By Lucy Corkhill
04th February 2014
I have tried many hand-creams in my time and come to the conclusion that green – specifically containing no chemical nasties – lotions are the way forward. Ignore all the claims on the hand-creams you see at your local pharmacy. Whilst they promise hydration and skin repair, most are so chockablock with parabens and perfumes they can actually aggravate skin conditions and leave you needing more.
So here are my current top five hand-creams to see you through the winter months with silky soft mitts:
1. Dr. Hauschka Hand Cream, around £12 for 50ml
Oh gloriously scented, deliciously decadent but hard working hand cream – I love you! This is probably my favourite hand cream of all time – it delivers on the moisturising front, is healing and hydrating, and smells of a divine rose garden. What’s not to like? Well, the price is a little out of my reach for everyday care (this could be to do with the fact I slather hand cream on a lot) so I treat myself to this every few months for a bit of major hand TLC.
2. Badger Balm for Hardworking Hands, about £6 for 21g
This balm – not a cream but had to be featured anyway! – was a revelation for me as someone who suffers from cracked feet and hands (I use this on all dry areas). It’s thick and quite oily but absolutely amazing at healing painful skin fissures – rub it into the skin before bed, adding a blob to the areas that are really in trouble, and you’ll be rewarded with magical healing in the morning. It’s in a handy little tin so you can have it in your handbag, and it’s cheap as you only need a little.
3. Ville de Fleurs Nutters Hand Cream, £6.99
This lovingly handmade cream truly works, but feels like a decadent treat at the same time. It’s made using 5 different nut oils chosen for their soothing, moisturising, protecting and healing abilities. There are six different scent combinations, all using natural essential oils (and including one scent-free option). The Neroli and Bergamot version smells like a garden at dawn – a sweet mix of fresh flowers and wet grass – perfectly heavenly. Comes in a dinky recyclable (or reusable) glass jar which fits in the handbag no problem.
4. Lavera Basis Sensitive Hand Cream, £4.45 for 75ml
This easily-absorbed organic hand cream is my go-to for everyday care. It’s light enough to use throughout the day but really delivers on the moisturising front. With a mild natural scent, there’s no skin irritation either. Lavera creates some amazing products, and the fact that they are committed to truly natural skincare and no animal testing makes them a firm favourite.
5. Neal’s Yard Calendula and Oat Lotion, £21 for 200ml
Not strictly a hand cream but a lotion for sensitive, eczema prone skin. It’s very light but hugely calming and hydrating – you can use it to soothe inflamed areas. If you find yourself constantly washing your hands, pop the bottle by the sink for a quick slather of goodness every time (too big to carry in the handbag). Combines essential fatty acid rich oils of borage and evening primrose with extracts of calendula and oat to gently soothe and moisturise dry, problem skin. Expensive for everyday use but a godsend if you have sore or itchy skin.
