Updated on 8 June 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Simple yet effective, this cream has a melting texture, is easy to apply and is rich in antioxidants. Not only does it leave hands moisturised, soft and cared for, but it is also delicately scented.
Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating (50 ml)
The brand, renowned for its reliability, is back with its moisturising and nourishing cream, ideal for dry, damaged hands and more mature skin, thanks to its richness in antioxidants. Although its melting texture absorbs quickly, in our tests it left our hands with a slightly oilier finish than others. We also found its pomegranate fragrance to be more original, fresh and fruity. The bottle is easy to open by unscrewing the cap. We also noticed that it moisturised the skin well, even when it was drier. In addition to shea butter, sesame and sunflower oils nourish and soften the skin. Like all Weleda products, this cream is organic and carries the Nature label, as well as being vegan.
Some of the hand creams we tested. Our hands need to be moisturised after the aggressions of washing and hydro-alcoholic gel. There are different specific effects: moisturising, nourishing, and anti-ageing... In general, the thicker the cream, the more nourishing it is. The best thing to do? Choose a cream that penetrates easily and quickly, without leaving a greasy film. If possible, opt for shea butter and vegetable oils instead of mineral oils. They usually come in 30-75ml tubes for use on the go or at home.
Le Petit Marseillais Nutrition (75 ml)
With its non-greasy texture, this cream offers extremely attractive value for money. It contains many interesting active ingredients that moisturise even very dry skin.
In our tests, we found that the texture of this hand cream was not too greasy. We found that it moisturised the skin very well, even in drier areas such as elbows. We had tried the body lotion from the same range in the past and found it to smell a little different (unlike other brands that make sure all their products in the same range smell the same). In this case, the fragrance is natural and almondy. No wonder, because if you look at the composition, it contains sweet almond oil. Argan oil and shea butter complete the active ingredients of the cream. However, the composition could be improved, although it is already a little better than the Repair version that we also tested.
Formulated to meet the needs of mature skin, in particular by reducing pigmentation spots, it is very popular for its effectiveness on dry hands and its exemplary composition.
Cattier Organic Anti-Stain (75 ml)
In addition to its effectiveness in reducing the appearance and number of pigmentation spots on the hands, it is also appreciated for its moisturising effects. In fact, during our tests, we observed that it moisturised even the driest skin. The skin was softer after a few hours while the cream was taking effect. The texture didn’t feel too greasy, but it did feel a bit more oily. The scent seemed a little more distinctive (almost powdery), smelling more like clay, like some face masks. Its organic composition is the best in this article and convinces thanks to the presence of shea butter, white clay, evening primrose oil, olive oil and aloe vera.
Mixa Cica Intense Repair (50 ml)
It is the cream with the least pronounced odour in this comparison. We, therefore, recommend it to those who are more sensitive to fragrances or who want a more discreet cream.
During our tests, we found that this cream had an ointment-like texture and was, therefore, a little greasier than the others. However, our hands did not feel slippery after application. It also stood out for its light fragrance. Floral (close to jasmine), is more discreet than the other creams tested, making it ideal for people with a more sensitive sense of smell (or those prone to olfactory headaches). Thanks to the presence of shea butter, it moisturised our skin well, even on the driest elbows. It also contains vitamin E and provitamin B5 (skin conditioners) to complete the active ingredients. However, the rest of its composition could be better, although it is not disastrous either (silicones, PEGs…).
This hand cream contains a high concentration of shea butter to care for dry and damaged hands. Its texture, fragrance and different formats are little extras that make all the difference.
L’Occitane Nutritiva Karité (30 ml)
With a formula based on 20% organic shea butter, it is one of the best creams for damaged hands. During our tests, we found it particularly effective, more so than other creams. Its denser texture meant we had to use less, but it took a little longer to penetrate the skin. The finish is not greasy at all, which is practical for everyday use. Also, the cap is easy to unscrew and screw back on, even after applying the cream. We found its fragrance a little atypical and less feminine, which would appeal more to men. It is also available in several sizes, so it is easy to carry in your handbag or store in the bathroom. The only drawback is its composition, which could be improved (PEG, six different allergens, synthetic polymers, etc.).
