Having a good hand cream that moisturises skin has become an essential part of our daily routine, but what if we need more than hydration? These hardworking hand creams go a step further.

Whether it’s washing our hands too much, using lots of hand sanitiser or not drinking enough water, we need to put moisture back into our hands to relieve dry skin daily. But if you need more than just nourishment from your hand cream, these products go a step further. From calming lotion for super-irritated skin, to sun protection with built-in SPF, these hardworking heroes are great handbag staples.
For a lasting scent: The Handmade Soap Company Lemongrass & Cedarwood Hand Cream (€13.95)
Kind to all hands and especially nourishing to dry, tired skin, this lovely rich cream from the Handmade Soap Company absorbs quickly, leaving behind a glorious smell of lemongrass. Made in Ireland.
For extremely dry hands: Eucerin Urea Repair Plus 5% Hand Cream (€8.99)
This cream immediately relieves extremely dry and chapped hands. It provides 48-hour relief so if you have a tendency to forget to moisturise your hands, this one’s a great choice. It has been clinically proven to deliver both immediate relief and for very dry, rough and strained hands, even after repeated hand-washing. The cream absorbs quickly and is suitable for those with xerosis, psoriasis, diabetes and mature skin.
For eczema-prone skin: E45 Eczema Repair Emollient Cream (€17.50)
The E45 Eczema Repair Emollient Cream has a triple-action formula designed to treat symptoms of eczema. With a high level of humectants to draw water in and ingredients that help to reduce water loss, it ensures your hands are kept smooth and moisturised all day long.
Best for kids: Child’s Farm Moisturiser Grapefruit and Organic Tea Tree Oil (€3.78)
Not only does it smell clean and fresh, the Child’s Farm moisturiser is suitable for sensitive skin as it uses natural ‘free-from’ ingredients and essential oils. It can be used on newborns and bigger children as it’s dermatologically tested and approved.
For a non-oily finish: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hands (€7.50)
If you’re looking for a cream to repair your skin’s protective barrier without leaving a sticky and oily feeling, this cream is the one to pick up. It contains Niacinamide 4% and Glycerin 30% which makes skin appear softer, less dry and makes signs of irritation disparear.
Built-in SPF: Bioderma Cicabio 50+ Soothing Repair Cream(€10.80)
Bioderma Cicabio Creme Soothing Repairing Cream with SPF 50 helps to repair damaged skin that is exposed to the sun. The high SPF protection limits the risk of hyperpigmentation and aging and with hyaluronic acid, a major skin component recognised for its regenerating capacity, it provides optimal moisturising.