difference avoids using creams that might irritate and ensures proper care.
One way to determine whether you have eczema or dry hands is to observe the reaction of your skin after applying hand cream. Hand eczema can be triggered by anything, but mostly by common irritants and allergens, among others.
If symptoms improve after using hand cream, you might just have dry hands. However, if you don’t see any improvement despite the proper application of a good hand cream, it’s best to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
How to Choose a Hand Cream – Buying Guide
To select the most appropriate hand cream tailored to your needs, determine the skin concern you’d like to address, check for additional benefits like sun protection and non-greasy formulas, seek out hand creams that contain a blend of humectants, emollients, and occlusives, and prioritize FDA-approved products from trusted brands. For further concerns, don't hesitate to consult your dermatologist for expert guidance.
Get a Hand Cream With a Mix of Humectant, Emollient, and Occlusive Ingredients
A hand cream that contains a mix of humectant, emollient, and occlusive ingredients ensures long-lasting hydration.
Just like in lotions or face moisturizers, ingredients in hand creams fall under three main categories: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. While it's fine to choose one exclusively made of any of these categories, a good hand cream would have components from all three types.
- Humectants - attract water from the environment to keep the skin smooth and hydrated. Examples of these are glycerin, urea, hyaluronic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and sodium hyaluronate.
- Emollients - get in between the skin cells to lock in moisture. Some examples are ceramides, plant oils, silicones (dimethicone), colloidal oatmeal, and shea butter.
- Occlusives - serve as barriers to prevent moisture loss, resulting in more supple skin. They’re quite thick and heavy, so they’re best for those with dehydrated skin. These include lanolin, silicone, petrolatum, paraffin, and propylene glycol.
Select a Hand Cream Based on Your Unique Skin Needs
Discover your perfect hand cream match with personalized advice for every unique skin concern. Know which ingredients to look for to address your specific needs, leaving your hands feeling soft, healthy, and happy.
For Eczema-Prone Skin, Prioritize Thick, Gentle, and Fragrance-Free Hand Creams
To help counteract eczema flare-ups, look for thick, fragrance-free hand creams made with gentle ingredients.
For eczema-prone hands, prioritize unscented, gentle, and thick hand creams for daily maintenance. Avoid plant extracts, essential oils, AHAs, salicylic acid, retinol, and fragrances, as these can irritate and trigger allergies. These creams not only prevent irritation but also seal in moisture and strengthen your skin's barrier.
Remember, it’s important to apply hand cream right when you observe eczema symptoms since it might not be able to provide relief during flare-ups. If you have extremely dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, consult your dermatologist to get complete and proper medications for hand eczema.
During work, proper thick gloves should be used so as not to transfer the hand cream to food items and the like. At home, one may use any type of hand cream, but it’s still best to avoid products with heavy fragrances or essential oils.
To Moisturize Dry Hands, Opt for Nourishing Ingredients Like Colloidal Oatmeal, Squalane, and Glycerin
A mix of ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, squalene, and glycerin repair the skin, soothe irritation, and seal in moisture, offering a well-rounded approach for dry skin.
For dry skin, prioritize emollients like colloidal oatmeal and occlusives like squalene, which trap moisture and lock it in. Humectants, including glycerin, sorbitol, and mild AHAs like arginine and glycine, draw water into the skin and offer other benefits. These ingredients are generally suitable for all skin types.
However, be cautious with AHAs. While they help exfoliate for smoother skin, they can irritate sensitive skin.
For Younger-Looking Hands, Look for Antioxidants, Peptides, and Retinol
To reverse signs of aging on the hands, seek hand creams that contain antioxidants such as niacinamide, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These compounds prevent free radical damage and promote collagen production, giving you more youthful skin. Hand creams with antioxidants may be applied as frequently as needed.
Other notable anti-aging ingredients are retinol and peptides, which smoothen wrinkles and fade dark spots. Since they are quite potent, applying retinol once a night and peptides up to twice a day is best. You can increase the increments for peptides as long as there are no reactions. Additionally, some retinoid creams like adapalene and tretinoin require a prescription, so it is recommended to consult your derma for proper guidance.
