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As much as I would like to stock up on all the trendy skin care products I see on TikTok, my sensitive skin means I have to be extra careful about the products I use. I also got the (not) fun surprise of now-annual eczema flare-ups on the backs of my hands a few years ago once the weather got colder, and my frequent handwashing doesn’t help.
As a result, I’m determined to keep my skin care as bare-bones as possible — no fragrances, please and thank you. Luckily, a few skin care brands can be trusted to deliver on high-quality products without the unnecessary bells and whistles. One of them is the HuffPost reader-beloved CeraVe, which makes the Therapeutic Hand Cream I now refer to as my holy grail.
Seriously, this stuff is basically a miracle product hiding in plain sight. It contains hydrating, calming and skin-protecting ingredients including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, dimethicone and ceramides. According to the brand, ceramides make up 50% of the lipids naturally found in our skin barrier, and the three ceramides included in this cream can help restore that barrier as well as protect it.
The Therapeutic Hand Cream is also fragrance-free and has a National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded only to products that meet the testing, ingredient and formulation standards established by the NEA’s Scientific Oversight Committee. That committee includes dermatologists, allergists and eczema experts.
When I apply the Therapeutic Hand Cream to my hands during a flare-up, I feel immediate relief from the constant itching sensation I’d been stuck with. I do take medication for my eczema, so I can’t outright say that this hand cream treats it alone, but the soothing feeling prevents me from scratching them as much and making the issue worse.
I also love this cream for its fast absorption and non-greasy texture, which several reviewers agree on. I had tried Aquaphor, Vaseline and other ointments, creams and lotions before settling on CeraVe. I didn’t love the greasy film those other products left on my hands, especially if I applied them at night, just before going to sleep, when the itching can be at its worst. My skin drinks the CeraVe cream up in seconds, and I don’t have to worry about getting lotion on my sheets or pillow if I go right to bed.
Best of all, at 3 ounces per bottle, I can just chuck it in my bag when I travel without worrying about buying a separate travel-size container. I’d even recommend keeping multiple bottles around, like some reviewers do — you can keep one at home, one in your car, one at work, etc. I used to buy the three-pack on Amazon, which they no longer sell, but you can still subscribe and save 5% to get it delivered every few weeks or months.
Below, check out some of the 5-star Amazon reviews that sing the praises of the Therapeutic Hand Cream, or just scroll down to add it to your cart ASAP.
“I have been buying every hand lotion I could find with high hopes of them working, but none of them worked as well as this one, Cereve Therapeutic Hand Cream. I am a nurse and my hands and fingers would get so sore from constantly washing them. I would get deep painful cracks on my fingeretips to the point where I would want to cry. Who would think that cracks at your fingertips would be so painful? I tried taping cotton to help pad them but that lasted until I had to wash my hands again, I tried silicone finger guards, they worked for a minute, they would fall off and get lost and gloves would pull them off, I resorted to super glue, oddly enough it helped the best. I read a review that said this was a miracle on dry, sore, hands so I tried it. My hands and cracks on my fingers starting healing after the first use, I have used it every night for about 7 days and the cracks in my fingers are almost gone, thank you for making this product 👏” — JoDeeLPS
“Can’t believe I am writing a review on lotion. But figure other folks may benefit. I was using Eucerin while it works it felt like something’s on my skin like a film also took ALOT longer to dry after applying, this CeraVe sinks into the skin instantly with NO greasy feel, skin is nourished deep down instead of a slippery film on top. This maybe the best hand cream I have ever tried and the best part - no smells whatsoever!!!” — Happy Amazonian
“I’ve searched for hand lotion for a long time. Could never seem to find the perfect lotion for me. I tried this lotion and I love it. It immediately soaks into your skin. Not greasy, and it’s unscented. Non of that slimy feeling you sometimes get from lotion. Also, when you need to wash your hands after applying the lotion, it leaves a small coating (layer) on your hands for that little extra protection after using soap and water which really surprised me and I love that little extra touch. The lotion tube is smaller then I expected but I set up a subscription. Lotion is a personal choice and I found mine” — Sandi c.
“This is the hand cream you have been looking for. It’s light, no sticky feeling, and has no scent at all. I have a bottle on my desk at work, one in my purse, one at home, and another in my gym bag. People at work seek me out to “borrow” some regularly. It has completely reversed my cracked cuticles and dry heels of my hands. 5 gold stars.” — Kate
“I was initially leery because this hand cream is slightly thinner than I’m used to, but it actually does a great job on my dry skin. It absorbs well and doesn’t leave a greasy feel. Best of all, unlike most of the creams I’ve found lately, they didn’t add an overbearing scent, so I never hesitate to reach for it. A+ in my book.” — Riverlizzie Reviews
Want even more hand creams? Try these high-intensity drugstore moisturizers with retinol previously recommended by HuffPost:
A hydrating lotion for sensitive skin
CeraVe is best known for its gentle, fragrance-free formulas — so it's a favorite amongst those with sensitive skin. If your dry hands enjoy long-lasting hydration minus any extra aromas, then check out this affordable body lotion. According to one Amazon reviewer, "It's not greasy, no strong smell, soaks into my skin. The way my skin looks after using is amazing! No more dry looking skin."
