If you’re struggling with dry, cracked, or irritated hands, you’re far from alone. Cold weather, constant hand washing, and everyday wear and tear can strip your skin of essential moisture. The good news? Choosing a good lotion for dry hands, with the right ingredients can transform your skin quickly.
At Lucy Victoria London, we’ve handpicked the best hand creams for dry skin, each packed with proven, nourishing ingredients that soothe, hydrate, and protect. Below, discover our top recommendations (tried and tested) — and why these ingredients work so well for dry, sensitive, and overworked hands.
✨🌿 Top Recommended Tried & Tested Lotions for Dry Hands (with Key Ingredients & Benefits) Our Honest Review
Why this blog is different – Instead of simply listing lotions, this is based on real-life testing: we tried each cream/lotion ourselves to see what really delivers lasting softness and hydration. These products are selected for their effectiveness, clean formulations, and luxurious feel.
✨ 1. Neal's Yard Remedies - English Lavender & Calendula Hand Lotion (200ml)
A gentle, calming formula blended with lavender and calendula that helps soothe sensitive or dry skin. Perfect to keep at your desk or by the bedside. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry, sensitive, irritated hands
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
Thick and creamy, smell and beautiful detailed packaging
Before you buy, know this:
Bottle is rather big and cannot easily fit in a bag
Rating Level 5/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
💜 English Lavender Oil – Calming, anti-inflammatory, perfect for stressed or itchy hands
🌼 Calendula Extract – Boosts skin repair and helps soothe cracks or irritation
🌻 Sunflower Seed Oil – Rich in vitamin E for a soft, smooth finish
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This is one of the best natural hand creams for dry skin—deeply hydrating yet gentle enough for sensitive hands.
How to use:
1.Apply to freshly cleansed hands
2. Warm the lotion by warming it between your palms
3. Apply to fingers, nails, cuticles and the back of the hands
4. For results you’ll love, use with our English Lavender & Calendula Hand Wash
✨ 2. Neal's Yard Remedies - Defend & Protect Hand Lotion (185ml)
Lightweight yet effective, this hand lotion helps reinforce the skin barrier — ideal for frequent hand washers. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry hands from frequent washing
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
Thick and creamy texture, absorbs into the skin easily and non greasy feel
Before you buy, know this:
Bottle is rather big and cannot easily fit in a bag
Rating Level 5/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🌿🌾 Tea Tree & Lemongrass – Natural antibacterial protection
🌱 Aloe Vera – Moisturising, cooling, and healing
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: If your hands feel constantly tight or dehydrated, this lightweight lotion helps restore moisture while protecting the skin barrier.
How to use: Apply regularly, paying special attention to your nails and the backs of your hands
✨ 3. Jo Loves - A Hand Lotion Fig Trees (375ml)
Rich, deeply moisturising and beautifully fragranced — the fig trees scent gives a calming, almost spa-like feel. A treat for dry hands and your senses. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Everyday luxury for dry hands
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
– Locks in moisture
– Not sticky
– Chic packaging
– Light fresh smell fresh
– Thin but feels very moisturised when product is on
– Good moisturising
– Quick drying
– Lasting residue
– A little goes along way
Before you buy, know this:
– The bottle is generously sized, making it great for at-home use
– This product has a noticeably strong fragrance, which some with sensitive skin might want to keep in mind
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🧈 Shea Butter – Intensely nourishing
💦 Glycerin – A moisture magnet that draws hydration into the skin
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: A light fast-absorbing lotion with a beautifully earthy scent — ideal for keeping hands soft throughout the day.
How to use:To unlock, twist the pump anticlockwise. Dispense a small amount onto your hands and gently massage it in. For the ultimate scented experience, pair your Hand Lotion with the matching Hand Wash.
✨ 4. Jo Loves - A Hand Lotion Seville Orange & Neroli (375ml)
If you prefer something more citrusy, this is your match. The formula hydrates while leaving a zesty, elegant scent. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry hands needing anti-dullness + hydration
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
– Sweet but fresh scent
– Rich texture
– Greasy but locks in moisture
– Strong orange scent
– Quick drying
– Lasting residue
– A little goes along way
Before you buy, know this:
– The bottle is generously sized, making it great for at-home use
– This product has a noticeably strong fragrance, which some with sensitive skin might want to keep in mind
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
💐 Neroli Oil – Encourages skin regeneration
🍊 Orange Extracts – Brightening and uplifting
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: Perfect for daytime use, with a fresh citrus scent and deep moisturising benefits.
