The seven best hand creams that will keep your hands soft without the greasy feel

Staying in cold, air-conditioned rooms are a respite from the normally hot Philippine weather but it also takes a toll on our skin. Facial mists are great for adding hydration back to our faces but what about the rest of our body? Along with my habit of sanitizing my hands throughout the day, ever so often, hand creams are a staple in my hand care routine. So I was quite surprised that few other people in my circle regularly use this! 

The most common complaint is that hand creams feel too sticky or oily. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way! As someone with sweaty hands, I’m also quite picky the hand creams I use. Here are a few that you should check out:

Collagen by Watsons Collagen Moisturizing and Softening Hand Cream (P119 for 80g at Watsons)

You can always expect your favorite beauty haunt to come through! Their Collagen by Watsons line has some great products for the face and body, and after Den raved about liking their lotion, I had to give the hand cream a try. This gives the most bang for your buck at just P1.49 per gram! The generous size makes it less handbag-friendly, but the affordable price allows you to keep one at your desk, next to your bed, and by the sink. It feels thick but absorbs well into the skin and doesn’t leave that slippery lotion feel. 

Human Nature Hand & Foot Salve (P149.75 for 30g at Human Nature)

Locally produced and cruelty-free, this salve is available in five scents. You also have the option of getting the Skin Salvation Trio, which lets you enjoy three different scent variants for just P449.25.I like how this provides moisture without feeling too greasy, and the cute tube is easy to tote around. 

Marks and Spencer China Blue Moisturizing Hand & Nail Cream (P250 for 100ml at Zalora)

I should include a Tita-approved brand in a Tita article, right? For the scent connoisseur, M&S offers unique fragrance options that makes them feel like a luxe treat. China Blue smells of clean linens, and boasts of a pH balanced cream formula to soften hands. This surprisingly also a steal at just P2.5 per ml, and you won’t run out of hand cream anytime soon.

Nature Republic Hand & Nature Hand Cream (P345 for 30ml at Nature Republic)

I learned about Nature Republic because popular K-Pop group EXO endorses them, and they have some pretty good stuff! Their Hand & Nature Hand Cream comes in 10 variants that range from fruity to floral scents, but I chose the Avocado variant because I wanted something fairly neutral. I like how the formula absorbs into the skin really well, and I find that the moisture stays for a decent four hours. This also comes in a Buy 1 Take 1 deal, so each hand cream comes to about P172 per tube. You can keep a tube in your bag and another at home, or just have a backup at the ready.

The Body Shop Hand Cream (P250 for 30ml, P595 for 100ml at The Body Shop)

When I think of hand creams, I actually think of The Body Shop. I was gifted the Pomelo variant before, and would apply it so frequently because I love how it smelled! There are other scents available and they all smell amazing. The moisture also stays for a decent four hours, but in an air-conditioned setting, reapplication is a must.

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (P495 for 15g at Beauty Bar)

Okay, this is not a hand cream but it felt wrong to do a hand care article without mentioning this cult favorite. This s a godsend for those with really dry cuticles, which you need to keep healthy because they protect your nails and skin from infections. It contains Sweet Almond Oil and Cocoa Seed Butter to soften and moisturize cuticles, and though the tin is small, a little product goes a long way. It smells so good, too!

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (P850 for 75ml at Kiehl’s)

Before trying the Kiehl’s Hand Salve, I thought my usual hand creams worked just fine. This was a game changer! I don’t have dry hands but it’s amazing how well this nourishes my skin. It feels heavy at first, but it sinks into the skin well. If you have super dry skin or do a lot of activities that dry out your hands (washing dishes, laundry, sanitizing with alcohol), you’ll fall in love with this hand cream like I have.

Are you a serial hand cream user like me? What are your faves?