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A guide to 10 indulgent hand creams you can shop for all the scrubbing you've been doing

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Illustration. Getty Images
Illustration. Getty Images

We've all been washing our hands a lot more than usual, for longer than we previously did, hand sanitising even after washing with soap, and some have even stockpiled hand sanitisers. 

READ MORE: Does hand sanitiser ever expire? Here’s what doctors want you to know 

Of course, what that means is that we're most likely moisturising our hands more frequently. 

Are your hands starting to feel like droewors ever so slightly? I know, right.

And do you know what's now almost as in high a demand as hand sanitiser was about 50 days ago? Hand lotion. 

Although Dis-Chem's most searched for items right now include hand sanitiser, surgical face masks, and Dettol, it's been speculated that hand cream is climbing the ranks as a sought-after product across retailers. 

hand cream to shop online

Screenshot from Dis-Chem website. 

And this makes sense. I feel the need to moisturise my hands more frequently than I did before - I even instinctively reach for my hand cream while watching series or in the middle of writing up an article. I'm on tube number three now and I believe the journey ahead is still long so there's no harm in stocking up on more hand hydration. 

In fact, there's evidence backing the necessity to moisturise now more than ever - the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) explains that this is what science knows so far; 

- Dry skin increases your risk of picking up germs. If you have dry skin from using hand sanitiser, apply moisturiser immediately after your hand sanitiser dries.

- Handwashing helps to prevent illness, but frequent handwashing can dry your skin. To prevent and heal dry skin, apply a hand cream or ointment after you wash your hands.

- When skin is moist, it can better protect you from germs. 

In addition to this, they advise that the best manner in which to achieve optimum result is by "drying your hands with a clean towel but leave some water on them. You can also let your hands air dry. While your hands are slightly damp, apply your hand cream or ointment." 

When it comes to purchasing the ideal hand cream, AADA dermatologists recommend using a hand cream or ointment that:

- Contains mineral oil or petrolatum

- Comes in a tube rather than a pump-bottle

- Says it’s “fragrance-free” and “dye-free” 

READ MORE: 6 DIY hair and beauty treatment skills you shouldn't be intimidated to master during lockdown

So in the interest of making sure you stay ahead of the rush and make the right purchase, we've recommended 10 hand creams to keep your hands moisturised and soft. I mean, you may not be shaking hands during this time, but wouldn't it be lovely if your hands remained as soft as a baby's bottom? 

Disclaimer: New Level 4 lockdown online shopping policies may differ from store to store. At the time of publication of this article, these products were available to shop.  

10 hand creams you'll love long after your days of social distancing: 

Eucerin hand cream 5% Urea

75ml, R139.95 at Dis-Chem online 

Repairing and replenishing cream for dry to extremely dry hands. Intensively moisturises and soothes dry to severely dry hands for noticeably smooth and softer skin. 

hand cream to shop online


Epimax all purpose moisturiser

100g tube, R49 on Takealot  

It's gentle and mild enough for the whole family. Dermatologist tested. It contains pure cetomacrogol cream and glycerine. 

I'm currently using this moisturiser, which you can also purchase in-store at Clicks.

hand cream to shop online

Longmarket Peony & Honey hand and nail cream

60ml, R69.95 at Woolworths online 

Enjoy the sweet floral fragrance of this peony and honey scented hand and nail cream, enriched with shea butter to keep hands soft, nourished and moisturised all day long. 

hand cream to shop online

Dr Hauschka hydrating hand cream

30ml, R359 on Faithful to Nature 

Give your skin a helping hand with this nourishing botanical lotion. Dr. Hauschka Hydrating Hand Cream helps to soothe, soften and strengthen the skin, leaving your hands feeling healthy and supple. This natural hand cream is deeply moisturising but non-greasy, and has a fresh, subtle scent. Made with extracts of kalanchoe, marshmallow, blackthorn and carrot. 

hand cream to shop online

Palmer's hand cream

60g, R37.95 at Dis-Chem

Coconut oil formula with vitamin E. 24-hour moisture. 

hand cream to shop online

Esse hand cream

60ml, R225 on Faithful to Nature 

This lightweight hand lotion from Esse is made with marula, rooibos and jojoba, to nourish your skin without leaving a greasy residue. 

hand cream to shop online

READ MORE: Prada, LVMH, Gucci, and Pyer Moss among luxury fashion names contributing to Covid-19 relief

Carrol Boyes hand lotion

500ml, R225 from the Carrol Boyes online store 

Not tested on animals. Paraben-free. This beautifully scented hand cream in a light formulation is quickly absorbed to soothe and protect hands and cuticles, leaving them feeling soft and silky. Enriched with shea butter and cocoa butter. 

hand cream to shop online

Carrol Boyes hand cream

120ml,  R95 from the Carrol Boyes online store 

Not tested on animals. Paraben-free. This nourishing hand cream is created in a luxuriously thick cream which leaves hands feeling soft and moisturised. Presented in a durable PU tube, perfect for popping in your handbag or leaving by the kitchen sink. Enriched with shea butter and cocoa butter. 

hand cream to shop online

HERBAE par L'Occitane hand cream

30ml, R150 online at L'Occitane En Provence 

Enriched with shea butter, this light-textured, nourishing cream leaves behind the distinctive green and floral notes of HERBAE par L’Occitane, with its addictively fresh wild grass accord. The handy travel size slips easily into your handbag.Hand cream with a green, floral scent to leave skin soft and delicately fragranced. 

hand cream to shop online


Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin hand cream

50ml, R520 at Woolworths online   

Peppered basil and aromatic white thyme give an unexpected twist to the scent of limes in a Caribbean breeze. This Body & Hand Lotion is enriched with coconut oil and is easily absorbed. It instantly provides moisture and care, while its fragrant properties help emit scent from the skin.  

hand cream to shop online

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