My friend who works as a nurse who has been looking for best hand cream for nurses. She complains how often they are required to wash their hands with soaps that tend to make them dry. Dry skin can feel rough, tight, itchy, and flaky. In some cases, the dry skin cracks and bleeds, which is an open-door invitation for microbes to thrive in the area. This increases the risk of contracting diseases.
I recommended her a simple solution for the dry skin problem: use Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Moisturizing Hand Cream and lotions.
Hand creams and lotions can keep the skin ultra-hydrated for longer periods. If you work as a nurse, it’s important that you use them after washing hands with soap. However, not all creams and lotions are effective or even safe. You need to pick the right ones that are safe for use in the clinical settings. Here I will review 15 best hand creams for nurses. Also, you will know the importance of using hand creams, and how to select the best cream for use in the clinical settings.
15 Top Rated Hand Cream for Nurses
In order to help you choose the best hand cream for nurses, I have articulated a list of creams, ointments, and lotions that have combined ingredients and scent in an effective manner. These top rated creams are mentioned below.
| Pictures | Hand Cream | Size (Ounces) | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream | 3.4 Fluid Ounces | $ |  |
 | Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy | 14 Ounces | $ |  |
 | Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion | 20 Ounces | $ |  |
 | Burt's Bees Almond and Milk Hand Cream | 2 Ounces | $ | |
 | Corn Huskers Lotion | 7 Fluid Ounces | $ | |
 | Eucerin Intensive Repair Hand Cream | 16.9 Fluid Ounces | $ | |
 | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream | 6 Ounces | $$ | |
 | Glysomed Hand Cream | 5 Fluid Ounces | $ | |
 | Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream | 3 Ounces | $ | |
 | J.R. Watkins Natural Shea Butter Hand Cream | 3.3 Ounces | $ | |
 | Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer | 3 Fluid Ounces | $ | |
 | L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream | 5.2 Ounces | $$ | |
 | Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream | 2 Ounces | $ | |
 | O’Keefe’s Working Hands Hand Cream | 6.8 Ounces | $ | |
 | Zim's Crack Creme, Original Liquid Formula | 2 Ounces | $ | |
The interactive comparison table has 5 columns which are:
• Hand Cream pictures
• Brand and model name – (click to view more details or to purchase)
• Cream Size– (ounces or fluid ounces)
• Price – These are approximate prices on Amazon.com. Here is the price legend.
- $ = under $20,
- $$ = $20 to $50,
- $$$ = $50 to $100
• Rating – These are our ratings on a 1 to 5 scale.
Now that you have seen what is available, let us take a quick look at the reviews of the best hand cream for nurses.
15 Best Hand Creams for Nurses Reviews
1. AHAVA® Mineral Hand Cream for Men
Formulated especially for Men, the AHAVA® Mineral Hand Cream possess exceptional moisturizing properties. The cream is easily absorbed and does not leave an oily residue. The product moisturizes and nourishes the skin at the same time repairing dry and damaged skin. Containing a blend of botanic and mineral extracts, the product effectively promotes skin vitality making it look supple and healthy. Also, the product contains proprietary ingredients of dead sea minerals known as OsmoterTM that promotes skin moisture, and hazel extract that smooths the texture of the skin.This fragrant-free product is suited for daily use by nurses in the hospitals.
2. Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy has been clinically proven to treat severely dry and scaly skin. This dermatologist recommended product can also reduce inflammation making it great for the treatment of itchy and rough skin. Moreover, the specially formulated hand cream contains the key ingredient petrolatum that can prevent inflammation of the skin. The product is fragrant free so don’t have to worry about patients feeling irritated by the smell after washing. You can also use the product for treating minor cuts, burns, and scrapes. Aquaphor may seem similar at first to Vaseline that also contains petrolatum. The hand cream has a similar texture to Vaseline as well. However, the product is different than Vaseline as it contains other ingredients apart from petrolatum including mineral oil, glycerin, lanolin, and panthenol. On the other hand, Vaseline is 100 percent petrolatum due to which it has limited moisturizing effects.
3. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Formulated with rich emollients, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion has been proven to provide immediate improvements in dry skin in just one day. It’s the best lotion for nurses that contains ACTIVE NATURALS® Colloidal Oatmeal, which offer 24 hours’ skin protection. Daily use of the lotion will make your skin feel gentle, soft, and naturally healthy looking. The lotion is non-greasy and fragrant free making it best for use in the hospital setting. A great thing about this moisturizing lotion is that it can also act as a sunscreen. The lotion with SPF 15 contains ingredients that can offer protection against sunburn thereby reducing the risk of early skin aging and skin cancer. It contains five essential nutrients that keep the skin healthy: proteins, vitamins, enzymes, lipids,and antioxidants. These nutrients nourish the skin reversing the damage to the skin. They play an important part in exfoliation of dry skin keeping the skin moisturized and preventing dry skin.
4. Burt’s Bees Almond and Milk Hand Cream
You can give your hand a help by using this great moisturizing cream that contains sweet almond oil and vitamin E. This is one of the best hand moisturizing creams for nurses that contains 100 percent natural ingredients. The hand cream is particularly effective in moisturizing the hand that prevents dry skin problem. It also contains beeswax that conditions and seals the skin resulting in soft, smooth hands. Plus, the hand moisturizing cream contains pleasant scent of nutty almond. Sweet almond oil present in the cream have been cold-pressed from the kernels of the Almond tree. The hand cream is also rich in vitamin D, proteins, linoleic and oleic acid. Using the hand cream can recondition and soften the hands as well as effectively moisturizing the hands. You can use the product on the hands as well as the lips. Just massage a small dollop of cream onto the skin after every wash. The ingredients of the product will do the rest for you.
5. Corn Huskers Lotion
Corn Huskers lotion is yet another best lotion for nurses. The lotion is great for moisturizing the skin and preventing dry skin. The product was developed in 1919 to be used as a moisturizer for Iowa farmers who suffered from rough and dry hands due to working long hours in the cornfields. The lotion appears like a gel instead of a creamy lotion. The key ingredient of the lotion is glycerin that helps seal and condition the skin. This non-greasy and the fragrant-free product have versatile usage. Apart from treating dry skin, the lotion can also be used to treat cold sores, chapped lips, and other minor skin problems. In addition, the product can be used as a foot moisturizer to treat dry and cracked feet leaving it silky smooth. Another usage of the hand lotion is protecting against sunburns. The lotion cool the skin and also may also heal blisters. If you suffer from frizzy hair, you may love to hair that it can be used to tame the hair. Just apply the lotion on the palm of your hand and apply it to damp hair.
6. Eucerin Intensive Repair Hand Cream
Dermatologists have been recommended the brand since the early 20th century. It is one of the best hand moisturizing creams for nurses that keeps the hand hydrated. The product was found to be the most hydrating in Good Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI) tests making it a top choice for preventing dry skins. The product can effectively repair and smooth dry and damaged skins leaving no fragrance or greasy residue. Lab tests have shown that the cream leaves the skin hydrated for up to six hours after use. The product has been enriched with natural moisturizing ingredients that prevent dryness of skin.The dermatological skin care product can heal severely dry, flaky, itchy, and rough skin. The advanced fast-absorbing fragrance-free skin care formula intensively hydrates the skin and leaves it supply and smooth hours after application.
7. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
Whether you have a normal, dry, oily, or sensitive skin, the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream will be perfect for you. If you were looking for the best hand cream for nurses that can offer relief against dry and irritated skin, then this is the right product for you. The product is suited for use in the clinical settings where hands need to be washed multiple times in a day. It is an all-body moisturizing cream that can be used to treat redness, dryness, and irritation of the skin. The hand cream can also prevent wrinkles and fine lines on the hands. Moreover, it serves as an instant long-term solution for different skin conditions including eczema. An independent research study had found in a clinical study that the product results in 169 percent improvement in skin hydration. Furthermore, the product was found to effectively reduce skin dryness problem and sooth and condition the skin. There is no greasy after-feel when using the product.
8. Glysomed Hand Cream
Glysomed Hand Cream and Body Lotion can be used for treating dry, sensitive skin. The unique fast absorbing ingredient of the product also offers long-lasting moisturizing benefits. What’s more, the ingredient that contained in the product such as Glycerin and Chamomile can help alleviate a number of skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, and skin inflammation. The product can offer hours of protection after application. It is an essential daily care product that can be used by nurses in the hospital setting to prevent dry, peeling, scaling, and bleeding skin. You will feel your hands noticeably softer and smoother after using the product. Silicone, Aloe Vera, and Allantoin present in the cream effectively locks in the moisture that keeps the skin hydrated and also heal and rejuvenate the skin. The product can restore the moisture balance and soothe irritated and dry skin.
9. Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream
Containing 3 essential minerals (vitamins A, C, & E) and 7 intensive moisturizers, the Gold Bond Healing Hand Cream is one of the best creams for nurses in the market. The lotion can heal the skin leaving it healthy and plump. Applying the cream on the hand, adds a protective layer of moisture. The positive ions prevent moisture from leaving the surface for up to 24 hours. You can feel the hands moist and supple throughout the day without experiencing dry and cracked skin. The product is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. In other words, you won’t experience any allergy or inflammation due to using the product. Th non-greasy product penetrates fast and keep the skin clean and fresh.
10. J.R. Watkins Natural Shea Butter Hand Cream
Shea Butter comes from a nut of a tree indigenous to Africa. Women in Burkina Faso have been using this for centuries as a beauty-care product. J.R. Watkins (no connection with J.R.R. Tolkien) has been producing hand creams made of this natural ingredient since 1868. Natural Shea butter contained in the J.R. Watkins Natural Butter Hand Cream, Aloe & Green Tea offers incredible nourishment and moisturizing benefits. The cinnamic acid contained in the butter further provides anti-inflammatory benefits. The product also contains fresh and clean scent of aloe and green tea that can feel refreshing. The non-greasy hand cream is best for nurses who have rough or dry hands or feet.
11. Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer
Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer is a non-greasy formula that contains both vitamins A and E that nourishes and heals the skin. The hand cream is dermatologist-tested for use on dry hands, cracked heels, rough elbows, and cuticles. The product contains the ingredients of Allantoin, Macadamia Oil, and Glycerin providing exceptional moisturizing benefits.Eucalyptus present in the hand cream acts as a natural antiseptic that refreshes the skin. It effectively removes the germs reducing the threat of cross-transfer of diseases. The formula is particularly effective for nurses who have calloused skin and cuticles that occur due to washing the hands multiple times in a day. The fragrant- and colorant-free product can penetrate rough skin improving the feel and look of the hands.
12. L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
The best thing about L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream that makes it apart from other hand creams is the combination of shea butter, honey, almond, and coconut oil. The natural ingredients have been in use for centuries among the indigenous tribes of Burkina Faso. The cream absorbs quickly nourishing and moistening the skin. Apart from preventing dry skin, using the hand cream daily can make your skin feel supple, soft, and beautiful with no oily traces.Also, the product can give your hand an alluring aroma that don’t irritate. A lot of beauty experts consider this hand cream as an essential product for the home, work, and on-the-go. So, it’s no wonder the product has won the ‘Best Beauty’ product award given by Allure magazine for the Best Hand Cream in 2013.
13. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Applying only a small amount of the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream will effectively moisturize the skin. The Glycerin-rich product is specially formulated for chapped and dry skin problems. The concentrated ingredients of the product can offer quick relief from dry skin problems in the hospital setting. The products offer all-day moisturizing protection due to which you can feel the skin noticeably smoother and softer. Once applied, the ingredients in the product will lock in the moisture keeping your hands moist for hours. Using this hand cream overnight can accelerate the healing process of dry skin. The hand creams consist of no fragrance making it perfect for use in the healthcare setting.
14. O’Keefe’s Working Hands Hand Cream
O’Keffe’s Working Hands Cream is the best hand moisturizing creams for nurses with severely dry and cracked skin. The odorless and non-greasy cream offer guaranteed protection against skin damage. The two main features of the product include hydrating the skin and adjusting the pH balance. You can notice the difference within a few days of using this highly effective moisturizer. The product is also safe for use for people with diabetes. The manufacturer claims that mild stinging is possible after use on severely dry skin and that you should discontinue use if the stinging persists for a long time. However, in most cases, you won’t feel any adverse effects after using the product.
15. Zim’s Crack Creme, Original Liquid Formula
Zim’s Crack Creme is recommended by the dermatologists as it offers excellent skin protection properties. The product was developed over sixty decades ago for cement workers who complained of cracked and dry skin. This is one of the best hand moisturizing creams for nurses that can accelerate the healing process of dry and damaged skins. The natural herbal-based product contains Myrica Oil and Arnica Flower Extract that forms a protective barrier seal keeping the hand hydrated. You can apply a small dab of the cream as required throughout the day.