How to use: To unlock, twist the pump anticlockwise. Dispense a small amount onto your hands and gently massage it in. For the ultimate scented experience, pair your Hand Lotion with the matching Hand Wash.*
✨ 5. Jo Loves - Eucalyptus & Cedar Woods Hand Lotion (375ml)
This is a lovely, slightly woody hand lotion that feels really nourishing. The eucalyptus adds a refreshing edge; the cedar gives depth. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Nourishing hydration with a spa-like aroma
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
– Light scent more woody than eucalyptus
– Greasy but locks in moisture
– A lovely wooded scent without being overpowering, easily absorbed and moisturises very well
– Quick drying
– Lasting residue
– A little goes along way
Before you buy, know this:
– The bottle is generously sized, making it great for at-home use
– This product has a noticeably strong fragrance, which some with sensitive skin might want to keep in mind
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🌿 Eucalyptus – Refreshing + antibacterial
🪵 Cedarwood – Helps soothe dryness and balance skin
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: Leaves hands hydrated, smooth, and delicately scented.
How to use: To unlock, twist the pump anticlockwise. Dispense a small amount onto your hands and gently massage it in. For the ultimate scented experience, pair your Hand Lotion with the matching Hand Wash.
✨ 6. Clarins - Super Restorative Age-Control Hand Cream (100ml)
A rich, anti-ageing hand cream that deeply moisturises and helps with signs of ageing on the hands. Great for dry, mature hands. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Mature, dry, thinning skin
What We Like About This Product (tried and tested):
*
Before you buy, know this:
*
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🍃 Harungana Extract – Firms and rejuvenates
🧈 Shea Butter – Deeply hydrating
🌰 Baobab Extract – Supports barrier function and reduces roughness
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This is one of the best anti-ageing hand creams — improves dryness, texture, and the appearance of dark spots.
How to use: Use in the morning and throughout the day
✨ 7. Neal's Yard Remedies - Frankincense Intense Hand Treatment Serum (50ml)
Specifically formulated for hardworking or very dry hands. This should be your go-to if you need something more concentrated for cracked or overworked skin. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry, mature hands needing firming, smoothing & deep nourishment
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
– Scent is not overpowering and gentle
– Texture is thin and gives good coverage, spreads further
– Fast absorbing and a little goes a long way
– Very moisturising leaving hands very soft
– Good size bottle
Before you buy, know this:
Scent not very strong
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🪔 Frankincense Active Phyto Complex – Clinically proven to target signs of ageing and improve skin firmness
🌰 💐 Organic Oils & Botanical Extracts – Provide long-lasting hydration and help restore suppleness
💧 Hyaluronic Acid – Delivers intense moisture and plumps the appearance of fine lines
🍃Gardenia Stem Cells – Support skin renewal and boost radiance
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This luxurious treatment is designed for hands that show signs of dryness, ageing, or loss of elasticity. The formula absorbs beautifully, giving your hands a smoother, firmer, more youthful appearance while providing deep hydration. If you’re looking for an anti-ageing hand cream for very dry hands, this is a standout choice.
How to use:
1.Use as a twice daily treatment, morning and evening
2. Massage a small amount into skin, nails and cuticles
3. Take a moment to inhale the relaxing aroma
✨ 8. Clarins - Hand & Nail Treatment Cream (100ml)
Ideal for on-the-go or for popping in your bag. Nourishes nails as well as the skin — a compact but powerful hydrator. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Hydrated hands + healthy nails
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
*
Before you buy, know this:
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
*Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🌰 Sesame Oil – Softens hands without leaving a greasy residue
🌿 Myrrh Extract – Helps strengthen nails and soften cuticles
🧈 Shea Butter – Provides long-lasting hydration and nourishment
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This perfectly sized, on-the-go hand cream deeply moisturises while caring for nails and cuticles. It leaves hands feeling soft, smooth, and protected — making it an excellent everyday choice for dry hands.
How to use: Any time of day!
🌱 What Ingredients Should You Look For In A Good Lotion For Dry Hands?
These powerhouse ingredients are key to restoring and protecting dry skin:
✔ Shea Butter 🧈
Deep hydration + barrier repair
✔ Glycerin 💦
Pulls moisture into dry skin and keeps it there
✔ Botanical Extracts 💐
Lavender, calendula, neroli, cedarwood and eucalyptus soothe irritation and nourish skin
✔ Natural Oils (Sunflower, Sesame, Baobab) 🌻
Rich in vitamins that protect and soften hands
✔ Aloe Vera 🌱
Cooling relief for irritated or overwashed hands
✔ Barrier Support Ingredients 🛡️
Stearic acid & plant oils help rebuild damaged skin
These ingredients are clinically proven to help treat very dry hands, rough texture, cracking, and irritation.
