by Erin Marissa Russell

Gardening can really do a number on your hands, but the right hand cream can literally work miracles to reverse the damage. But with so many hand balms, lotions, and creams out there, how are you supposed to know which are the best for gardeners? That’s where we come in. We’ve sifted through the reviews and recommendations from all around the internet to learn which are recommended the highest and most frequently. Just keep reading to find out more.

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

The woodsy, earthy scent of this hand balm is appropriate for both men and women. It’s also a good alternative for those who don’t like the citrus or floral scents of most other hand creams. Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm is made from botanical ingredients and natural oils that replace the moisture hands can lose from hard work or just being exposed to the weather. Even better, this balm soaks right into the skin, so you won’t be left with slippery or greasy hands.

What Reviewers Are Saying About Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

Burt’s Bees Hand Salve

All of the Burt’s Bees products are all natural, and this hand salve is no different. This is the most intensive treatment from Burt’s Bees and can be applied after gardening or before going to sleep. Some reviewers had good results putting on cotton gloves after applying the salve and before going to bed.

What Reviewers Are Saying About Burt’s Bees Hand Salve

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream

This is the most frequently recommended and highest reviewed hand cream we found. It’s made without parabens, propylene glycol, or mineral oil. Instead it contains nourishing myrrh oil, moisturizing ceramides, and antioxidant-packed vitamin E. It also includes conditioning, soothing herbs like calendula, clover, and yarrow.

What Reviewers Have to Say About Crabtree & Evelyn Gardeners Hand Therapy Cream

LINDA on Walmart.com: Ultra effective at moisturizing but soaks quickly into skin and does not leave you feeling greasy. Cream has a mild fragrance that dissipates somewhat quickly.

Gloves in a Bottle Shielding Lotion

As the name suggests, Gloves in a Bottle creates a barrier on your skin to protect from the dirt and grime gardening comes along with. It’s also deep moisturization for skin that’s dry and irritated by wind and weather. It’s a good lotion to use after washing your hands and also works well for those with conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis as it helps to prevent rashes or allergic reactions of the skin.

What Reviewers Are Saying About Gloves in a Bottle Shielding Lotion

A Reviewer on Walmart.com: This reviewer used Gloves in a Bottle to treat split skin on fingertips. “I had been doctoring with triple antibiotics with Band-Aids for two weeks. Within several days of using this product, they are healing rapidly. Highly recommend.”

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

This product is described as thicker than most on the market, and you should be prepared for the treatment to take a while for your skin to absorb. For that reason, you only need a little of this salve to treat your hands. You can choose between scented and unscented versions.

What Reviewers Are Saying About Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

LSo416 on Sephora.com: The salve is thick and soothing, and is protective in winter weather but non-greasy. Doesn’t feel like there is a silicone coating on your hands.

Jessica Delgado on Ulta.com: An excellent hand lotion for those who deal with dry winter hands. This reviewer says she’s tried almost every brand on the market, and found Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve to be the best. “I have a long history of chronic dry skin/hands in winter and this product has saved my hands this winter.”

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

If you don’t like the shea butter scent, this hand cream is also sold in lavender or cherry blossom at $25 for 2.6 oz or as a mini one-ounce version for $12.50 in almond, cherry blossom, lavender, or shea butter. The almond scent is the most frequently recommended online. All formulations contain 20 percent shea butter for a punch of hydration.

What Reviewers Are Saying About L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

KBre on Sephora.com: Enjoys the almond scent more than she expected. In fact, she says the fragrance improves with time the longer the product sits on your skin. She bought the small size to carry with her, but likes it so much she now wants to purchase it in a larger size.

Rumplestiltskin on Loccitane.com: Praises L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream after having used it since 2009. Hasn’t found any hand cream that can match it for keeping hands moisturized. Keeps two around at all times: one full size tube on the nightstand and a travel size tube carried in a pocket to work. 

Neal’s Yard Remedies Citrus Hand Softener

This nourishing hand softener has a refreshing grapefruit, lemon, and orange aroma. It’s also full of ingredients to help hydrate your skin, like blackcurrant seed, avocado, coconut, and shea butter. The thick cream isn’t only good for your hands—you can use it on feet and knees, too.

What Reviewers Have to Say About Neal’s Yard Remedies Citrus Hand Softener

Rose Wilmoth on Allbeauty.com: Likes that the cream feels hydrating and soaks into the skin so well. Also praises the natural ingredients and recyclable glass bottle,

O’Keefe’s Working Hand Cream

O’Keefe’s Working Hands Cream is touted as America’s leading hand cream. It forms a protective barrier layer on your skin to help hands stay clean and soft. It’s made to treat dry, cracked hands with reparative moisturizers. The oil-free hand cream moisturizes without leaving skin greasy.

What Reviewers Have to Say About O’Keefe’s Working Hands Cream

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

Hemp seed oil is used in this lotion because of its awesome moisturizing properties. But don’t worry that the seriously high levels of hydration will come along with a greasy feeling. The Body Shop’s Hemp Hand Protector doesn’t leave behind any oily residue. This product is formulated to keep hands moisturized for 24 hours after application.

What Reviewers Have to Say About The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

Now you’re ready to choose which hand cream is the best for you. You can’t go wrong with anything on this list. Each one we recommended is one of the most frequently recommended and highest rated products on the market. 

Learn More About Hand Creams for Gardeners

https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1697

https://www.gardenersworld.com/product-guides/accessories/best-hand-creams-for-gardeners/

https://www.gardensillustrated.com/garden-equipment/what-to-wear/natural-hand-creams-for-gardeners/

https://www.marthastewart.com/1539185/best-hydrating-hand-creams-gardeners

https://peakyard.com/best-gardeners-hand-creams/