Why Should Nurses Use Hand Creams?
Hand creams should be an important part of the cleaning process that is often overlooked in the hospital setting. Using hand creams effectively moisturizes the skin. This prevents the skin from becoming dry.
Dry skin problem should not be taken lightly. When the skin becomes dry, or cracked, it exposes the skin to harmful microbial. This increases the risks of cross-infection. A hand cream that is specially formulated for the medical staff including nurses is the best way to prevent damage to the skin.
Various studies have shown that using a hand cream can effectively prevent damage to the skin. One study that had carried out a randomized trial of 54 healthcare workers found that using a hand cream resulted in significant improvement of the skin condition especially cracking, scaling, and pain.
Another research study had found that regular washing leads to gradual increase in roughness of the skin. However, when the subjects used a hand cream after washing the hand, the roughness of the skin decreased within a few days. This clearly shows the importance of using a hand cream after washing the hands to prevent skin problems such as dry hands.
How Can Nurses Get Rid of Dry Hands?
Nurses are in direct contact with the patients. That’s why they need to wash hands frequently to get rid of the germs. However, over washing generally leads to dry hands and other problems.
Your skin has a layer of a protective barrier consisting of lipids, proteins, and oils. This barrier protects the skin and reduces inflammation, irritation, and eczema formation. Soaps and anti-septic solutions make your hands clean. But they also get rid of the protective layer.
Every time you wash your hand, the protective barrier of the skin strips off. This makes the skin dry resulting in cracking, peeling, and even bleeding of the skin, which exposes the hand to microbial pathogens. That’s why it’s essential to avoid getting your hands dry at work.
Here are some invaluable tips that can help you toget rid of the dry hand problem.
1. Use a Moisturizing Cream
In order to avoid dry skin due to over washing, you should use any of the moisturizing cream or lotion that have been mentioned in this article. A hand cream or lotion will keep the skin hydrated. Drinking water won’t be able to replenish the moisture in your skin. The moisturizer should be applied directly to the skin after washing your hands.
2. Select the Right Soap
Try to use soap that is made particularly for the dry and sensitive skin. Normal soaps contain chemicals that can make the hands dry quickly. Also, look for soaps that are fragrance and dye free as they can cause dry skin problem.
3. Hard Water
Hard water consists of high calcium and magnesium content. They can leave behind mineral residue on the skin. As a result, the natural oil that forms a protective skin barrier becomes trapped inside the pores thereby leaving the skin dry. In case the hospital has a hard water supply, you should request the management to use a water softener as a remedy to dry skin problem.
4. Apply Moisturizing Cream to the Fingers
You should make sure to apply the moisturizing cream to the fingers. This is the prime spot for skin peeling and cracking.
5. Avoid Scrubbing Too Hard
Be gentle but firm when washing the hands. Avoid scrubbing your hand too hard as it will remove the lipids from the skin. This will contribute to the making the skin dry.
6. Don’t Rub the Hands on the Towel
Avoid rubbing the hands on the towel after washing them. Instead, you should use a soft tissue paper to gently pat the wet skin. This will prevent the protective layer from rubbing of the skin.
7. Use Petroleum Jelly and Moisturizers to Treat Dry Skin
Using the petroleum jelly is recommended if your hand has developed fissures, cracks, or is bleeding. Also, you can use a moisturizer formula consisting of ingredients such as butter, cocoa, dimethicone, or beeswax to treat badly damaged skin. Some of the hand cream products that we have listed in this article contain the ingredients that work effectively in treating dry skin problems.
Following the above tips will reduce the risk of dry skin that happens due to over washing in the hospital setting. You can also watch this video for additional tips to get rid of the dry hand problem.
Guidelines for Nurses to Use Hygiene Products
Skincare through the use of hygiene products is important to protect against occupational diseases. Proper use of the products can greatly reduce the risk of cross-infection. Here are some of the guidelines for nurses that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO).
- Use soap with anti-microbial properties when the hands are visibly dirty. Plain soaps are not effective in removing pathogens from the hands of the healthcare
- Alcohol-based antiseptics should have between 60 and 95 percent alcohol content. Higher or lower alcohol content makes the antiseptic less potent in removing pathogens.
