15 Best Hand Creams & Lotions For Nurses, According To A Dermatologist – 2024
Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz Chaudhry is a House Physician in the Medical Unit 3 Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, and deals with hepatic, cardiac, neurological, and dermatological issues. He did his MBBS from Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. He has a lot of experience with dermatological diseases and believes that a good skincare routine that is complemented by suitable products paves the way for healthy skin.
Read full bio of Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz Chaudhry
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
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Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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In This Article
Nursing and healthcare professionals have high standards about the products they use on their hands. Some of the best hand lotions for nurses can help keep their skin hydrated. People in the nursing profession are constantly on the alert to prevent infections from spreading. Their hands are sanitized, over-washed, over-disinfected, or they wear gloves for too long. Unfortunately, these may dry out your hands. Therefore, you need to look for the ideal hand creams and lotions.
These skin care products rejuvenate the skin, create a protective barrier, and moisturize the hands. Here are the 15 best hand creams and lotions specifically designed for nurses. Check them out.
[table “1808” not found /]15 Best Hand Creams And Hand Lotions For Nurses
1. Best Over All: O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
The O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is one of the popular hand care creams that help treat dry, dehydrated skin and cracked, rough hands. The concentrated cream is clinically proven to instantly replenish moisture levels and relieve damaged and dried hands by instantly sealing hydration. The glycerin and mineral oils in the cream offer intense hydration. They act as humectants that draw in skin moisture and keep the hands smooth and soft. The mineral oils also act as a protective barrier and prevent moisture loss. For best results, apply the intense relief hand cream after every hand wash. This video offers a more detailed explanation of the reviewer’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Heals dry and cracked skin
- Grease-free
- Seals hydration
- May offer relief from eczema and psoriasis
Cons
- May cause allergic reactions
- May contain silicones
"The formula repairs my cracked hands and creates a protective layer on them. It prevents my hands from getting dry and rough. I apply it after sanitizing my hands, and it boosts the moisture level of my skin."
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 77,878 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
2. Best Long-lasting: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Moisturizing Hand Cream
This one is a widely-known dermatologist-recommended brand. A drop of the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Moisturizing Hand Cream turns extremely dry, cracked skin smooth and soft. It is rich in glycerin that provides moisturization. Glycerin is a humectant that pulls water to the outer layer of the skin and seals hydration. This moisturizing hand cream contains stearic acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier. The glycerin-rich formula creates a waxy protective barrier on the skin and prevents moisture loss.
Pros
- Nourishing
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Suitable for eczema and cradle cap
- Clinically proven
- Has no added fragrances
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- A small amount would suffice
Cons
- Contains parabens
- Little greasy
3. Best For Extremely Dry Skin: Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion
Eucerin is a well-renowned dermatologist-recommended skin care brand. The Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion is a 3-in-1 solution to moisturize, exfoliate, and condition dry, dehydrated, flaky hands. It contains alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin and natural moisturizing factors (NMF) that deeply nourish your hands. The natural moisturizing factors also help create a protective coat for locking adequate hydration, leaving soft and smoothened skin. It also protects the underlying cells from infection, dehydration, and chemical damage. AHA is a mild exfoliant that buffs away dead skin to restore the skin’s radiant glow. It also acts as a humectant that adds life to dry, chapped skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Useful for eczema and keratosis pilaris
Cons
- Greasy
- May dry the skin out
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 17,708 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand Cream Best Over All | Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Moisturizing Hand Cream Best Long-lasting | Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion Best For Extremely Dry Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | plastic | - | - |
| Color | Orange, Green | - | - |
| Dimensions | 3.19 x 3.19 x 1.31 inches | 6 x 6 x 1 inches | 3.35 x 1.7 x 9.15 inches |
| Weight | 4.5 ounces | - | - |
| Weight | - | 12 Ounces | 1.1 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 77,878 | 1,072 | 17,708 |
| Price | $8.48 | $22.08 | $11.77 |
4. Best Non-Greasy: Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy Cream
Camille Beckman Cream is a restorative moisturizing therapy. It is infused with glycerin, vitamin E, aloe vera, almond oil, and other invigorating botanical extracts. This high-performance formula restores skin hydration and moisturization and leaves your hands softer and silky smooth. Aloe vera is a cooling ingredient and an anti-inflammatory that heals dry skin. Almond oil is rich in fatty acids and acts as a protective shield. It helps combat skin dryness and treats cracked and painful skin. Additionally, conduct a small test on a patch of your skin to check for any irritation.