To prevent signs of aging on the hands, here are some tips:
- Number one reminder when using anti-aging hand cream: make sure to apply sunscreen on the hands during the daytime. If using retinol hand cream, apply SPF 50 PA+++/+ sunscreen. Also, as much as possible, avoid too much sun exposure.
- Just like retinol used for the face, it takes a while to see visible results—around six months or more. But if you are unsatisfied with the results, you may want to ask for a prescription for tretinoin from your derma.
During Hot Days, Reach for Non-greasy Hand Creams
Heavier occlusives and emollients can feel sticky and uncomfortable. Reach for non-greasy emollients or lightweight humectants for faster absorption and no sticky residue.
Don’t like that malagkit feeling when using hand creams? Non-greasy hand creams are a lifesaver, especially on hot and humid days! Check the label for non-greasy emollients such as colloidal oatmeal, collagen, elastin, glyceryl stearate, isostearate, isopropyl palmitate, octyl octanoate, and propylene glycol.
Also, look for humectants that moisturize dry hands without the greasiness, like glycerin, sorbitol, sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, urea, hexylene glycol, sodium lactate, arginine, and glycine.
Check Out Hand Creams With Additional Benefits for Convenience
While hand creams are generally designed to target dryness, some may go the extra mile by adding ingredients with more benefits.
For Those Who Are Often Outdoors, Select Hand Creams With SPF 30 and Up
Prefer Scented Hand Creams? Choose One From Luxury Brands
For Safety, Choose Hand Creams From Reputable Brands and Those Approved by the FDA
Although convincing, dermatologist-approved labels do not guarantee the product’s quality. Our expert Dr. Aznaida says these labels are not regulated; hence, they may not be reliable. Instead, check if the product is FDA-approved, as they regularly test cosmetics for safety, efficiency, and quality.
Moreover, prioritize reputable brands with a long-standing presence in the market. Even better if their products have positive reviews to back up their claims! Customer reviews also provide valuable insight such as the consistency of the hand cream, its compatibility with a certain skin type, and so on.
10 Best Hand Creams to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Best for | Key Ingredients | Scent | Non-greasy | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Human Nature Ceramide Skin-Renewing Salve | | A Natural Hand Cream That Locks in Moisture and Addresses Signs of Aging | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive | Dry Skin, Aging Skin | Glycerin, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine soja (Soybean) Oil, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Ceramide NP, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) | Luscious Strawberry, Vanilla Peach, Invigorating Eucalyptus, Zesty Pomelo | 30g | ||
2 | Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream | | Fast-Absorbing Cream to Repair Dry, Cracked Hands | Humectant, Emollient | Eczema-Prone Skin, Dry Skin | Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Ceramides-3, Glycerin, Urea, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dimethicone | Fragrance-Free | 78g | ||
3 | Bath & Body Works Hand Cream | | A Luxurious Hand Cream With Different Scents to Choose From | Not Specified | Dry Skin | Not Specified | A Thousand Wishes, Into the Night, Strawberry Pound Cake, Fresh Coconut & Cotton, Among the Clouds, and More | 29ml | ||
4 | Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream | | Provides Continuous Moisture for People Who Frequently Wash Their Hands | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive | Dry Skin, Aging Skin | Aloe, HYDRALAST, Vitamins C and E, Urea, Glycerin, Petrolatum | Light Fresh Scent | 85g | ||
5 | CeraVe Reparative Hand Cream | | Contains Ceramides for Extreme Dryness Relief | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive | Eczema-Prone Skin | Ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Petrolatum, Dimethicone | Fragrance-Free | 50ml | ||
6 | L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream | | Enriched With Shea Butter to Protect and Hydrate Parched Skin | Humectant, Emollient | Dry Skin | Shea Butter, Glycerin, Honey Extract, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Extract, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil | Shea Butter | 150ml | ||
7 | Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Cream | | Has Nourishing Plant-Based Ingredients and Essential Oils for Hardworking Hands | Emollient | Dry Skin | Mandarin Rind, Rosemary Leaf, Cedar Atlas | Citrus, Woody, Herbaceous | 75ml | ||
8 | Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream | | Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal to Moisturize Dry and Sensitive Skin | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive | Eczema-Prone Skin, Dry Skin | Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour | Fragrance-Free | 100g | ||
9 | Necessaire The Hand Cream | | A Hypoallergenic, pH-Balanced Hand Cream That Gently Nourishes the Skin | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive | Eczema-Prone Skin, Dry Skin, Aging Skin | Ceramides, Peptides, Marula Butter, Marula Oil, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Squalane, Shea Butter | Fragrance-Free | 65ml | ||
10 | The Body Shop Strawberry Hand Cream | | A Non-greasy, Scented Hand Cream That Provides Long-Lasting Moisture | Humectant, Emollient | Dry Skin | Strawberry Essence Juice, Shea Butter | Strawberry | 30ml | ||
Human NatureCeramide Skin-Renewing Salve
A Natural Hand Cream That Locks in Moisture and Addresses Signs of Aging
With a delightful range of scents like Vanilla Peach, Invigorating Eucalyptus, Zesty Pomelo, and Luscious Strawberry, this salve is a treat for your hands! However, it has received mixed reviews regarding its scent—some liked the fragrance while others were overwhelmed with the smell. Nonetheless, most agree that it provides long-lasting moisture for the hands.
