Best Hand Cream for Eczema-Prone Skin: What to Look For
The best hand cream for eczema-prone skin is a thick, gentle cream with no synthetic fragrance that you'll actually reapply after every hand wash. Look for moisture-locking ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, glycerin and ceramides, skip fragrance and harsh alcohols, and apply it right after washing while your hands are still a little damp. Here's what to look for, what to avoid, and the hand cream we make.
Why hands with eczema need a different cream
Hands get washed, sanitized and exposed to cleaners, cold air and water far more than any other part of the body. Every wash strips a little more moisture from the skin barrier, which is why dry, cracked, itchy hands are so common for people with eczema-prone skin. The National Eczema Association recommends moisturizing your hands every time you wash them. A thin, watery lotion often isn't enough. A richer hand cream holds moisture in longer.
What to look for in a hand cream for eczema-prone skin
- No synthetic fragrance. Fragrance is one of the most common skin irritants. Read the ingredient list, not just the front label.
- Moisture-locking ingredients. Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, cocoa butter, glycerin, ceramides and petrolatum all help skin hold on to water.
- A cream, not a lotion. Creams are thicker and stay on hands longer between washes.
- Fast absorbing. If it's too greasy to use at work, you won't reapply it. Find one that sinks in.
- Trusted seals and testing. The NEA Seal of Acceptance™ and dermatologist patch testing are helpful signs.
What to avoid
- Synthetic fragrance and strong essential oils
- Drying alcohols high on the ingredient list
- Harsh, heavily scented hand soaps and frequent sanitizer without moisturizing after
- Very hot water when washing your hands
Our pick: Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream
We made our Oatmeal Hand Cream for dry, sensitive, eczema-prone hands. It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™, won Allure's 2020 Best of Beauty award for hand cream, and went through a dermatologist-run repeat insult patch test. Colloidal oatmeal, avocado oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, honey and aloe make it rich, but it absorbs quickly and isn't greasy. It's free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and SLS, with no synthetic fragrance. It also comes in a 2 oz travel size for your bag or car.
One honest note: it contains avocado (Persea gratissima) oil and shea butter, plus cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil and chamomile and calendula extracts. If anyone in your home has a nut, avocado or botanical allergy, check the ingredient list with your doctor first.
How to use hand cream on eczema-prone hands
- Wash gently. Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap like our Gentle Foaming Hand Soap. Pat dry.
- Moisturize within a few minutes. Apply a small amount while hands are still slightly damp to help lock in water.
- Reapply after every wash. Keep a tube at each sink, at your desk and in your bag.
- Go heavier at night. Apply a thicker layer before bed and wear breathable cotton gloves to keep it on.
- Protect your hands. Wear gloves for dishes, cleaning and cold weather.
When to see a doctor
If your hands are cracked, bleeding, blistering, oozing or very painful, or if dryness doesn't improve after a couple of weeks of regular moisturizing, see a dermatologist. A hand cream is a daily moisturizer, not a substitute for medical care. Our guide to hand eczema and our post on dyshidrotic eczema cover common triggers and daily habits.
Wearing cotton gloves over a rich cream at night is an easy add. Here's our guide to cotton gloves for eczema-prone hands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hand cream for eczema-prone skin?
Choose a thick, gentle hand cream with no synthetic fragrance and moisture-locking ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, glycerin or ceramides. Look for the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™, patch test first, and ask your dermatologist if your hands are cracked or painful.
Does Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream have the NEA Seal?
Yes. Our Oatmeal Hand Cream has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance™.
Is it greasy?
No. It's a rich cream that absorbs quickly, so you can reapply after every hand wash without leaving marks on paper or your phone.
Does it contain nuts or fragrance?
There is no synthetic fragrance. It contains avocado (Persea gratissima) oil and shea butter, plus cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil and chamomile and calendula extracts. If you have a nut, avocado or botanical allergy, review the full ingredient list with your doctor first.
Can our kids use it?
Yes, it's gentle for all ages. Patch test first, and check with your pediatrician if your child's hands are cracked, bleeding or very irritated.
How often should I apply hand cream?
After every hand wash and before bed. For very dry hands, apply a thicker layer at night and wear cotton gloves.
The bottom line
For eczema-prone hands, the best hand cream is a gentle, rich one you'll use after every wash: no synthetic fragrance, full of moisture-locking ingredients, and quick to absorb. Moisturize often, protect your hands, and see your doctor if they flare.
Sources
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