Pros
- Vegan formula
- Non-greasy
- Mild scent
- Gluten-free
- Made with 100% plant-derived ingredients
- Blurs the signs of aging
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Free from artificial fragrances
Cons
- Consistency could be too thick
- May dry hands out
"I love how hydrated my hands feel after I apply this hand lotion. It makes my hands velvety soft. The formula absorbs quickly into my skin and does not make my hands greasy. I like its mild floral scent that lingers for a long time."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 4,117 reviews claiming its efficacy.
5. Best Vegan: Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream
The Ahava Dead Sea Mineral Hand Cream is infused with nutrient-rich dead sea minerals and smoothening witch hazel. It also contains 21 essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that replenish the skin’s texture. Witch hazel acts as a toner to condition dry skin and reduce inflammation. This intense moisturizing hand-cream can be used daily to elevate skin moisture. You may check this video for a better understanding of this product.
Pros
- 100% vegan formula
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Refreshing aroma
- Can be used daily
Cons
- Strong smell
- Consistency could be too thick
Quick tip6. Best Hypoallergenic: Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream
The Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream acts as a moisturizer and a gentle exfoliant to revitalize dry, cracked hands. The clinically proven, allergen-free formula nourishes and hydrates dry, chapped hands by gently removing the dead cuticles. The cream is a natural blend of baobab oil, watermelon seed oil, pumpkin oil, shea butter, and green tea extracts that seal moisture all day and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. The organic fruit acid complex removes dead and dry cuticles and revitalizes rough skin. The hemp seed oil in the cream is rich in vitamin E. It also has a balanced blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that moisturize the skin.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Provides a day-long moisturization
- Lightweight formula
- Fast-absorbing
- Long-lasting
- Dermatologically-tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-grease
- No added fragrances
Cons
- None
"My hands tend to dry out quickly, and this lotion is my savior. It replenishes the lost moisture in my hands and makes them soft. It smoothes the wrinkled skin of my hands and makes them appear youthful. Only a small amount of the cream is enough for my hands."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 15,134 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
7. Best For Cracked Skin:YARELI Hand Cream
The Yareli hand cream is the perfect solution for dry, cracked hand skin. This powerful formula contains dead sea minerals and plant extracts to nourish and protect your skin without leaving a greasy residue. The quality of Yareli hand cream meets European standards with clean ingredients that are 100% free harmful additives, and the non-greasy formulation absorbs quickly so you can get on with your day with soft and smooth hands. For those looking for an effective way to combat their dry hands while also protecting their skin from harsh chemicals, this hand cream for nurses is the perfect option!
Pros
- Nourishing
- Long lasting
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
"This lotion moisturizes my hands and keeps them silky and soft. The formula absorbs quickly into my hands and makes them look youthful. It also exfoliates my hands’ skin for a youthful appearance."
8. Best For Sensitive Skin: Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion
The Gloves In A Bottle Shielding Lotion helps reverse the damage done to over-sanitizing hands. This lotion for nurses keeps the hands feeling soft and looking healthy. If your hands are exposed to home and work irritants, alcohol sanitizer, or surgical scrubs, this long-lasting, intense hydrating hand cream is the right choice. It is made of glycerine, stearic acid, and dimethic one. These help condition the skin and improve its texture. The unique formula also offers a protective shield against eczema and psoriasis. It also revitalizes dry, cracked, and chapped skin. It gently sloughs off dead skin cells without clogging the pores. This video review will help you learn more about the reviewer’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Provides sun protection
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Lasts for 4-12 hours
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- May make hands too dry
"These hand lotions keep my hands soft and moisturized. They protect my hands from harmful irritants and soothe redness. The effect of the effect lasts for many hours at a stretch. It does not wash off entirely, even after I sanitize my hands. I love how soft and smooth my hands look after I apply these lotions."