| Type | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive |
|---|---|
| Best for | Dry Skin, Aging Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Glycine soja (Soybean) Oil, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Ceramide NP, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe vera) Leaf Juice, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) |
| Scent | Luscious Strawberry, Vanilla Peach, Invigorating Eucalyptus, Zesty Pomelo |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 30g |
Fast-Absorbing Cream to Repair Dry, Cracked Hands
Its fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula instantly imparts a smooth texture to your skin while delivering the essential moisture. Moreover, it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free, making it suitable for daily use. As such, it has a loyal following among people with eczema or constant allergic reactions to harsh ingredients. A lot of people consider this their holy grail, as it feels light and non-sticky when applied. They say a little goes a long way to moisturize the hands!
| Type | Humectant, Emollient |
|---|---|
| Best for | Eczema-Prone Skin, Dry Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Ceramides-3, Glycerin, Urea, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Dimethicone |
| Scent | Fragrance-Free |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 78g |
Bath & Body WorksHand Cream
A Luxurious Hand Cream With Different Scents to Choose From
Moreover, it has a quick-absorbing formula, so you can moisturize without any sticky residue. Users particularly loved its compact size, perfect for on-the-go hydration. Most also said this is their go-to hand cream since the scent isn't overwhelming and it keeps the skin smooth and soft.
| Type | Not Specified |
|---|---|
| Best for | Dry Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Not Specified |
| Scent | A Thousand Wishes, Into the Night, Strawberry Pound Cake, Fresh Coconut & Cotton, Among the Clouds, and More |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 29ml |
Provides Continuous Moisture for People Who Frequently Wash Their Hands
This hand cream lasts through hand washing, as it forms a protective layer on top of the skin to keep it moisturized. Not only that—it also absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residue and leaves a light scent to relax the senses. Users raved about its subtle scent and effectiveness in repairing dry and flaky skin due to frequent hand washing.
| Type | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive |
|---|---|
| Best for | Dry Skin, Aging Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Aloe, HYDRALAST, Vitamins C and E, Urea, Glycerin, Petrolatum |
| Scent | Light Fresh Scent |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 85g |
Contains Ceramides for Extreme Dryness Relief
Through its patented MVE® delivery technology, it keeps the skin moisturized throughout the day. Furthermore, it is fragrance-free, making it a perfect option for people with sensitive skin and allergies, especially those with atopic dermatitis. In fact, this hand cream has received the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Many users loved that despite being thick, it remains non-greasy.
| Type | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive |
|---|---|
| Best for | Eczema-Prone Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides 1, 3 and 6-II, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Petrolatum, Dimethicone |
| Scent | Fragrance-Free |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 50ml |
Enriched With Shea Butter to Protect and Hydrate Parched Skin
It's so gentle that even those with sensitive skin use this! Apart from its moisturizing power, users also praised its delightful scent. Another thing they loved about it is its creamy yet non-greasy finish, which is rapidly absorbed by the skin. Get your hands on this product to restore chapped skin!
