Beauty writer tests and names the best hand creams available in the UK

A beauty writer who completed a course in cosmetic science tested 15 hand creams available in the UK and has named her top picks, with L’Occitane’s shea butter hand cream judged best overall and E45 Repairing hand cream the best budget option. Other category winners include Margaret Dabbs Pure Hands for dry, chapped hands, Lancôme Absolue for ageing skin and Weleda Skin Food for cuticle and nail care.

The writer says the recommendations follow weeks of testing that included measuring hydration with a moisture reader before and after application, noting how quickly creams absorbed, checking how long scent lingered and reviewing ingredients lists for dermatologist-recommended actives and common irritants.

She also drew on expert advice from dermatologists when assessing which ingredients suit particular concerns and on her own experience of occasional eczema. Key details on the winners: L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream (about £25 for 150ml) contains 20% shea butter plus glycerine, argan and coconut oils and was described as soothing and non-greasy.

E45 Repairing Hand Cream (from £4.79–£5.99 for 50ml) is fragrance-free, contains 10% urea and glycerine and is recommended for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Margaret Dabbs Pure Hands (£18 for 75ml) features Pentavitin (saccharide isomerate), glycerine, sweet almond oil and a vitamin F complex to support the skin barrier.

Key Topics

Culture, L'occitane, Margaret Dabbs, Lancôme, Weleda Skin Food, Hand Cream