9. Best Travel-Friendly Packaging: Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief
The Curél Extreme Dry Hand Relief offers relief from rough and dry patches in your hands. The gentle and soothing formula consists of eucalyptus extract that offers intense moisturization and long-lasting protection to your skin. The non-greasy formula also contains vitamin E and monoi oil. These soothing ingredients offer added softness and smoothness to your hands and provide skin’s moisture barrier protection.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- Non-sticky formula
- Long-lasting
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- None
10. Best Aromatic: L’Occitane Moisturizing Hand Lotion
The L’Occitane Moisturzing Hand Lotion has a delicate, soothing aroma to refresh your hands after each wash. It is enriched with lavender essential oil and organic shea butter that deeply nourish and moisturize dehydrated skin. Shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids that act as a protective barrier. It seals hydration and makes your hands smooth and soft. This shea butter hand cream has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that protect your hands after each wash. Also, ensure that it is tested beforehand on your skin to determine its overall effectiveness.
Pros
- Moisturizes hands
- Seals hydration
- Anti-inflammatory
- Soothing aroma
- Long-lasting
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- None
"This hand lotion moisturizes my dry hands and keeps them soft. It has a creamy consistency that glides smoothly on my hands and between my fingers. I love its luxurious scent that does not overwhelm me. It also does not make my hands slippery."
11. Best Vitamin Enriched Formula: Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream
The Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream comes with aloe vera, seven intensive moisturizers, and vitamins B, C, and E. The aloe vera in the concentrated formula helps comfort and soothe the skin. Vitamin B, or niacinamide, helps improve the appearance of the skin. Vitamin C protects the skin from harmful environmental aggressors. Vitamin E successfully helps prevent moisture loss. The cream lasts through intense handwashing and keeps your skin from getting rough and dry.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Quick-drying
- Long-lasting
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 17,594 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
12. Best Hydrating Formula: Thymes Olive Leaf Hand Lotion
Protect and condition your skin with the intensely hydrating Olive Leaf Lotion by Thymes. It is infused with shea butter and vitamin E that add intense moisture to the skin, smooth it, and make it soft and supple. It nourishes your overworked hands and also protects them. This lotion has a unique fragrance with fresh laurel leaf, sunny lavender, crisp balsam, and rich patchouli notes.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Fast absorbing formula
- Pleasant fragrance
- Refreshing
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Petrolatum-free
Cons
- None
"The lotion absorbs quickly into my hands and moisturizes them. It treats the dry patches on my hands. I love its warm, earthy scent that lifts my mood. My hands do not feel greasy after I apply this product."
13. Best Hand Gel: Avon Care Silicone Glove Hand Cream
The Avon Care Silicone Glove Hand Cream is a protective gel that seals hydration and moisture and keeps hands soft and supple for longer. It is infused with dimethicone and mineral oils that protect against skin irritants. Dimethicone has a skin-conditioning effect. It minimizes water loss from the skin by sealing hydration. It improves skin smoothness. The mineral oils alleviate skin redness and protect the skin from the aggressors.
Pros
- Long-lasting hydration
- Protects the skin from irritants
- Reduces skin redness
- Smoothens the skin
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
"The Avon hand lotion soothes my dry hands and softens my skin. It leaves my hands smelling nice. The cream goes smoothly on my hands, leaving them looking shiny and youthful. It does not leave residues between my fingers."
14. Best Antioxidant Formula: Glysomed Hand Cream
The Glysomed Hand Cream contains glycerine, silicone, and chamomile that help restore the skin’s moisture balance. This popular hand cream can also soothe and calm dry, itchy, and irritated skin. The antioxidants in chamomile protect the skin from free radical damage and promote beautiful skin texture. However, it is best to test the product on a small area of the skin to check for allergic reactions.
Pros
- Soothing smell
- Seals moisture
- Ultra-hydrating
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Greasy
"The best part about these lotions is that they are unscented and non-sticky. The formula spreads easily on my hands. They leave my hands feeling soft and looking hydrated. I apply it repeatedly as it does not make my skin greasy."
