Quick List - Top Hand Creams for Men
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.
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We normally associate hand creams and moisturizers with women, but this shouldn't be the case. Men should be equally vigilant about moisturizing their skin to prevent drying and cracking, especially since men tend to engage in strenuous activities and manual labor that leave them with rough and callused hands.
Thankfully, men's skincare products have evolved greatly in recent years, and there are more products that cater to the specific needs of men's skin. The ideal hand cream for men is formulated to provide moisture for the thicker and more textured characteristics of men's skin.
Women's lotions and hand creams won't do the job, since those are formulated for the more delicate and thinner skin that women have. Using a product that is aptly formulated for your skin type would definitely give you more benefits.
Hand creams should not be restricted to women only. We should always moisturize our hands, especially now that we have to wash them more often. There are a lot of moisturizers available in the market for different skin types and budgets.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Lifestyle and environment play a huge role in the quality of your skin. Your symptoms will vary, and so should the hand cream you’ll use. It is best to choose products blended with effective ingredients that address your specific skin concerns.
Furthermore, would also do well to check for humectants. These are substances that combat the effects of soap and sanitizers by drawing water molecules from the air and into the surface of your skin. This property can be found in ingredients like glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol. Hyaluronic acid is another popular choice for a good humectant.
Dry skin is a condition when skin loses too much water. This is characterized by dehydration, flakes and scales, cracks in the skin, itching, pain, stinging or burning sensation, and rough and wrinkled skin. Look for hand creams with occlusives because these form a hydrophobic film on top of the skin to prevent moisture from evaporating. Examples of these are petrolatum, mineral oil, and lanolin.
Emollients like ceramides are also helpful because they fill in the spaces in between skin cells and impart a silky feel to the skin. Lastly, humectants attract water from the atmosphere and the dermis, and examples of these are glycerin, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, and urea. A good hand cream should have the right mix of occlusives, emollients, and humectants.
You’ll also want to look for ingredients that suppress skin inflammation. Great examples of anti-inflammatory ingredients include allantoin, aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, and colloidal oatmeal.
These have the ability to both moisturize, soothe, and heal cracked skin. Another great addition is ceramides, which help create a barrier and lock moisture into the skin, leaving your skin protected from environmental damage.
Cracks in the skin are symptoms of dry skin. There are a lot of factors that contribute to this, such as harsh soaps and cleansers, long hot showers, cold and dry conditions, as well as age, certain medications, and underlying diseases. Aside from occlusives, you can also look for ingredients like tocopherol or tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E) in hand creams. These are used for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and emollient properties.
The skin on your hands can can harden over time due to the keratinization from aging, harsh weather, frequent hand washing, and chronic skin exposure to excess pressure or friction. To soften one’s hands, hand creams with urea are the answer. Urea softens hardened skin by breaking down keratin thereby reducing dead skin build up and resolving flaking skin.
Parabens are actually safe to use as preservatives and they are effective in keeping microorganisms from contaminating skincare products. The word organic has no definition in the FDA as it relates to skincare. Organic products also contain preservatives to prolong shelf life and prevent microbial contamination.
For those with sensitive skin, look for hand creams that are fragrance-free and have short ingredients list to minimize the chances of irritation or allergies. Be careful when choosing products labeled as natural because even plant extracts can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals.
Another thing to look out for when you're choosing hand creams is the consistency of the cream. Is it light and fast-absorbing? Or is it thick and heavy? The choice will mostly boil down to your own preferences, but it will also depend on the kind of lifestyle you have.
If you want a hand cream that you can use every day, we recommend looking for ones that have a light and non-greasy consistency. These types are also generally fast-absorbing, making them ideal for hot days so they won’t feel malagkit on your skin.
Moreover, it is handy for those who attend online classes or work from home. That way, you don’t have to worry about leaving residue on the things you touch, like your keyboard, mouse, and desk, among others.
Do you have extra-dry hands? Then thicker hand creams are right up your alley. They last longer, so your skin stays moisturized better. It also works well if you are on the hunt for a hand cream that can tide you through the colder ber-months.
Plus, they are perfect for those types of occupations that do a number on your hands, for instance, if you work in the foodservice or healthcare industry. These jobs require you to make use of your hands as well as frequently wash them, which can dry them out.
Let's talk scents; it might not be a big deal to some, but it is still a point worth considering. After all, you'll be using hand creams day in and day out, so it's best to pick one you can actually use. And you can choose between scented and unscented ones.
Unscented variants are best if you have sensitive skin, as fragrances could be a potential irritant. Plus, some people find scents overpowering, so if you're one of them, you can skip it. Conversely, scented ones have added calming or invigorating properties like those that use aloe vera or lavender-scented ones.
The packaging is another thing to look out for when you're buying hand creams. The things to consider here would be the kind of lifestyle you have and how much you're willing to spend. Knowing which type of packaging is right for you will help you make the most out of your product.
If you’re always on-the-go, then consider purchasing hand creams in squeeze tubes. They provide a mess-free way of dispensing the product, as they allow you to only get what you need. For this reason, they are very convenient to use particularly for travel and not to mention hygienic. This way, you can moisturize your hands anytime, anywhere.