🧴💧 Why These Recommended Lotions Work For Dry Hands
Moisture replenishment: Many of these creams contain plant oils, butters, or glycerin that help lock in moisture.
Skin barrier support: Lightweight lotions like the Neal’s Yard “Defend & Protect” help reinforce the skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential when your hands feel tight or flaky.
Soothing ingredients: Lavender, calendula, and other botanicals offer calming benefits, which is ideal for irritated or delicate dry skin.
Variety of textures: Whether you prefer a thick, rich cream (like the Working Hands one) or something lighter (Jo Loves lotions), there’s something in this list for every preference.
Stylish packaging: Let’s not forget — these look beautiful on your dresser or bathroom shelf, which encourages regular use!
🌿🤲 Our Tips On How To Treat Dry Hands Effectively
For best results, follow these simple steps:
Apply after washing: Use your hand lotion immediately after washing or sanitising to trap moisture before it evaporates.
Night-time treatment: For very dry hands, apply a generous amount before bed and wear light cotton gloves — this helps the lotion absorb deeply.
Keep one at your desk: So you’re more likely to reapply during the day, especially if you’ve washed your hands.
Ingredients: Choose formulas with glycerin, shea butter, or soothing extracts
Protection: Wear gloves in cold weather to protect your skin
Be consistent: Regular use makes the biggest difference. Dry hands don’t improve overnight, but staying consistent helps.
At Lucy Victoria London, we believe hand care is not just a necessity, it’s a moment of self-care. By choosing a hand lotion that suits your skin type, and keeping it close by throughout your day, you can protect and pamper your hands in style.
✨🤍 Final Thoughts: The Best Hand Cream for Dry Hands Starts with Quality Ingredients
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious everyday lotion, a natural hand cream, or an intensive treatment for cracked hands, the Lucy Victoria London collection offers something for every skin type and concern. Each product is thoughtfully selected for its performance, ingredients, and results.
Hand Lotion For Extremely Dry Skin
✨ 1. Neal's Yard Remedies - Citrus Hand Softener (50g)
A rich, intensive hand treatment designed to deeply nourish and soften very dry hands. This balm-like formula melts into the skin, delivering lasting moisture and a fresh citrus scent. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London.
Best for: Very dry, rough hands needing intensive nourishment
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
*
Before you buy, know this:
*
Rating Level /5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
*Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🍋 Citrus Essential Oils – Refreshing and uplifting, help revive tired skin
🧈✨ Shea Butter – Deeply moisturises and softens rough, dry hands
🌿 Plant Oils & Waxes – Help lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This concentrated hand softener is ideal for hands that need extra care. Perfect as an overnight treatment or for areas of extreme dryness, it leaves hands feeling deeply nourished, smooth, and comforted.
How to use: Apply to dry, rough or cracked skin to soothe and soften.
✨ 2. Jo Loves - A Hand Cream Pomelo
(50ml)
A fresh, lightweight hand cream designed to hydrate and revitalise dry hands while delivering an uplifting citrus scent. This elegant formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, smooth, and beautifully refreshed. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry hands needing lightweight hydration + a bright citrus fragrance
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
*Leaves hand very soft, non greasy and lightweight texture
Before you buy, know this:
*Bottle is rather big and cannot easily fit in a bag
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
*Key Ingredients & Benefits:
💧 Glycerin – Attracts moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration
🧈 Shea Butter – Softens and nourishes without a heavy or greasy feel
🍊 Pomelo – Crisp, energising citrus notes that refresh the senses
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This fast-absorbing hand cream provides effective hydration while feeling light and comfortable on the skin. Ideal for everyday use, it keeps hands smooth, moisturised, and delicately scented — perfect for dry hands that need a refreshing lift.
How to use: Massage a small amount into your hands to moisturise your skin, and reapply as necessary throughout the day. Formulated with mimosa wax for softening and soothing hands, this Hand Cream is packed with nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter, Jojoba, Almond Oil, and Vitamin E.