15. Best Cruelty-Free:Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Moisturizing Hand Cream
The Palmer’s Hydrating Hand Cream is the perfect solution for those seeking a luxurious, moisturizing experience. It is formulated with natural ingredients like coconut oil and green coffee that hydrates and replenishes skin for 48 hours of moisture. It also uses fair trade certified organic extra virgin coconut oil to make sure that it’s free from any animal ingredients or testing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
- Long-lasting
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist approved
Cons
- None
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These are the fifteen top-quality hand creams and hand lotions for nurses. The following section discusses the need nurses have for such products.
Why Do Nurses Need A Good Hand Cream?
Nurses and other healthcare professionals regularly deal with several patients. Hence, they have a higher risk of contracting infectious diseases. They need a wider range of protection, and hence, they often wash their hands with soaps or heavy-duty sanitizers. However, excess hand washing, although mandatory, may lead to dry, cracked, and chapped hands. It may lead to skin irritation and cause the skin to go dry. Hence, a high-quality hand cream is essential for nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz Chaudhry, MBBS, RMP, Dermatology, says “Nurses are on the front lines of patient care, and they need to take care of themselves in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. One important way to do this is to avoid getting dry, chapped hands. Dry hands can make it difficult to perform delicate tasks, and they can also lead to infection. To help prevent dry hands, nurses should use hand cream regularly. Hand cream helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from the harsh chemicals that are often found in hospitals.”
The next section enables you to choose the right product to protect your hands. Go through the checklist.
The Buying Guide
- Check for the texture of the hand cream. It should be lightweight and non-greasy to protect your hands for a longer duration.
- Check for the natural humectant ingredients that seal hydration. Glycerin is a natural humectant that hydrates all the layers of the skin and seals hydration in the topmost layer of the skin.
- Check for natural botanical extracts like shea butter and cocoa butter. These are emollients and essential ingredients that can make hands soft, smooth, and supple.
- Check for fatty oils. They offer a protective shield that can seal moisture on the skin. They also provide intense hydration and nourish dry skin. You may also check for avocado oil, almond oil, and coconut oil for additional benefits.
- The hand cream should be free of chemical ingredients. It is best to opt for professional-grade formulas with skin-loving ingredients for best results.
- Your favorite pick should contain vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that protects your hands from aggressors.
The Bottom Line
Nurses are among the high-risk group that may contract an infection. For them, the use of hand washes and sanitizers is a must. But along with those products, they also need hand creams/lotions that can keep their hands from going dry or cracking. Pick your favorite from this list. If you have dry, dehydrated, and cracked hands, opt for the O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream. You can try the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Moisturizing Hand Cream to prevent moisture loss and soften rough skin, and the Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion to eliminate flaky skin and provide 24-hour hydration. These are just as effective and hydrating as other high-end healing creams. We are sure they will add value to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do nurses have dry hands?
Nurses have dry hands due to frequent handwashing or the constant use of sanitizers, soaps, and handwashes. The formulas strip their hands of natural oils making them dry and rough.
What is the difference between hand lotion and hand cream?
The major difference is that hand creams have a thicker consistency and high oil content whereas hand lotions have a thinner consistency and high water content.
How many times a day can you use hand lotion?
Apply a hand lotion every time you wash your hands or every two hours to make your hands remain soft and supple.
Do hand lotions make hand hygiene less effective?
No, in fact, hand lotions help in keeping your hands soft and supple while catering to their overall hygiene. It is important to use a hand cream or a lotion after washing your hands as the repairing formulas make sure that your hands are not turning rough.
Why does it burn when you put hand lotion on dry skin?
Dry skin may burn when you put lotion on it due to the pH difference between your hand and the lotion. This may also mean that the hand lotion formula is not compatible with your skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach. She believes that though everyone is conscious about caring for the skin on the hands, nurses need special care as their hands are often exposed to adverse reactions from medications and infections. In this article, Oyendrila has conducted thorough research and carefully reviewed some of the best hand creams and hand lotions for nurses. The products are selected based on excellent user reviews and feedback.
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Read full bio of Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz Chaudhry
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