We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

From gift-worthy luxury to crisis-point replenishers

Between the cold winter temperatures, constant hand-washing and lashings of alcohol-laced sanitiser, it's likely you're lamenting eternally dry hands, cracked cuticles, and weakened nails right now. Suddenly, a good hand cream is more than just a luxury – it's a skincare essential.

On a daily basis, your hands are exposed to the same environmental stressors as your face: think pollution, UV rays, and changes in temperature. So, it makes sense that we should extend our skincare routine right to our fingertips.

However, we’re not suggesting you plunge your fingers into that triple-figure jar of night cream you’ve just invested in: one of the best luxury hand creams will do the job perfectly.

Not only do these multi-tasking formulas feel (and smell) lovely, but they also come with a whole host of advanced benefits. From softening ragged cuticles to extending the life of your manicure and even erasing age spots and sun damage, there are so many reasons to upgrade your cream of choice now. Hyaluronic acid, deep-hydrating algae, and even restorative retinol now feature in the best hand creams on the shelves.

And let’s not forget the mood-boosting powers of a spontaneous pamper – when it comes to midday beauty pick-me-ups, a simple sweet-scented hand lotion ranks high. Invest in one you love, and you’ll find yourself reaching for it at all points of the day. Stash one on your (at-home) desk, hide one in your handbag, or place a luxe bottle by your bedside table – we guarantee they’ll make a welcome addition to your daily routine.

For a truly sensorial treat, invest in Dior's rosewater-infused hand cream. The inimitable Miss Dior fragrance makes it perfectly present-worthy. 

Glossier's long-anticipated hand cream does not disappoint. It's infused with the universally adored You fragrance – a comforting, musky affair – and comes in a practical flip-top case. 

One of the most exciting luxury launches of the year, Hermès has moved into hand and body care with a collection of manicure tools and nail varnishes that are destined for gifting. 

A collection highlight (and a sure-fire sell-out), this sublime hand cream is fragranced with a green, botanical scent and enriched with plant-derived oils alongside humectant hyaluronic acid. It's the perfect finishing touch to an at-home manicure.  

Ameliorate's intensive hand treatment uses a unique hydration complex to reverse even significant dryness and chapping, so it's a good option for anyone constantly having to wash their hands, and potent enough to help moisturise your cuticles, too. 

This dermatologist-approved hand cream is packed with ceramides, which make up around 50 per cent of your skin barrier. Deeply replenishing, it'll help keep the surface of your skin strong, resilient and hydrated, no matter how often you're washing your hands. 

Spending £57 on a hand cream is madness – unless it's this undeniably luxe, consistently sold-out one by Chanel (who else).

So much more than a daily indulgence, this hard-working formula contains a botanical extract shown to rejuvenate skin (so goodbye dark spots), along with brightening liquorice and mimosa wax for hydration that really lasts. 

Few things can restore a gel-ravaged nail bed quite like this affordable hand cream. It’s loaded with natural lanolin (a heavy-duty moisturiser derived from sheep's wool), yet sinks into dry nails and cuticles instantly. Apply generously and often for an intense moisture boost after a manicure. 

Aurelia's cult hand cream is so much more than an effective hydrator. Formulated with the same consideration as the brand's  facial skincare, this rich formula contains organically grown plant extracts proven to brighten pigmentation. 

Red algae repairs chapped skin, while shea butter and aloe deliver cooling comfort in an instant. It even helps to fortify nails. 

Batch-made in London using organic plant-based ingredients, this one is a lovely option for anyone who prefers naturally-led products. It works especially well on dry, cracking nails, so call on it in-between manicures. 

The restorative benefits of retinol have long been extolled, but have you considered using this wonder ingredient on your hands? This supercharged hand cream contains an active retinol complex (alongside humectants and shea butter) to encourage cell turnover on the backs of the hands, gradually refining texture and fading dark spots as you use it.  

The support for CBD's anxiety-soothing properties may be largely anecdotal, but we do know this plant extract can reduce inflammation and soothe skin when applied topically. 

Kloris is a leader in the world of cannabidiol-based beauty, and this hand cream is an easy introduction to the brand. It's deeply restorative, and especially good at calming hands that have become red and sore. 

Nothing will look as chic on the side of your sink as Aesop's cult hand balm, which boasts the most beautiful herbal scent and delivers lasting non-sticky hydration. 

Team it with the equally adored Resurrection hand wash for maximum shelf appeal. 

Blanche is one of Byredo's most cult scents, loved for its clean, crisp-cotton-sheet scent with a hint of calming lavender. It's so popular, in fact, that the brand formulated an entire bodycare line around it. 

Stash this aluminium tube in your bag, and keep the matching body lotion on your bathroom shelf. 

With a stress-reducing neroli and lavender essential-oil blend, This Works' brilliant hand cream will do much more than simply soften scaly hands. Keep it on your desk and indulge in a calming moment every so often. 

Part of Aromatherapy Associates' rose-tinted collection, this hand cream delivers the most beautiful floral scent. It's rich and hydrating, too, meaning you'll be slathering it on at any opportunity.