A cream for both face and body
Another great brand for dry sensitive skin is Cetaphil. This cream contains glycerin and vitamin B12 to maximize moisture retention minus any fragrance, parabens or sulfates. Amazon reviewer Carla Hernandez is a big fan of the lotion and wrote: "I have a very sensitive skin and this is a life saver for me. It absorbs very fast and leave a satin, smooth and healthy looking to my skin every day. The best part is that is no greasy at all and has no annoying scents that may interfere with my favorite perfume or splash."
A restorative body lotion for damaged skin barriers
Look to French skincare brand La Roche Posay for elevated drugstore products. This cream, for example, repairs damaged skin with shea butters, glycerins, ceramides, niacinamides, and more hydrating ingredients found in higher-end products. It currently has a 4.6-out-of-5-star rating and almost 25,000 ratings on Amazon. According to Amazon reviewer Jen Bass, "This lotion is extremely thick but a little goes a long way." She adds, "This lotion is well worth the money. It’s like a thick body butter that comes out of a pump. It leaves no residue or greasiness behind. My skin is so soft and hydrated. If you are on the fence trying to decide if you want to spend money on this lotion just buy it. You won’t regret it."
A non-greasy intensive moisturizer
Vanicream isn't the sexiest of skincare brands but what it lacks in glamour, it makes up for in effective and affordable products — so much so, this moisturizing cream has stepped into the TikTok spotlight. For just over $13 this lotion revives dry, cracked skin with its vitamin-packed and fragrance-free formula. One Amazon reviewer uses it as a restorative night cream and gave it five out of five stars. They wrote, "If you don’t like heavy creams, this is not for you, but if you need something that will help your dryness you might give this a try. I really like that. It comes with a pump and there is no scent."
A lightweight hand cream for on the go
This gentle moisturizing cream absorbs into the skin quickly thanks to its lightweight, whipped texture. Plus, it strengthens the skin barrier with colloidal oatmeal (ground oatmeal packed with fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals) and is suitable for all skin types. One Amazon reviewer claims they are "obsessed" with the way the small bottle fits in her purse and cures her dry spots within two days of use.
An affordable and effective healing hand cream
Gold Bond is a classic American brand for a reason: Its products deliver long-lasting results with practical ingredients and affordable prices. This small hand cream keeps hands soft with its added aloe vera and is perfect for on-the-go hydration. "I use it on my hands and also my feet," one Amazon reviewer said. "It spreads smoothly and really moisturizes. It is thick and not watery, is absorbed quickly and does not leave the skin feeling greasy. The scent is mild and not very noticeable - it is not something to use if you want a perfumy scent. Hours after I use it, my skin still feels soft and moisturized," they add.
A concentrated formula for cracked hands
This robust hand cream moisturizes and improves skin texture with its thick and heavy-duty formula. Per its 4.8-star rating and 37,000+ ratings on Amazon, it's a reliable find. According to one on-site reviewer, it's the only product that works. Jayden wrote: "I have really bad dry hands all throughout the year, this is the only stuff I have tried that heals my hands quickly."
The best hand cream for eczema
The Cicaplast Cream is another great option from La Roche-Posay. Leave the Triple Repair Cream in your bathroom and keep this 2-ounce bottle in your bag for moisturized hands around the clock. It is also accepted by the National Eczema Association, meaning it doesn't contain harmful chemicals.
Plenty of reviews mention its velvety finish and rejuvenating effects. One reviewer mentioned, "This cream started to work almost instantly!" She adds, "Not only did it help repair my skin but it’s actually making my hands look younger. I’m using this for life, I actually ordered a few more to keep in my car, purse, etc. I also love that it’s not greasy and absorbs quickly."
A vitamin-packed hand cream
Jack Black's signature blue bottles are good enough to gift—whether you pop one in a loved one's stocking or treat yourself to something nice. The Industrial Strength Hand Healer features vitamin A, vitamin E and macadamia nut oil that conditions and softens the skin. It also carries a refreshing eucalyptus scent. Amazon reviewer Jordan McAdams raves, "As a nurse and a wife to a husband whom works outside this is the best moisturizer. It is non-greasy, has a great scent and works at healing cracked skin fast. Have bought several times."