Did you know that our hands are one of the most underrated and vulnerable parts of our body? From bearing the wrath of scorching heat to continuing to survive in the brutal winters, our hands are in fact, the most exposed area that is constantly in touch with the environment.

Wondering why that happens?

Our hands don’t have sebaceous glands, which makes them more prone to drying and damage then the skin on other parts. When our hands are exposed to dry conditions, the moisture is rapidly lost from the skin and makes it crack and peel.

What is the answer to protecting your hands while making it softer and hygienic? It is as simple as a men’s hand cream!

Depending upon your skin type, there are many great options for hand lotions for men available in the market that will help you keep your hands moisturized and soft. Every hand cream differs in ingredients used, absorption capacity, scent, packaging, and consistency, etc. Upon research and testing we found Burt’s Bees and Jack Black to be the best hand creams for men with dry hands. Three other hand lotions that we loved are the Anthony, Brickell, and Neutrogena. While the first is a great product, the other two offer excellent value for money.

The 6 Best Hand Creams For Men

 Burt's Bees Hand CreamJack Black Hand CreamAhava Men's Hand CreamBrickell Men's Hand LotionAnthony Hand CreamNeutrogena Hand Cream
Burt's Bees hand cream for men's dry skinBrickell men's hand lotionNeutrogena hand cream for men
CountryUSAUSAUSAUSAUSAUSA (part of J&J)
Size3oz/ 88gram3oz/ 88ml3.4oz / 100ml2oz / 60ml3oz/ 90ml2oz / 60ml
Price$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Skin TypeAll typesAll typesAll typesAll typesAll typesAll types
GreasyA bitNoNoNoNoA bit
Time to ApplyDay & NightDay & NightDay & NightDay & NightDay & NightDay & Night
SunscreenNoNoNoNoNoNo
Ease of Application
Duration
Value for Money

But before we get into the men’s hand cream reviews, we’ll talk about how a hand cream is any different from a face and body lotion, how to use one and what criteria you need to consider before getting one.

Let’s get started.

What is a hand lotion and how it’s different from a face and body lotion?

What is a hand cream or lotion

Image courtesy: kuchina/BigStock.com

As you probably already know, a hand lotion or hand cream is a moisturizing product for hands to protect them from weather conditions and excessive dryness.

Many people don’t find much difference between the lotions for hands, face, and body, and they use them interchangeably. Skin care experts condemn this thought.

Creams for different body parts are differently formulated with different ingredients according to the type of skin. Besides, pollen, men’s face is subject to daily rigors of shaving.

When it comes to facial skin, it’s very sensitive compared to other body parts. More specifically, most of men’s moisturizers are usually non-greasy and contain smooth ingredients like mint, menthol, etc. that form SPF protective layer and defend against aging signs.

Body lotions have thick consistency as compared to hand and face lotions and have a thinner consistency than a hand and face cream.

On the other hand, good hand lotions and creams are formulated with a thicker consistency. These use ingredients like vitamins A & E that keep the skin soft, nut oils, mild alcohols, and dairy those are all good ingredients for hand lotions. If you apply hand lotion on face, its thickness can clog facial pores, resulting in acne and blackheads.

Hand creams dry quicker and get absorbed better in the skin as compared to face and body creams.

So, hopefully this give you an idea by now why you should never use face, body, and hand skin care products interchangeably.

How to use a hand cream the right way

How to use a hand cream properly

Image courtesy: djoronimo/BigStock.com

Dryness can cause cracks, redness, and itchiness on your hands that can be not only embarrassing but painful for you as well.

Apply hand creams at least twice a week to keep them softer in cold weather or if you wash your hand frequently. If you happen to work outdoors, you might want to keep a hand cream with you an apply it even more often to avoid dryness and cracks.

Step 1: Wash your hands and pat them dry. Make sure that there’s no water left on the skin so that your skin absorbs it quicker.

Step 2: Take off all your hand jewelry and accessory.

Step 3: Apply the lotion at the front of your hands.

Step 4: Spread the lotion evenly while massaging gently.

Step 5: If there’s excess lotion on your hands, massage it on your arms and legs. Make the most out of it.

One thing to note is that heavily perfumed lotions can irritate your skin. These are normally the ones that contain either alcohol or high percentage of essential oils. If your hands react to such products, it would be good to switch to non-scented ones.

Criteria for selecting A Hand Cream

Selecting the top hand lotions for men

Image courtesy: serbogachuk/BigStock.com

Go to a local store to buy a hand cream. You will find one or more aisles dedicated to different brands of lotions and creams.

Which one should you choose? How should you differentiate good ones from bad ones?

Let’s dig a bit deeper to understand how to decide if a hand cream or lotion is worthy buying or not.

First things first! Cheaper is not always bad and pricey is not always top notch quality.

In my opinion, try to buy products from established brands that produce high quality products with as much natural ingredients as possible. That being said, products with controversial ingredients, such as parabens, might be a good idea to avoid. These synthetic preservatives are used in all kinds of beauty and personal care products and have been associated with health related issues.

Although there’s no strong evidence that they cause any harm (there are references for causing cancer but without really substantial proof), the fact that they’re a bit notorious might be a good indication to keep on searching for other products that are free from such ingredients.

So, to recap, better use a man’s hand cream that is paraben-free. Why risk it?

If you plan to buy online, shop from credible online stores only. Don’t be fooled with super low prices that some brands offer. In skincare, you usually get what you pay for.

One other thing that you might be interested in exploring are organic products that contain botanical compounds.

Organic compounds are environmental-friendly and have no side-effects to your skill like chemical-based creams have. For example, Shea Butter is a rich and buttery compound found in all creams and lotions. It does a great job re-moisturizing the skin of your hands and making it feel soft with anti-inflammatory properties.

At first, hand creams may appear to be the same, but they are formulated differently. Choose a cream considering your skin type and ingredient preferences.

Best Men’s Hand Creams and Lotions

Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer

Jack Black men's hand cream

Jack Black is a reputed grooming brand that we highly appreciate here at Manliness Kit. They manufacture superior men’s care solutions for guys. Any guy who works a lot with his hands and looking for the best hand care product will appreciate the Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand healer.

Thanks to its rich, non-greasy formula that is easily absorbed by the skin. The cream helps heal dry, calloused skin and cracked hands. It’s road-tested by golfers, carpenter, and chefs.

The cream is derived from certified active ingredients including vitamin A and vitamin E that penetrate skin cells and soften skin and cuticles; Allantoin and glycerin that lubricates the dry skin and make it soft; Eucalyptus that acts as a natural antiseptic and Macadamia nut oil that moisturizes hand skin. The particular product was voted as the Best Hand Cream by DETAIL Award winner in 2013 and 2015.

It is a fragrance-free cream but leaves behind a clean and bright smell much like that of eucalyptus leaves and natural essential oils.

The cream is notably effective for those who work outdoor with harsh environmental factors, chemicals and in rugged temperature. Since the skin of hand has smallest sebaceous glands, this cream absorbs quickly and makes your hand thoroughly quenched.

Apply a nickel size amount of Jack Black Hand cream on palms and back of your hands. It also works well on feet, knees, and elbow. This hand cream is suitable for all skin types.

The cream comes in a blue tube and is secured with a black flip top dispenser. Finally, coming to the price to value, this is probably one of the top creams for a man’s hands at this price point. It ain’t cheap but in this case, you really get what you pay for.

O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream

O Keeffe's hand cream for dry skin

This hand cream is known to have miraculous ability to transform even the roughest hands into baby soft ones. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is well-reviewed all over the internet. It is an odorless and non-greasy cream manufactured using a concentrated formula that naturally treats dry, over-worked hands, hydrates them and retains their skin moisture.

The cream is made of two major ingredients: water and glycerin. Glycerin is an extremely popular and naturally hydrating agent for our skin. The third major ingredient is Dimethicone that is a type of silicon oil and it’s widely used in skin care products. This compound is known for its anti-aging effects when applied on the skin.

Since O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream is very effective in tackling even the excessively dry skin because of its deep moisture-base formula, it is known as the best hand cream for dry skin out there. When the skin barrier is damaged, it starts losing water fast, which creates a chapped and dry skin. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream not only prevents further water loss but also draws moisture back to the skin.

One of the most notable features that this cream has compared to competitors is the SPF 30 protection against harmful UV rays.

The cream comes in a tub and a tube as well. For hygiene issues, we prefer tube because of ease-of-use. The texture of this hand cream is thick, but it doesn’t feel sticky on hands. It gets easily and quickly without leaving any residue on the hands.

NIVEA Men Crème

Nivea hand cream for men

If you are looking for a single solution to care the skin of your entire body, Nivea Men Crème comes to favor you. This cream is a moisturizer that is specially formulated to provide full care to men’s skin. Top dermatologists approve its skin compatibility.

This cream has been voted as the Reader’s Choice winner for the Best Men’s Grooming product in the 2016 Prix de Marie Claire Beauty Awards. The super-fast absorbing, non-greasy and masculine scented cream is available in a handy tin. It helps sooth irritated skin after shaving, rehydrates dry skin, softens calloused skin and well treats rough and dry hands thanks to its rich content in vitamin E.