✨ 3. Neal's Yard Remedies - Geranium & Orange Hand Lotion (200ml)
A refreshing, lightweight hand lotion designed to hydrate and protect dry hands without feeling heavy. Infused with uplifting citrus and floral botanicals, this formula leaves skin soft, smooth, and delicately scented. 🔗Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry hands needing lightweight hydration + uplifting fragrance
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
*Leaves hand very soft, non greasy and lightweight texture
Before you buy, know this:
*Bottle is rather big and cannot easily fit in a bag
Rating Level 5/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🍊 Orange Essential Oil – Refreshing and energising, helps revive tired skin
🌸 Geranium Essential Oil – Balances and soothes dry, stressed hands
🌿 Plant Oils & Botanical Extracts – Support hydration and help protect the skin barrier
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This beautifully light hand lotion absorbs quickly while delivering lasting moisture. Ideal for daytime use or frequent application, it keeps hands hydrated, soft, and comfortably smooth with a fresh, uplifting scent.
How to use:
1. Apply to freshly cleansed skin or as required.
2. Gently massage into hands and wrists.
3. Pay special attention to your nails and the backs of your hands.
Lotion For Winter Hands
✨ 1. Jo Loves - A Hand Cream Jo By Jo Loves (50ml)
A beautifully lightweight yet nourishing hand cream designed to hydrate, soften and comfort dry hands. This elegant formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin smooth and delicately scented — perfect for everyday hand care. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry hands needing lightweight hydration + a soft, clean scent
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
*A very light and fast absorbing moisturiser, a little goes along way. Very good for handbag
Before you buy, know this:
*Scent not very strong.
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
💧 Glycerin – Draws moisture into the skin for long-lasting hydration
🧈 Shea Butter – Nourishes and softens without feeling heavy
🌸 Fragrance Blend – Delicate, clean scent that feels fresh and comforting
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This hand cream is ideal for those who prefer a fast-absorbing formula that still delivers effective hydration. It keeps hands soft, smooth and comfortable throughout the day, making it a lovely everyday essential for dry hands.
How to use: Massage a small amount into your hands to moisturise your skin, and reapply as necessary throughout the day. Formulated with mimosa wax for softening and soothing hands, this Hand Cream is packed with nourishing ingredients like Shea Butter, Jojoba, Almond Oil, and Vitamin E.
✨ 2. Neal's Yard Remedies - Bee Lovely Hand Cream (50ml)
Ideal for on the go or for popping in your bag. Nourishes nails as well as the skin, a compact but powerful hydrator. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry hands needing gentle hydration + uplifting scent
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
*
Before you buy, know this:
*
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🍯 Honey – Naturally nourishing and helps soften dry skin
🐝 Beeswax – Protects the skin barrier and locks in moisture
🍊 Organic Orange Essential Oil – Refreshing, uplifting and gently cleansing
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This beautifully lightweight yet nourishing hand cream hydrates without feeling heavy or greasy. Perfect for everyday use, it leaves hands feeling soft, protected, and delicately scented — ideal for dry hands that need gentle care throughout the day.
How to use:
1. Apply a small amount to hands after washing or as desired.
2. Pay special attention to the nails and the back of your hands.
✨ 3. Neal's Yard Remedies - Wild Rose Hand Cream (50ml)
A beautifully nourishing hand cream designed to restore softness, radiance and comfort to dry hands. Enriched with antioxidant-rich wild rose oil, this formula helps revive tired skin while delivering lasting hydration. 🔗 Find it here on Lucy Victoria London
Best for: Dry, dull hands needing radiance + nourishment
What we like about this product (tried and tested):
*
Before you buy, know this:
*
Rating Level 4/5
Hydration Level ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Key Ingredients & Benefits:
🌹 Wild Rosehip Oil – Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids to help brighten and smooth the skin
🧈 Shea Butter – Deeply moisturises and softens rough, dry hands
🌿 Plant Oils & Botanical Extracts – Help restore hydration and support the skin barrier
✔ Why it’s great for dry hands: This luxurious yet fast-absorbing hand cream delivers long-lasting moisture while helping hands look healthier and more radiant. Ideal for everyday use, it leaves skin feeling smooth, comforted, and delicately scented.
How to use:
1. Massage into hands after washing or as desired.
2. Pay special attention to your nails and the backs of your hands.
*Disclaimer
We personally selected and tested each of these lotions. While the links provided are affiliate links, our reviews remain honest and are based on genuine results. For more information, please refer to our FAQs.
🤍 ✨ Your Turn
Have you used any of these creams/lotions? Send us an email at services@lucyvictorialondon.com and tell us what worked (or what didn’t!) for you. We will keep refining our chosen “hand care hall-of-fame” based on real feedback ♡ thank you!