- Ethanol and isopropyl based solutionsshould be used as they aremore effective in reducing bacterial count than anti-bacterial soaps
- Iodine-based solutions should be avoided as they have shown to result in skin irritation and discoloration
- Wash hands with anti-bacterial soap and water in case of the following situations:
- Before and after you touch a patient
- After contact with excretions, wound dressings, non-intact skin, blood or other bodily fluids
- Moving from one contamination site to another when caring for the same patient
- After removing gloves
- After contact with medical equipment near the patient’s body
- Before preparing food or handling medication for the patient.
- Never use soap and alcohol-based antiseptic simultaneously
- Use hand creams and lotions after every hand washes as they can increase skin hydration and replace damaged skin, among others.
How to Choose the Best Hand Cream for Nurses?
Remember that not all creams are best for use in clinical settings.Before you head to the store to buy a hand cream, there are certain things that you should keep in mind.
Regular consumer hand creams and lotions are not safe for use in the clinical settings.Using them may compromise the safety of the patients. The formulations of the consumer hand creams are not designed to be used by a healthcare professionals.
Some of the consumer hand creams have strong fragrances that may irritate the patients. Also, they are not usually compatible with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or latex gloves. According to Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA), oil present in hand creams can result in deterioration of the latex gloves.
In rare cases, bacteria contamination of the hand-creams has been reported to cause infections in the healthcare setting. To summarize, if you want to buy a hand cream for use in the clinical settings, you should select one that meets the following requirements.
- Nurse Recommended
- Hospital Grade
- Oil-free
- Non-Greasy
- Anti-Bacterial
Please watch the video on how to choose the best hand cream for your dry hands below.
Health Benefits of Using Best Hand Cream for Nurses
Using moisturizing creams should be a daily part of your washing routine particularly if you are a nurse. Apart from keeping the hands hydrated, there are many other health benefits as well. Here are some of the health benefits of regularly using the best hand creams for nurses mentioned in this article.
1. Cells Renewal
Hand creams benefit the skin as the renew the cells. Creams that contain beta-hydroxyl acid, sometimes called glycolic acid or salicylic acid, accelerate the growth of the skin cells. This gives a youthful and fresh look to the skin making your hand appear dainty and graceful.
2. Prevents Ageing of Skin
Vitamin E that is present in certain hand creams can prevent the effects of aging. It is a powerful antioxidant and can prevent the damage done to the skin due to free radicals. Also, the vitamin can promote healing of the scars.
3. Provide Protection from Sun Damage
Using hand creams will offer protection from the sun. Too much sun exposure can result in negative changes in the skin. In some cases, it can even lead to skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Using hand creams will prevent the damaging effects of the sun b. The cream will act as a protective glove preventing damage due to exposure to harmful UV rays of the sun.
4. Stress Relief
Hand creams can be considered as a mini medication during work. Giving a hand massage when applying the cream will offer great therapeutic benefits. It can result in enhanced circulation, improved wrist and finger motion, and reduced stress ‘trigger’ points in the hand muscles.
5. Healthy Nails
Applying hand creams after washing the hands will not just benefit the hands, it will also be good for your nails. Daily use of hand creams will result in stronger and healthier nails. If your nails have gotten brittle due to using nail polish, you should consider using hand creams as a remedial action.
6. Prevent and Treat Contact Dermatitis
Controlled trials have shown that using hand creams and lotions twice a day can prevent and treat contact dermatitis that is caused by exposure to irritating materials in the medicated soap.
Get the Best Cream for Your Healing Hands
The best hand creams for nurses that I had reviewed in this article are recommended for use in the clinical settings. You should always use creams and lotions after washing hands if you are associated with the nursing profession. My friend says that she no longer experiences dry or scaly hands after daily use of hand creams and lotions that I had suggested to her.
As a nurse, you care for elderly and young by checking their vital signs or by monitoring pulse of children with oximeter on a daily basis by your healing hands. Regular use of the best hand creams and lotions mentioned in this article will help heal and soothe dry, damaged skin.
Also, creams containing retinal or peptides encourage collagen growth, which will prevent the skin from sagging and wring. In short, using the best creams and lotions will rejuvenate your skin giving it a youthful and healthy look. Consider switching between different brands mentioned above to find out which one works the best for you.