My only objection with Nivea’s cream is the presence of parabens. Although it’s a very popular products that many men love to use -I used to be one of them, I think that parabens make the product unattractive when there are so many great choices without making any substantial investment.

As for application, it can’t get any easier. To apply it on your skin, dip a finger into the cream and rub it gently on your hands. Apply it twice a day to maintain hydrated and soft to feel hands.

Nivea Men Crème comes in an almost iconic blue tin made of aluminum. The package features a double embossed screw top for ease of use. It is one of the hand creams that are affordable and suitable for all skin types.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream – Best value for money

Neutrogena hand cream men

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream has been in use since last 40 years.

It has a very interesting story behind its origination. It was first manufactured by a Norwegian fisherman who was frustrated with his chapped hands due to coldest weather on earth. So he combined concentrated levels of glycerin to deal with chapped skin and provide lasting relief. Due to its effectiveness, the cream has now become a reputed brand for hand cream.

This glycerin-rich hand cream for men is long-lasting and provides relief promptly. It’s not just for hands, but you can apply it to your knees, elbows, face and lips that need extra help with skin dryness.

It is amongst the most hydrating hand creams that keep your hands moisturized for a good number of hours after one application. It smells very pleasantly with a mild lavender scent, making it a great hand care solution for men with a sensitive nose.

It comes in a small tube that makes it a travel-friendly cream. A little goes a long way and just a single tube allows around 200 applications. So, with daily application, a 2 oz / 56 gram bottle should last for 2 months.

The sturdy screw cap ensures that no product goes wasted and you don’t end up with oodles of cream inside your handbag or pocket. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream also costs much less than a competition that makes the 2-pack deal the best value for money hand cream for men.

Brickell Men’s Hand Lotion

Brickell hand lotion for men

Brickell Men’s Maximum Strength hand lotion is specifically designed for men who are excessively involved in outdoor activities.

It is a fast-absorbing and a non-greasy balm that is powerfully formulated to protect and care your skin from turning chapped, dry and cracked.

This all natural hand cream keeps your hands hydrated. This lightweight hand lotion for men is packed with organic ingredients like vitamin E, Jojoba oil, and Shea butter.

Vitamin E repairs dry skin and deals with aging signs. Shea butter is a natural fat loaded with all vitamins that nourish the skin of hands. Jojoba oil creates a protective layer on the skin of your hand and helps retain skin’s moisturizer. It is 99% natural and 80% organic.

It is free from parabens, silicones, sulfates, PEG’s, artificial fragrances and gluten that can be damaging to your skin. It is also cruelty-free and uses 100% certified organic ingredients.

Men of any age can use this hand lotion to keep their hands hydrated and skin tight. It comes in a travel-friendly see-through bottle of 2 oz size.

Depending on your preference, you can choose between unscented and scented hand lotion available in refreshing essential oil blend of lemongrass, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream For Dry Hands

Ahava men's hand lotion

Complete your skin care regime with AHAVA Time to Energize Mineral Hand Cream. It is a light moisturizer specially formulated for men’s hands. It is enriched with nourishing Dead Sea minerals that lend the cream an ability to improve the moisture level in the skin instantly.

The cream also contains Witch Hazel Extract and Allantoin that smoothes the cracks and aging spots on the skin. It also creates a protective layer on the skin to avoid dryness damage and gives a silky touch to your hands.

AHAVA Time to Energize Mineral Hand Cream comes with a manly scent that feels so pleasing and lasts longer. The cream absorbs so quickly and leaves no sign of greasiness.

It is a great product of all toughness when it comes to your hands. Simply, apply the cream on your skin and massage until fully absorbed into the skin.

This hand cream comes in a great brownish tube with a flip top dispenser that allows ease and hygienic application.

Anthony Hand Cream

Anthony best hand cream for men

Anthony’s award-winning lightweight hand cream formula offers a fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula for all skin types. It can fix dry and cracked hands with regular applications.

This cream diminishes touch calluses and heals damaged cuticles to make your hands look softer and feel smooth.

The active ingredients of Anthony Hand Cream are AHAs, Glycerin, Wheat Protein and Aqua Cacteen. AHAs help reduces the appearance of aging spots like wrinkles and fine lines.

The vegetable-based glycerin used in this cream nourishes hands, and wheat protein tightens the skin. Aqua Cacteen can penetrated skin deeply and provide nourishment. The product is 100% parabens free. It is also clinically tested for allergy and dermatologists.

Apply a generous amount of cream on your hands, knees, and elbows, massage for 1-2 minutes. This cream is suitable for all skin types. You can expect firmer, smoother and dreamy hands without any sticky residue.

