Now that handwashing and sanitising are embedded in our daily routines, our hands deserve more care and attention than ever. Drowning our hands in antibacterial hand sanitiser — while essential — can strip the skin of its natural oil, leading to dry, itchy, or cracked palms. Enter: the best hand creams to soothe and moisturise your hard-working hands.
Most people apply hand creams as a calming ritual before bed, but they can also perk up your day with their sweet-smelling fragrances. From K-beauty brands to gentle lotions recommended by dermatologists, we’ve rounded up the best hand creams in the Philippines for dry skin — even the ones that make the best gifts. Trust us, your hands will thank you!
Also read: 10 Local Beauty Brands That Deserve Your Attention
Where to buy the best hand creams in the Philippines
1. Innisfree
Product: Innisfree Olive Real Moisture Hand Cream
Where to buy: Lazada, Shopee
Price: ~₱276.40
Among Korean beauty brands, Innisfree is famous for gentle and effective skincare. Naturally, their scented hand creams are equally deserving of attention.
We adore the Olive Real Moisture Hand Cream for its smooth texture and light fragrance, enriched with nutrients from Greek olives grown on the island of Crete. With extra virgin oil for deep hydration, this hand cream absorbs easily upon application. What’s more, it leaves the skin feeling ultra-soft, smooth, and pampered every time.
2. The Body Shop
Product: The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Hand Cream
Where to buy: Lazada, Shopee
Price: ~₱250
When you’re shopping for the best hand creams, keep an eye out for argan oil. Praised as “liquid gold” and coveted for its anti-aging effects, argan oil provides an extra boost of hydration that allows the skin to lock in moisture. Simply put, it’s a must-have ingredient for healthy, youthful skin.
Infused with argan oil from Morocco, The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Hand Cream deeply nourishes the skin and improves its elasticity. With a high percentage of vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids, this lightweight hand cream can comfort even the driest of hands.
3. Avène
Product: Avene Day Protector UV EX
Where to buy: Lazada
Price: ~₱1,590
A tropical beach vacation might not be in the cards right now, but your hands still need daily protection from sun damage. For soft and blemish-free skin that remains untarnished by the sun’s rays, we recommend the Avene Day Protector UV EX.
True to its name, Avene’s hand cream shields your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause wrinkles or brown spots to appear. It also protects your hands from the effects of pollution — in particular, its tendency to aggravate sensitive skin. What’s more, this hand cream is suitable for all skin types because it uses mild ingredients.
Also read: 10 Best Face Sunscreen Brands in the Philippines for All Skin Types
4. lalafranc
Product: lalafranc Eau Nerolia Hand Cream
Where to buy: Lazada
Price: ~₱963
For a pleasing whiff of elegance that lingers for hours, the Eau Nerolia Hand Cream from K-beauty brand lalafranc is simply tres chic. Delicately scented to remind you of fresh flowers, this hand cream brings notes of citrus, neroli, and jasmine to create a gentle and refreshing fragrance for all genders.
Simply squeeze a small amount of this cream onto your palm, then massage it across your skin to feel its rejuvenating effects. We love that it moisturises instantly without leaving a sticky residue — perfectly suited for the tropical climate of the Philippines. And with a travel-friendly tube of 30m, it’s a portable hand cream you can carry anywhere you go.
5. Eucerin
Product: Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream
Where to buy: Lazada, Shopee
Price: ~₱345
Want to prevent eczema flare-ups or allergies? For a cost-effective hand cream that addresses itchy, dry, or inflamed skin, the Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Cream is the quick-drying balm you’re looking for.
Made of nourishing ingredients like shea butter, it repairs dry skin and can keep your hands silky smooth for hours — moisturising even your fingernails and cuticles thoroughly. That it’s also recommended by dermatologists is another advantage in its favour.
6. Aveeno
Product: Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream
Where to buy: Lazada, Shopee
Price: ~₱575
Looking for an added dose of moisture for the dry and flaky areas on your hands? From Aveeno, a trusted skincare brand for all ages, comes one of the best hand creams for dry skin: the Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream. Not only is it hypoallergenic, but it also alleviates eczema.
Formulated with oatmeal, Aveeno’s deeply hydrating hand cream calms the skin and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier to help retain its moisture. (People with eczema tend to have a weaker skin barrier, which can lead to itchiness or inflammation.)
Aveeno’s Skin Relief Intense Moisture Hand Cream also offers long-lasting moisturisation that makes your hands feel supple and smooth throughout the day. Yes, even after you’ve washed them!
7. CeraVe
Product: CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
Where to buy: Lazada, Shopee
Price: ~₱1,610
Between the humidity of the Philippines and the habitual handwashing, it helps to have a therapeutic hand cream within reach. Better if it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association, just like the CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream.
CeraVe’s hand cream contains moisture-retaining ingredients — hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides — that work together to maintain the smoothness of your hands and protect your skin against outdoor elements and other irritants. It’s a non-greasy, water-resistant, and fragrance-free cream that even those with sensitive skin can enjoy.
8. Burt’s Bees
Product: Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream
Where to buy: Lazada
Price: ~₱995
What if perfumed scents aren’t your thing? If you prefer fragrance-free hand creams, Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream is a no-fuss, all-in-one cream that delivers intense hydration to dry, cracked hands — minus the distracting scents.
Tested by dermatologists, this hypoallergenic hand cream uses natural ingredients such as pumpkin seed oil, green tea extract, and baobab oil to supply all-day moisture to the skin. As a result, your hands will feel soft and irresistible to touch.
9. L’Occitane
Product: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Where to buy: Lazada, Shopee
Price: ~₱1,600
How about a prettily packaged hand cream that looks as good as it feels? Never sticky or greasy, the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream stands out for its presentation, complete with a tidy, eye-catching tube that oozes luxury. This rich cream is made of 20% organic shea butter, a highly sought-after ingredient for its ability to deeply nourish and moisturise the skin.
Soft and dainty hands are easily within your reach, thanks to this bestselling hand cream from L’Occitane. For a stronger yet equally relaxing fragrance, reward yourself with the L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream — a spring-themed scent that will remind you of Japan.
10. Kiehl’s
Product: Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
Where to buy: Lazada
Price: ~₱850
If the physical effects of plant parenthood are starting to show on your hands, it’s time to stock up on a heavy-duty balm like Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. Using natural ingredients such as avocado oil and eucalyptus oil, this rich hand cream is made to combat severe dryness caused by neglect, manual labour, or exposure to harsh elements.
Treat your hard-working hands with this effective salve. Not only is it a top-rated product from Kiehl’s, a reliable cosmetics brand and apothecary, but it’s also one of the best hand creams for men out there. It gives off a light and fresh fragrance that isn’t distracting, even after applying it generously on your skin.
Also read: Where to Shop for Local Shampoo Bars in the Philippines
It doesn’t hurt to introduce a little moisture into our frequently sanitised hands. Of these hand creams for dry and sensitive skin, which one will you be putting to good use?
Facebook image credit: Shiny Diamond | Pexels
