We test three hand creams at all price points – one doesn’t leave sticky residue
UNTIL recently, I’ve never really suffered with dry hands, and the idea of using sticky, clammy hand cream was a big ick.
All that changed last month when the cold weather left them tight and itchy, so I put loads to the test and these are my favourites.
Budget
GARNIER Hand Superfood Cocoa & Ceramide (£2.49 for 75ml, boots.com): Garnier is one of my favourite affordable skincare brands – there aren’t many others who manage to combine clever, ingredient-first formulas and prioritise sustainability without costing a fortune.
This formula is more balm-like and created for very dry and rough hands.
Because of that, I found it a bit too heavy for everyday use and didn’t love the waxy barrier it left behind, although it’s a great one to apply before bed and leave on overnight.
If you have dry, cracked hands, look no further – and it costs less than a cuppa from a coffee shop too!
Mid-range
L’OCCITANE Shea Butter Hand Cream, (£23 for 150ml, uk.loccitane.com): If you’ve seen the viral “hand cheese” videos on Tiktok, you’ll know this formula is extremely thick.
It takes a little longer to massage into the skin than a lighter formula, but I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t leave a sticky or greasy residue despite its consistency.
A little bit goes a really long way, it’s unscented so it won’t sting on dry patches or interfere with any perfume, and even when it’s fully absorbed the hands feel hydrated for hours.
It’s my new favourite, and even though I’m using it multiple times a day for the last few weeks, I’ve hardly made a dent in the tube.
Luxury
DR SAM’S Flawless Hand Therapy (£15 for 50ml, drsambunting.com): Most luxurious hand creams are packed full of fragrance which I find off-putting, so this dermatologist-made formula is a great alternative.
Packed with high-performing ingredients such as bakuchiol, niacinamide, squalane and anti-bacterial zinc to help bolster the skin microbiome and reduce signs of sun-damage like pigmentation as well as moisturising, it’s really a case of you get what you pay for.
The texture is the most lightweight of the three I tried here, and there’s no trace of stickiness once applied.
The long-term benefits are also better than any other hand cream I’ve tested.
Pick of the week
HEADS up! For Mother’s Day next Sunday, No7 has launched a range of great-value gift sets so you can cement your position as favourite child .
My picks are the best-selling No 7 Future Renew Collection, £39.95 (worth £80.87) which caused queues around the block when it launched last year, or the nine-piece No 7 Spring Collection for £44.95 (worth £121.60).