Anthony Hand Cream comes in a medium-size white and black tube that features a flip top cap for hygienic cream dispensing. All things considered, it’s surprise why we consider it as one of the best hand creams and lotions for men on this guide.

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Hand Salve

Burt's Bees hand cream for men

Burt’s Bees is an earth-friendly and 100% organic personal care company. It manufactures natural skin care products that are mostly based on beeswax.

When it comes to Burt’s Bees 100% natural hand salve, it is one of the best creams for man’s hands when it comes to super-dry and over-worked hands. Just a hazelnut-sized amount is sufficient to cover your hand.

All its ingredients are natural – sweet almond oil, olive oil, beeswax, sunflower seed oil, rosemary leaf oil, lavender flower oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and limonene. Burt’s Bees hand salve creates a thin invisible film of moisturizer on the skin to prevent it from drying out.

For the best results, massage this all organic salve on your hands before and after any outdoor activity like outdoor sports and gardening.

The cream comes in an adorable tin packing that looks so classic, vintage and timeless when placed in dressing.

The product is a pale yellow color substance that is evenly sat inside this sturdy tin. At first, it looks like a frozen butter or body wax. It is characterized by the smell of eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil that feels medicinal and herbal.

Salve means ointment. The texture of Burt’s Bees hand salve is much like an ointment. It has frozen oil kind of consistency that melts into liquid when rubbed on your skin. It is little oily and waxy, making it a great hand cream for night time only.

Overall, Burt’s Bees Hand Salve is a great all natural and effective hand cream with no preservatives and artificial colorants.

Vaseline Intensive Care Hand & Body LotionVaseline men's hand cream for dry skin

A healthy skin care starts with a deep-healing moisturizer. The Vaseline Intensive Care Hand and Body Lotion uses the concoction of micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly and a highly moisturized, fast-absorbing and grease-free formula.

This Vaseline body lotion penetrates the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin to heal the dryness. The active ingredients of this hand care lotion are water, Glycerin, Dimethicone and oat extract. Use it regularly, and you will get what the product claims.

The lotion comes in a cute plastic bottle of light lemon yellow color lending it a refreshing and decent look.

You can read all the benefits and ingredients of Vaseline Intensive Care Hand & Body lotion on the back of the bottle. It comes with a unique pump nozzle dispenser, which is so convenient to use.

The cream feels so powdery on the skin and smells mild like many other cold creams. It has a decent floral touch to enhance the fragrance that vanishes only after 20 minutes of application.

Dab it on your hands, and it will absorb within a minute. Though this hand lotion comes with a thick consistency, it is not greasy at all. Another great thing about this product is that it’s available in multiple variants so that you can pick the best hand lotion for your skin type.

Miracle Hand Repair Cream

Miracle hand cream for men with dry hands

Miracle Hand Repair Cream claims that it promptly treats dry, cracked and flaky skin of your hands. It consists of the most powerful form of Aloe Vera gel that it will make your hands look ten years younger. Knowing this, you may feel like applying this cream all over your body. Just keep in mind that it is specifically formulated for hands only.

The Miracle Hand Repair Cream lives up to the people’s expectations. It is a top notch hand care cream that come with a soothing, non-irritating fragrance. It can smooth out the wrinkles and fine lines on the palms and back of your hand. Your hand will feel soft and silky only after the first application.

The cream comes in a tube form with a size of 8 fl oz. At the particular price point, it’s definitely one of the best hand creams for a man’s dry hands.

As previously indicated, the cream contains 60% of Aloe Vera gel that is known as one of the biggest sources of moisture and hydrating agent for the skin. It absorbs within a few minutes after massaging well. The cream can provide fast relief from dryness, roughness, cracks and flaking on hands. It penetrates the skin deeply and provides moisture where it is needed the most.

You can not only apply it to hands, but also on other driest body parts like knees and elbows. Miracle Hand Repair Cream has a scent of clay that’s not irritating. But as the cream absorbs, the scent faints leaving behind manicure-treated hands.

Closing thoughts

It is our hands that first show the signs of aging. Our hands are exposed to aggressive elements and over-working that makes them look dry and unattractive.

Pamper your hands with one of the top men’s hand creams and lotions to retain their natural softness and make dry, cracked hand a thing of the past.

As a final note, keep in mind that a good hand cream should be free from harmful chemicals that deal with chapped, cracked and dry hands while being suitable for your skin type.

Last but not least, try to invest in a high quality product right from the beginning. When it comes to our skin, you might agree with me when I say that we should experiment as less as possible.