Our selection
| Our choice, Best high-end | Best budget | Best mid-range | Mid-range alternative | High-end alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | |
| Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating (50 ml) | Le Petit Marseillais Nutrition (75 ml) | Cattier Organic Anti-Stain (75 ml) | Mixa Cica Intense Repair (50 ml) | L’Occitane Nutritiva Karité (30 ml) |
| Simple yet effective, this cream has a melting texture, is easy to apply and is rich in antioxidants. Not only does it leave hands moisturised, soft and cared for, but it is also delicately scented. | With its non-greasy texture, this cream offers extremely attractive value for money. It contains many interesting active ingredients that moisturise even very dry skin. | Formulated to meet the needs of mature skin, in particular by reducing pigmentation spots, it is very popular for its effectiveness on dry hands and its exemplary composition. | It is the cream with the least pronounced odour in this comparison. We, therefore, recommend it to those who are more sensitive to fragrances or who want a more discreet cream. | This hand cream contains a high concentration of shea butter to care for dry and damaged hands. Its texture, fragrance and different formats are little extras that make all the difference. |
| £ 18.00 on Amazon | £ 2.40 on Amazon | £ 12.99 on Amazon | £ 9.41 on Amazon | See the price on Amazon |
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How did we test?
First of all, we looked at the texture and the effect each of the creams left on our skin. We also assessed their fragrance and efficacy (on our hands, but also on our elbows, where the skin was drier).
We then analysed the practicality of its packaging (easy to open and close). Finally, we carried out a detailed analysis of the composition of the creams.
| Name | Texture | Fragrance | Effectiveness | Opening / closing | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating | Slightly more oily than the rest | Fresh, natural, fruity | 4/5 | Unscrew / screw | 4/5 |
| Le Petit Marseillais Nutrition | Not too oily | Natural, almond | 4/5 | Unclip / Clip | 3/5 |
| Cattier Organic Anti-Stain | Not too greasy, but more sticky | Clay | 4/5 | Unscrew / screw | 4/5 |
| Mixa Cica Intense Repair | Ointment-like | Lighter, floral | 4/5 | Unclip / Clip | 3/5 |
| L’Occitane Karité | Non-greasy, thicker | Less feminine | 5/5 | Unscrew / screw | 2/5 |
| Le Petit Marseillais Réparation | Not too oily | Strong and spicy | 4/5 | Unclip / Clip | 3/5 |
| La Provençale La Pommade Nutrition | Not too oily | Very natural | 4/5 | Unclip / Clip | 4/5 |
How to choose your hand cream?
This year, the need to moisturise hands as winter approaches increases tenfold due to the aggressions associated with ultra-frequent washing and intensive use of hydroalcoholic gel. More than ever, the importance of finding an effective cream – such as a mild hand soap – is obvious.
However, the choice is so wide that it is sometimes difficult to know which one to choose. But it all depends in part on the effects you are looking for (ultra-nourishing for damaged hands, anti-ageing for mature skin, etc.). We have listed several essential criteria that you should pay attention to before purchasing:
- Texture: in general, the thicker the cream, the more nourishing it is. That said, it is always a good idea to test the product before you buy it to check that it penetrates easily and quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky finish on the skin (which can be very uncomfortable if you need to touch objects directly after application).
- Composition: one of the star ingredients in hand creams is shea butter, appreciated for its rapid absorption, but above all for its ability to keep the skin moisturised while protecting and softening it. As a general rule, we advise you to choose vegetable oils rather than mineral oils (very controversial) and to pay close attention to ingredients suspected of being dangerous (BHT, phenoxyethanol, etc.).
- Packaging: Hand creams usually come in small tubes (30, 50 or 75ml). Many brands offer different sizes so you can easily use the cream at home or on the go.
Other hand creams we recommend
Le Petit Marseillais Réparation (£2.30 / 30 ml upon publication): an economical alternative. Very similar to the Nutrition version we recommend in the main selection, this cream does not contain argan or sweet almond oil. Instead, the brand has added aloe vera and beeswax. We found it to be just as moisturising as the other, but we wouldn’t recommend it, especially for very damaged skin (with scars, for example). We simply prefer the other version because it has a much more pleasant scent and a richer composition.
La Provençale Pommade Nutrition (£7.53 / 75 ml upon publication): one of the most popular. During our tests, we found this cream to be quite moisturising and not too greasy. As a result, our hands did not tend to slip after application. The clip-on cap is easy to open and close. In terms of composition, there are interesting active ingredients such as shea butter, olive oil and aloe vera leaf juice. However, it contains eight different allergens. In the end, it was its natural fragrance that led us to leave it out of our selection, as it is very peculiar and not to everyone’s taste (it reminds us a bit of mosquito repellent, as it doesn’t smell like lemongrass).
Another tested hand cream
Nivea Intense hydration (£1.95 / 30 ml upon publication): When we tried it, we found it a little greasier than the Le Petit Marseillais creams. It also seemed to have less moisturising power and its smell reminded us of baby products…
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
