Understanding actives in hand cream—are you getting a helping hand or a handful of hype?

We find out if they really are the crème de la crème or just a slippery slope.

Mar 24, 2023 | by Sanika Salunke

Have you noticed how hand creams have been blowing up lately? We may have said our goodbyes to the chilly season, but in 2023, hand creams have become a must-have all-year-round. And with everyone jumping the natural and active ingredient-based skincare bandwagon, it's no shocker that active ingredients in hand creams have become all the rage right now.

But before we add it to our shelves, let's take a moment to consider if they actually deliver the promised benefits, or if our hands really need actives. It's time to see what the pros (aka dermatologists) have to say about them. So, shall we plunge right in?

The scientific scoop on active ingredients

Hand creams are the real MVP when it comes to keeping your hands looking and feeling their best at all times. Regular use of hand creams can prevent outbreaks from all the chemicals we deal with in our lives. A study by BMC Dermatology says that using hand cream right after washing your hands can keep your skin from drying out and getting rough. Active ingredients combined with natural oils are a gift for your hands from the skincare goddesses. A research in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that creams with sweet almond oil worked better than the ones with no active ingredients. Almond oil has been a go-to for curing eczema and psoriasis for generations. Plus, it's loaded with oleic and linoleic acids that shield your skin.

The usual suspects of hand cream formulations and their properties

Shea butter: It's straight up overflowing with fatty acids and vitamins A, E, and F—the perfect addition to any hand cream.

Glycerin: It holds onto moisture and will safeguard your hands from harm while keeping them moisturised.

Aloe Vera: This plant-based substance is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will give your skin some major TLC.

Ceramides: Your skin's outer layer contains lipid molecules called ceramides that help protect it from environmental stressors. Using a hand cream with ceramides is like giving your skin an extra boost, preventing loss of moisture, and improving texture.

Urea: Before you get grossed out, urea is a natural compound found in your skin. It helps regulate your skin's moisture levels and is a gentle exfoliant. Hand creams with urea as their key ingredient works wonders!

Vitamin E: This antioxidant is a superhero for your skin. It helps protect it from damage caused by free radicals and can even calm down irritated skin. Talk about a multitasker!

Sweet Almond Oil: It's essentially loaded with fatty acids, making it a power drink for your skin. It'll hydrate and soothe, leaving your skin smooth and supple. Magic potion, anyone?

Colloidal Oatmeal: This finely ground oatmeal suspended in a liquid is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse that'll soothe dry, itchy skin. Who knew breakfast could do that?

(There are obviously many more actives, but these are some of the most effective ones!)

A US-based board certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, advises to look for emollients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or natural oils. Moreover, check out occlusive substances like glycerin, petrolatum, sunflower oil, or jojoba oil if you want to lock that moisture in. “In medicine, we use it in wound dressings to provide optimal habitat for healing and prevent bacterial contamination,” she adds. Oh, and make sure you say ‘no’ to fragrance-based creams—especially if your skin is already chapped because that could cause real irritation. With the right combo of actives, hand creams can keep our hands on fleek all year round.

There are tons of brands out there with all kinds of active ingredients. But we have listed down the most popular and most effective ones below.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream