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The 17 best anti-aging hand creams of 2024, according to dermatologists
The secret to youthful-looking hands starts here: from CeraVe to Gold Bond, Neutrogena and more
We often worry about finding the best eye creams or hyaluronic acid serums to help brighten and plump aging skin on our face — but many of us forget that the skin on our hands can age too. "Because hands are often exposed to things like the sun, harsh detergents and hot water, they can be among the first body parts to start showing age," says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Luckily — according to him and other experts we interviewed for this story — anti-aging hand creams can help.
Best anti-aging hand cream overall
CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream
Best anti-aging hand cream for dry skin
Lanolips Rose Hand Cream Intense
Best affordable anti-aging hand cream
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Best anti-aging hand cream with retinol
Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream
Best anti-aging hand cream for wrinkles
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream + Pro-Retinol
Best customer-loved, anti-aging hand cream
Medix 5.5 Retinol Body Lotion Firming Moisturizer
Best anti-aging hand creams for dark spots
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow 10% Active Vitamin C Serum
Best anti-aging hand cream with SPF
Supergoop! Handscreen SPF 40
Best-smelling anti-aging hand cream
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
Best anti-aging hand cream for crepey skin
StriVectin Crepe Control Brightening & Firming Hand Cream
Best cruelty-free, anti-aging hand cream
Nécessaire the Hand Cream
Best anti-aging hand cream for all-day hydration
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream
Yahoo reader-approved anti-aging hand cream
Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion
Best anti-aging hand cream for cracked hands
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Best moisturizing anti-aging hand cream
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream
Best anti-aging hand cream for sun damage
Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Hand Cream
Best restorative anti-aging hand cream
Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate Hand Cream
Table of contents:
Best anti-aging hand cream overall
Size: 3 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides
Two of the dermatologists we talked with raved about this CeraVe hand cream, and thousands of Amazon shoppers are fans, too. Jaliman recommends it because "it contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates the skin, and ceramides which help to protect the skin barrier. And it has niacinamide, which evens skin tone." Dr. Sonia Batra, host of the CBS syndicated daytime talk show The Doctors and a board-certified dermatologist, likes it too: "It absorbs quickly and can be used throughout the day after handwashing without feeling greasy. It contains three ceramides to restore the barrier of the skin and is fragrance free." Bonus: It’s super affordable.
- Inexpensive
- Hydrating
- Protective
- Evens out skin tone
- Must reapply often, according to some shoppers
- Not as thick as competitors, according to shoppers
Other top anti-aging hand creams we recommend for 2024
Size: 1.69 ounces | Scented: Yes | Hero ingredients: Lanolin, vitamin E
This rose-scented hand cream is a top pick of Zeichner’s. "This ultra-rich moisturizer does a great job of hydrating and protecting the skin without leaving my hands feeling heavy or greasy," he said. "Its hero ingredient is lanolin, the same ingredient that makes sheep’s wool waterproof. Plus, it contains a rose extract with known antioxidant benefits, which is why it is commonly used in anti-aging skin care products." He’s not the only one who is a fan. Hundreds of shoppers love it too, with one buyer calling it the "best hand cream EVER!"
- Hydrating
- Lasts long
- Smells great
- Small amount of product for the price
Size: 1.75 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Petroleum jelly
While it’s not technically a hand cream, that doesn't bother experts. Both Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, and Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, recommended using Vaseline to keep your hands looking youthful. "It’s made from a purified mineral oil that is the ultimate barrier repair cream, making it great for nights and cold days," Gohara said. Along with protecting and hydrating skin, the noncomedogenic formula also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines for a more youthful appearance.
- Inexpensive
- Hydrating
- Hypoallergenic
- Can be greasy
- Not technically a hand cream
Size: 2.5 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Retinol, squalene, shea butter, glycerin
Thanks to its ability to reduce wrinkles and even out skin tone, retinol is one of the most powerful anti-aging treatments out there — so it makes sense that it’s the main ingredient in this dermatologist-approved hand cream. Jaliman likes it because "it also contains squalene, shea butter and glycerin, which are extremely hydrating. It is also fragrance-free." It’s definitely pricey, but shoppers say it’s well worth the cost. "I normally would not pay as much for a hand cream, but in this case, I am on my second tube. My hands have not looked this good in years. The spots are barely visible. I am usually skeptical about product descriptions, but this one is right on," raved one.
- Brightening effect
- Retinol infused
- Expensive
Size: 1.7 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Vitamin E, macadamia nut oil, retinol
This multitasker not only helps fight wrinkles on your face, but Zeichner says it also works great on your hands. "It combines Coenzyme Q10, which is a potent antioxidant with a retinyl ester to strengthen and smooth the skin. Since it is not irritating, it can be used across all skin types, even in people who are sensitive," he added. Along with being fragrance-, alcohol- and dye-free, the cream is packed with other hydrating and anti-aging ingredients, including vitamin E, macadamia nut oil and retinol to smooth and strengthen skin.
- Nonirritating
- Multitasking
- Not technically a hand cream
Size: 15 ounces | Scented: Yes | Hero ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, green tea extract, chamomile, aloe vera
While this powerful antioxidant-rich formula by Medix 5.5 can be used anywhere on your body, people say it works wonders on their hands. Nearly 19,000 Amazon shoppers have given the fast-acting formula their seal of approval because it helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots and improves skin tone and elasticity — and it smells amazing to boot. One verified customer said, "I bought this for my mama because her hands were starting to get that crepe-like texture. Her hands are much better and it helped lighten the dark spots, too."
- Smells great
- Hydrates
- Improves texture
- Lightens dark spots
- Some shoppers had problems with bottle pump
Size: 1 ounce | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides
Although it’s marketed for the face, this vitamin C-packed serum by RoC is one of Zeichner’s top picks for hands. "This serum contains a stabilized form of vitamin C, which is known to brighten dark spots and even skin tone, while offering protection against free radical damage that the hands are exposed to on a daily basis," he said. While it will aim to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, it isn’t as hydrating as most options since it’s not a cream, so we recommend layering on a regular hand lotion, too.
- Brightens and tightens skin
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots
- Not technically a hand cream
Size: 1 ounce | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Sea buckthorn fruit extract, meadowfoam seed oil, argan oil
Since pesky UV rays are among the biggest causes of early aging, investing in a good hand cream with a high SPF is the best way to avoid future damage. This option from Supergoop! not only has SPF 40 for optimal sun protection, but it’s also infused with powerful antioxidants and natural oils to nourish, moisturize and brighten the skin on your hands. I’ve kept a bottle in my car ever since my dermatologist told me how damaging the sun can be, even through car windows, and I love to put it on every time I head out for a long ride.
- SPF 40 protection
- Hydrating
- Reef safe
- Small amount of product for the price
Size: 2.5 ounces | Scented: Yes | Hero ingredients: Mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas
If you’re picky about textures in hand creams like Deals Writer Taylor Lane, you’re in luck. She has found an option with the "dreamiest consistency." Lane adds that "it blends in immediately and doesn't leave a greasy finish behind. It instantly hydrates hands and smooths cuticles. I also love its gentle ingredients like rosemary and mandarin rind. And the scent is gorgeous!" Nearly 1,400 Amazon shoppers are also fans, with one raving, "You need only use a small dab on the back of each hand and then work it in. I do this at night before bed and put gloves on to sleep in. My skin feels so much better. I recommend this balm to anyone needing help keeping or obtaining youthful hands."
- Smells great
- Hydrates hands for younger appearance
- Expensive
Size: 2 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, plantain leaf extract, peptides
This super-hydrating hand cream by StriVectin is a popular option and rightfully so — it’s specially formulated with plantain leaf extract that works to firm loose, crepey skin. Jaliman is a fan because it also boasts "peptides that stimulate collagen production and shea butter and glycerin for hydration." Bonus: You don’t need to use a lot to see results. One happy Amazon customer wrote, "This is by far the best hand cream that I have ever used! StriVectin products are the best! After only three days of using this hand cream, my hands are showing a big difference! Less crepey skin and more volume! You don't need to apply a lot, a little goes a long way! Will be ordering again!"
- Firms hands
- Hydrating
- Boosts collagen production
- Expensive
Size: 2.2 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Marula oil, niacinamide, peptides
Sleek packaging, cruelty-free ingredients, hypoallergenic and powerful? It’s no wonder Katelyn Mullen, our commerce managing editor, adores this fragrance-free hand cream. "I’ve tried quite a few brands across many price points to help my hands look more hydrated and less ... old," she said. "I found all my previous creams to be too oily, until I tried Nécessaire’s the Hand Cream. The texture is soft, there is no scent and it absorbs quickly, which was my No. 1 requirement. The only downside is the price. I use it often so I have been going through it a little faster than I’d like at this price point."
- Cruelty free
- Scent free
- Hydrating
- Hypoallergenic
- Small amount of product for the price
Size: 1.69 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin
Jaliman approves of this La Roche-Posay option because "it’s fragrance-free, which is good for sensitive skin. It also contains shea butter and glycerin so it provides good moisturizing properties. Plus, it has niacinamide to even skin color and to improve skin texture." Not only does the brand say the cream will instantly soothe dry skin, but it also promises your hands will stay hydrated for up to 48 hours since it’s resistant to washing.
- Long lasting
- Hydrating
- Evens skin tone
- Small bottle size
Size: 8 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Glycerin, omega fatty acids, antioxidants
If dry, wrinkled hands are making you appear older than you are, give this Gold Bond option a try. Not only is it constantly a top seller among Yahoo readers, but our deals writer and self-proclaimed "skin-care freak" Britt Ross is also a fan. "My skin felt noticeably more moisturized and smoother just eight hours after I’d slathered it on, and stayed that way the rest of the day," she said. It's packed with seven moisturizers, three vitamins, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and botanicals to tackle thin, crepey, dry skin.
- Reduces appearance of crepey skin and wrinkles
- Affordable
- Some shoppers said frequent reapplication was necessary
Size: 2.53 ounces | Scented: Yes | Hero ingredients: Glycerin, stearic acid
"Loaded with glycerin and stearic acid (a lipid that is in our skin barrier), it helps to keep moisture in and irritants out," said Gohara about this popular drugstore pick. Thicker than your average hand cream, this Neutrogena option aims to give dry, chapped and cracked hands instant relief, making them look and feel smoother and more hydrated. Users say you need to give it some time to dry after application before you go about your day, but that the results are worth the wait. "This hand cream is thicker than most and needs to dry when applied. It works fantastically though. ... My hands and nails look great," wrote one.
- Affordable
- Great for dry, cracked skin
- Takes time to fully dry
Size: 16 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Petroleum, glycerin
Looking for an anti-aging hand cream that provides all-day hydration? Consider this option from Vanicream. "Though this is thick, it absorbs quickly and does not have common chemical irritants such as dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens or formaldehyde releasers. It is also very affordable," Batra said. One five-star Amazon reviewer said she was searching for a cure for her dry hands and "pretty much got the same answer from every woman that I asked, and the dermatologist. And that’s Vanicream. They told me to put it on my hands before I go to bed and wear gloves to bed. ... Within three days my hands started feeling not only back to normal but better than they have been since I was in my youth."
- Affordable
- Moisturizing
- Long lasting
- Feels more like an ointment than a cream
Size: 1.35 ounces | Scented: Yes | Hero ingredients: Vitamin E, phtyo peptides, sweet almond oil
A favorite among Yahoo Life staffers, this nontoxic, vegan and cruelty-free option just happens to smell incredible (cue the sweet almond and sage). According to the brand, the blend of botanical extracts and antioxidants helps minimize fine lines and sun damage. And we can’t get enough of the retro packaging. "Best hand cream," reported an Amazon five-star reviewer. "I love this product! It makes your hands soft and is not greasy. It has a subtle scent. My manicurist commented that my cuticles have never been this good!"
- Smells great
- Nonsticky
- Hydrating
- Small amount of product for the price
- Sometimes difficult to find in stock
Size: 3.3 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Sucralfate, copper-zinc sulfate complex, thermal spring water
Looking to restore and soothe your hands? Batra recommends this Avène cream because "it lasts through five handwashings and contains ingredients to help calm and restore the skin such as sucralfate, copper-zinc sulfate complex and thermal spring water. It is also hypoallergenic, hydrating and absorbs quickly." Shoppers rave that in addition to making their hands softer and more moisturized, it also helps them look more youthful. "Very good product, I keep buying more when it finishes. My hands look younger even after constant use," said one.
- Smoothes skin
- Gives more youthful appearance
- Some shoppers dislike the smell
Factors to consider when choosing an anti-aging hand cream
SPF: According to Patel, you should look for hand creams that have SPF 30 or above for the best skin protection.
Texture: When picking a cream, look for something that’s thicker than your average lotion, as it has to “stay on the hands throughout the day and in between washes,” said Patel. Gohara agreed, noting that our "hands take a beating" throughout the day.
Ingredients: Patel recommends looking out for ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, niacinamide and Illuminotex "to reduce the signs of aging." Batra agreed about antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, as they "mop up ultraviolet damage and brighten skin." She also recommended choosing a hand cream that has "hydrating ingredients, such as ceramides, glycerin and shea butter," for optimal effects.
And if you’re wondering whether it’s safe to use the anti-aging powerhouse retinol on your hands, the answer is yes — it’ll "promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen," Batra said — as long as it’s in moderation. "However, since the skin on the hands is thinner and more sensitive, I usually recommend retinol only once or twice a week to prevent dryness or irritation." Jaliman said it’s best to use hand creams with retinol only at night, and instead choose an option with SPF for daytime use.
How we tested
We spent hours researching the best anti-aging hand creams, cross-checking product reviews and marketing claims. We also consulted with dermatologists, educators in dermatology and our very own shopping editors to help form our recommendations. The best anti-aging hand creams will help reduce the dark spots, wrinkles and crepiness that often pop up as we age, thanks to powerful ingredients like vitamin C and vitamin E. If you want to appear younger from head to toe, it's time to start giving your hands some love.
Consistency is key: Dr. Debra Jaliman, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist, says if used regularly, hand creams should produce results in as little as three to six months. Start turning back the clock now!
FAQs
How can you keep your hands looking young?
"I recommend using products that protect and prevent damage during the day and repair damage at night," Zeichner said. "While traditional hand creams are designed to moisturize and repair the skin barrier, you can use the same active ingredients in your facial products to your hands as well. In the morning, you can apply a vitamin C serum along with sunscreen. In the evening, you can apply a moisturizer along with a retinol, the best product to stimulate collagen. Especially for people who have crepey skin on the hands, adding a hyaluronic acid serum both morning and night is useful."
Patel’s biggest secret to keeping your hands looking young is sun protection. "It’s important as our hands are in the sun more than we think. Incorporating driving gloves and wearing SPF 30 or above whenever outside is important." Gohara agreed, saying, "UV light comes through the car windshield and windows even on cloudy days. Ninety percent of the visible signs of aging come from daily unprotected UV exposure. Sun spots, wrinkles and crepey skin on the hands are amongst the most common of these concerns."
Is there a difference between hand lotion and body lotion?
"Hand lotion is often thicker than body lotion since it is usually designed to penetrate the thicker skin of the hands and to withstand more frequent washing," Batra said. "Many hand lotions are also formulated to be absorbed more quickly than products for the body so that they are less messy or likely to be wiped off."
How often should you use anti-aging hand creams to see results?
While typical anti-aging creams should be applied twice a day, in the morning and night, Patel said that "hand creams, on the other hand, need to be reapplied after every hand washing, and under gloves/occlusion at night for maximum results."
Meet our experts
Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare
Dr. Debra Jaliman, New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
Dr. Mona Gohara, board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Sonia Batra, host of the CBS syndicated daytime talk show The Doctors and board-certified dermatologist