Silky Hands, Happy Hearts: Perfect Hand Cream Gifts for Labor Day!

David Aug 09 • 29 min read

When it comes to skincare, there's a vast array of products designed for specific parts of the body, each formulated to address the unique needs of the skin in those areas. One common question many people ask is whether they can use hand cream on their face. The short answer is that while it’s possible in some situations, it's not generally recommended. Here’s why!

Understanding the Differences Between Facial and Hand Skin

The skin on your face is much thinner and more delicate compared to the skin on your hands. This makes it more susceptible to irritants, clogged pores, and breakouts.

On the other hand, the skin on your hands is exposed to harsh environmental conditions and constant washing, requiring extra moisture to stay soft and smooth. Let’s break this down further:

Facial Skin: The skin on your face is more sensitive and prone to irritation. It’s also where you’re most likely to experience issues like acne, rosacea, and sensitivity to products. This skin needs lighter formulations that hydrate without clogging pores.
Hand Skin: The skin on your hands, especially on the palms, is thicker and more robust. The back of your hands, however, is thinner and more prone to dryness and aging. Hand creams are formulated to deeply moisturize and protect this skin, often containing richer oils and butter that might be too heavy for the face.

The Role of Formulations: Face Cream vs. Hand Cream

Both face creams and hand creams are designed to hydrate and protect the skin, but their formulations differ significantly:

Face Creams: These products generally contain higher concentrations of water and humectants like hyaluronic acid, which help to retain moisture and keep the skin glowy without being greasy. They are also lighter in texture, making them suitable for the delicate skin on the face.

Hand Creams: In contrast, hand creams are thicker, richer, and contain a higher oil content to deeply moisturize the skin. They often include ingredients like shea butter and glycerin to provide intense hydration, which is essential for combating dryness caused by frequent handwashing and exposure to the elements.

Can You Use Hand Cream on Your Face?

While hand cream can be used on your face in a pinch—especially if you’re dealing with extremely dry skin—it’s not advisable to use it as a regular part of your skincare routine. Here’s why:

Clogged Pores: The thicker, richer formulations of hand creams can clog pores on your face, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.
Irritation: Ingredients in hand creams may not be suitable for the sensitive skin on your face and could cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Mismatched Needs: Hand creams are designed to tackle dryness and repair the skin barrier, whereas face creams often target issues like anti-aging, brightening, or acne prevention. Using the wrong product can lead to less than optimal results.

When Is It Okay to Use Hand Cream on Your Face?

In extreme cases of dryness—such as when you’re traveling, in harsh weather conditions, or dealing with a skin emergency—applying a small amount of hand cream to your face might provide temporary relief. However, this should be a last resort rather than a regular practice.

11 Best Hand Creams for Silky-Smooth Skin

Now that you understand the differences between face and hand creams, let’s explore some of the best hand creams on the market that can help keep your hands soft, smooth, and hydrated.

1. Glossier Hand Cream - £20

Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and nutrients.
Why We Love It: This lightweight, fast-absorbing formula provides all the hydration your hands need without feeling greasy. The inclusion of ceramides helps strengthen the skin’s barrier, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, making it suitable for all skin types.
Price: £20

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2. Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Hand Cream - £18

Ingredients: Ashwagandha, niacinamide, and peach flower extract.
Why We Love It: This hand cream offers up to 16 hours of hydration in a lightweight lotion format. The compact design makes it perfect for on-the-go use, and the nourishing ingredients soothe and protect the skin.
Price: £18

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3. Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm - £27

Ingredients: Rosemary leaf, mandarin oil, and cedarwood.
Why We Love It: A luxurious hand balm that not only nourishes but also leaves a refreshing herbal scent. It’s particularly effective in extreme weather conditions, helping to protect and repair rough, dry hands.
Price: £27

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4. L'Occitane Shea Butter Intensive Hand Balm - £28

Ingredients: Shea butter.
Why We Love It: This best-selling hand balm is packed with shea butter, known for its incredible moisturizing properties. It’s perfect for those with very dry skin, helping to restore the natural barrier and keep hands soft and supple.
Price: £28

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5. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Cream - £3.99

Ingredients: Glycerin.
Why We Love It: A budget-friendly classic, this cream provides intense hydration thanks to its high glycerin content. It’s unscented and suitable for sensitive skin, making it a great option for those looking for effective, no-frills skincare.
Price: £3.99

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6. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Soothing Cream - £8.99

Ingredients: Thermal spring water, niacinamide, and glycerin.
Why We Love It: This soothing cream is designed for sensitive skin and helps to calm irritation while providing deep hydration. The addition of niacinamide helps to improve the skin’s barrier function, making it a great option for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Price: £8.99

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7. OUAI Hand Crème - £22

Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, murumuru seed butter, and avocado oil.
Why We Love It: A vegan, non-greasy lotion that absorbs quickly while providing lasting moisture. The blend of coconut oil and shea butter helps to deeply nourish the skin, leaving your hands feeling soft and hydrated.
Price: £22

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8. Chanel La Crème Main Body Care - £52

Ingredients: Unknown (luxury brand secret).
Why We Love It: This luxurious hand cream not only nourishes your hands but also looks incredibly stylish on your vanity. The unique egg-shaped bottle is easy to carry around, and the cream is rich enough to provide lasting hydration while being suitable for nails as well.
Price: £52

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9. Nursem Caring Hand Cream - £10

Ingredients: Fragrance-free, glycerin, and chamomile extract.
Why We Love It: Designed specifically for healthcare professionals who wash their hands frequently, this fragrance-free lotion is gentle yet effective. It’s suitable for those with sensitive skin conditions and provides long-lasting hydration without irritation.
Price: £10

10. Super Retinol Anti-Aging Hand Treatment - £40

Ingredients: Retinol, pseudo-collagen, and shea butter.
Why We Love It: This anti-aging hand treatment goes beyond just moisturizing; it targets wrinkles and signs of aging with the power of retinol. The addition of pseudo-collagen helps to plump and smooth the skin, making your hands look youthful and rejuvenated.
Price: £40

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11. Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream - £3.70

Ingredients: Oats.
Why We Love It: This non-greasy formula hydrates the skin for up to 24 hours, thanks to the soothing properties of oats. It’s a great daily hand cream for anyone looking to keep their hands soft and smooth without the heavy feel of more intensive creams.
Price: £3.70

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Final Thoughts

While hand cream can temporarily serve as a moisturizer for your face in a pinch, it’s not designed to meet the specific needs of facial skin. The thicker, richer formulations that work wonders for your hands can be too heavy for the delicate skin on your face, potentially leading to clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts. For the best results, stick to products formulated specifically for your face and reserve those luxurious hand creams for your hands.

When it comes to choosing the right-hand cream, consider your skin type, the climate you live in, and your personal preferences for scent and texture. The 11 hand creams listed above offer a variety of options, from budget-friendly choices to luxurious splurges, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Keep your hands soft, smooth, and well-hydrated with these top picks!