For those who regularly use hand creams, then tubs might be what you’re looking for. They’re able to give you bang for your back because its wide opening means you can use it up to the last drop. So, you can rest assured that no product will go to waste. And since tubs often contain more amount of product than its tube counterpart, this makes them ideal for home use.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Spa Couple’s Retreat Package – Executive | ![]() | Pampering Spa Day for Special Bonding | |
2 | O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream | ![]() | Has a Concentrated Formula That Can Repair Cracked Skin | |
3 | Shiseido Deep Moisturizing Medicated Hand Cream | ![]() | Penetrates Deep Into the Skin for Smooth Hands | |
4 | Neutrogena Hand Cream Fragrance-Free | ![]() | A Hypoallergenic Hand Cream Free From Allergens and Fragrances | |
5 | Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream | ![]() | Contains Ceramides Which Soothen and Repair Rough Skin | |
6 | Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Cream | ![]() | Has Nourishing Plant-Based Ingredients and Essential Oils for Hardworking Hands | |
7 | Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream | ![]() | Infused With Colloidal Oatmeal to Moisturize Dry and Sensitive Skin | |
8 | Nivea Creme Men | ![]() | A Multi-Purpose Hand Cream From a Go-To Brand | |
9 | Burt's Bees Hand Salve | ![]() | Contains Botanical Oils, Herbs, and Beeswax to Combat Dryness | |
10 | L’Occitane Citrus Verbena Hand Cream Gel | ![]() | Its Gel Formulation Feels Light on the Skin |
Looking for a unique and thoughtful gift idea to share with a special someone? Consider treating them to a rejuvenating spa day! A spa day can be a fantastic experience, allowing both of you to relax and unwind from the demands of everyday life.
One excellent option is to indulge in a luxurious spa package at The Spa. This renowned spa destination offers a tailored experience for pairs. Spend quality time together enjoying a rejuvenating mind and body flow massage designed to release tension and promote overall well-being. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to choose a facial treatment that caters to specific skin concerns, promising to repair and refresh aging, damaged, or irritated skin.
With a high composition of glycerin, it keeps the skin lipids in our cells in a healthy state and helps to restore our protective skin barrier. Thus, its hydration effects are long-lasting and can withstand handwashing. And even while delivering huge moisture benefits, it melts into the skin easily and does not leave a tacky feeling.
Don't be fooled by the simple and unassuming look of this hand cream. If your hands are in dire need of moisture, this is the product to beat. Shiseido uses several ingredients that are sure to address severe cracking and dryness.
With urea at the forefront, supported by fellow heavyweights glycerin and paraffin, this hand cream is definitely intended for tough cases that need urgent care. Xylitol is added into the mix to replenish the moisture lost and improve blood circulation.
But even with all of these heavy moisturizing ingredients, it is surprisingly quickly absorbed into the skin and is water-resistant, meaning that it goes on working even when you wash your hands. It is also paraben-free, fragrance-free, and doesn't leave a chemical-like scent as most fragrance-free formulations do.
According to users, this product is so concentrated that a little dab is enough and is really long-lasting. But even while it has a powerful formulation, it is gentle enough for use by people with allergies or sensitive skin. It is actually one of the top choices of dermatologists!
Eucerin Advanced Repair is another heavy lifter in the moisture department. It is paraben-free, and it's formulated with ceramide-3, shea butter, and natural moisturizing factors. It is great for people with sensitive skin, and it goes on to be effective long after you have applied it. It also has quite a loyal following among people with contact dermatitis or constant allergic reactions to products.
However, this product contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and possibly lead to sunburn. So if you will be spending your day outdoors, it is best to apply sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product.
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.
The rich and creamy formula uses Vitamin E as its main source of nourishment. It has glycerin as well to help replenish lost moisture and keep skin soft. It absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves no greasy feel. And it's quite handy to take along anywhere, too. No wonder it's a classic!
This product's texture is quite greasy, so it acts more like an ointment than a creamーsomething to bear in mind if you're opting for this cream. It's a good choice for people with really dried, cracked hands that need deep, intensive moisture.
This hand salve helps to revitalize the skin with all-natural botanical oils like lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus oil, that leave the skin nurtured. It also contains sweet almond oil and beeswax that seal in moisture, making the hands soft and supple. Additionally, it's paraben-free and can be used for softening the skin on your knees, elbows, and your feet too.
L’Occitane’s hand cream gel will make you change your mind about hand creams. It has a light and refreshing citrus and verbena scent that will surely invigorate you. It’s a great choice for those who would like a cleaner scent that doesn’t smell too fragrant.
The formula easily melts onto the skin and helps keep it moisturized without the greasy feeling. Furthermore, the hand cream comes in a handy tube that you can bring with you from your daily commute to out-of-town trips!
Skincare for men need not be complicated. It is also not gender-based. Men can use whatever skincare products they need even if the label does not indicate that it is "for men."
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Meg Sison.
Hand creams can be used as often as needed whenever our hands become dry from frequent hand washing and from staying in low humidity environments such as airconditioned rooms.
It depends on how thick or thin the consistency of the product is.
Yes, you can apply the excess product on your elbows, arms, trunk, legs, and feet.
A man who looks after himself exudes confidence and appeal. Make sure you put your best foot forward by taking good care of yourself. Check out our other article reviews of grooming products for men to help you look good, feel good, and smell good!
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Re-editors: R. Umlas, J. Cuizon
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: The Spa|Couple’s Retreat Package – Executive
No. 2: O'Keeffe's|Working Hands Hand Cream
No. 3: Shiseido|Deep Moisturizing Medicated Hand Cream
No. 4: Neutrogena| Hand Cream Fragrance-Free
No. 5: Eucerin|Advanced Repair 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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