| Type | Humectant, Emollient |
|---|---|
| Best for | Dry Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Shea Butter, Glycerin, Honey Extract, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Extract, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil |
| Scent | Shea Butter |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 150ml |
Has Nourishing Plant-Based Ingredients and Essential Oils for Hardworking Hands
It is also quickly absorbed by the skin, ensuring fuss-free application and a light, non-greasy finish. Plus, the infusion of essential oils, including mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, and cedar atlas, creates an energizing scent. Another great thing about it is it's free from parabens and animal-derived ingredients.
| Type | Emollient |
|---|---|
| Best for | Dry Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Mandarin Rind, Rosemary Leaf, Cedar Atlas |
| Scent | Citrus, Woody, Herbaceous |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 75ml |
Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal to Moisturize Dry and Sensitive Skin
Aveeno is one of the most trusted brands by people with sensitive skin, as it boasts fragrance- and steroid-free formulas that won't cause irritation to the skin. An example is this hand cream that delivers intense moisture for up to 24 hours. It is formulated with colloidal oatmeal and dimethicone, which create a protective barrier to soothe dry and irritated skin—especially sensitive types!
This hand cream is perfect for everyday use since it has a rich yet non-greasy texture, and it is fast-absorbing. It can also last through frequent hand washing and leaves the hands smooth to the touch! For these reasons, customers left great reviews for the product, emphasizing its light and non-sticky texture and hydrating properties.
| Type | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive |
|---|---|
| Best for | Eczema-Prone Skin, Dry Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Avena sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour |
| Scent | Fragrance-Free |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 100g |
A Hypoallergenic, pH-Balanced Hand Cream That Gently Nourishes the Skin
What's more is that it's hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free, so it's safe for all skin types, including eczema-prone skin! The reviews speak for themselves—most say that it's easily absorbed by the skin and doesn't feel sticky when applied. Whether it's a midday pick-me-up or part of your nighttime routine, this hand cream works wonders in keeping your hands soft and smooth!
| Type | Humectant, Emollient, Occlusive |
|---|---|
| Best for | Eczema-Prone Skin, Dry Skin, Aging Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Peptides, Marula Butter, Marula Oil, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Squalane, Shea Butter |
| Scent | Fragrance-Free |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 65ml |
A Non-greasy, Scented Hand Cream That Provides Long-Lasting Moisture
This non-greasy, fast-absorbing gel cream is a treat for dry skin—and customers definitely agree! Plus, it comes in a 30ml tube, which is convenient to bring on the go. The company also promotes sustainability by using 100% recycled aluminum for their packaging and sourcing Community Fair Trade shea butter from Ghana. For all-day moisture, try this product!
| Type | Humectant, Emollient |
|---|---|
| Best for | Dry Skin |
| Key Ingredients | Strawberry Essence Juice, Shea Butter |
| Scent | Strawberry |
| Non-greasy | |
| Net Weight | 30ml |
Consult Your Dermatologist for Proper Assessment
For those who have sensitive skin, allergies to fragrances, and other skin concerns, it is always wise to seek advice from a dermatologist before purchasing a hand cream. Dermatologists know best which products are safe for people with such sensitivities and can recommend a hand cream that would be a good match for you.
For instance, it is important to determine the main cause of hand eczema flare-ups or allergies. Another concern is dry hands, which may be caused by underlying health conditions. For signs of aging, proper assessment is necessary to determine if prescription hand cream is needed. Doing this will yield better results and help you achieve your #skingoals!
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan
How Often Should I Use Hand Cream?
When Is the Best Time to Apply Hand Cream, Day or Night?
Can Hand Cream Also Be Used in Different Parts of the Body?
Is Hand Cream Better Than Lotion?
Be Kind to Your Hands
Since we frequently wash and sanitize our hands, the least we can do is to treat our hands kindly by using products that are gentle yet effective. Here are some recommendations that can help you achieve softer and smoother hands.
Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
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.
Top 5 Hand Creams
No. 1: Human Nature｜Ceramide Skin-Renewing Salve
No. 2: Eucerin｜Advanced Repair Hand Cream
No. 3: Bath & Body Works｜Hand Cream
No. 4: Gold Bond｜Ultimate Healing Hand Cream
No. 5: CeraVe｜Reparative Hand Cream
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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