Ever felt like winter—and dry heaters—are plotting to sabotage your hands? When the skin tightens, cracks, or even bleeds, you don’t need just any cream. You need one that real people swear actually works.
What causes my hands to get so dry in winter?
Cold air holds less humidity, which strips moisture from your skin. Combine that with indoor heating and frequent hand washing, and the skin barrier starts to break down—leading to dryness, cracks, and irritation.
Ready to rescue your hands?
You don’t need a miracle—just consistent care with deeply nourishing ingredients that are free from petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances. Gentle, skin-loving formulas that actually get the job done (not just smell nice).
As the foundation before using any hand creams, it is very important to ensure that you are not unnecessarily stripping your skin of precious oils and moisture through hand washing with harsh and synthetic detergents. Learn more here how to avoid red, irritated hands.
For your daily hydration ritual, here are our top 5 natural hand cream (recommended by happy users, not just us!). Soft, smooth, crack‑free hands are within reach.
1. Est Botanical Salve (150 ml tin)
Who it's for: Those who live rough—extreme dryness from outdoor work, frequent washing, eczema, psoriasis.
Why it works:
- Rich formula: organic olive oil, beeswax, shea butter, avocado, hypericum healing oil, vitamin E and healing botanicals (lavender, rosemary, bergamot)
- Deeply protective; perfect for night-time rescue care
What users say:
Skin saver. I work in disability and am constantly washing my hands and using hand sanitiser. I bought this in March when I was working many hours and my thumbs started to split. I was desperate for relief and this cured my split skin and super dry and cracked hands. - Anne
The takeaway: A multipurpose rescue balm that’s heavy-duty enough for elbows, heels—even psoriasis patches. Apply a generous dollop overnight for skin that feels restored by morning.
2. Olieve Hand Cream Lemon Myrtle (80 ml tube)
Who it's for: Folks with sensitive or dry hands that need antioxidant-rich nourishment. A top choice in the physical Biome stores once people test it on their hands.
Why it works:
- Made with cold‑pressed olive, grape seed, avocado oils, beeswax & cocoa butter
- Antioxidant‑rich, plant-powered, no petrochemicals
- Scented with uplifting Australian native lemon myrtle & gum
User insight:
Lovely and rich. In these days of super dry hands, I find this cream lovely and rich but soaks in very quickly. Great to keep in my bag. - Sandra
The takeaway: Perfect for hands that work hard—a natural, joy-sparking cream that restores elasticity and cuticle health.
3. Perfect Potion Calendula Hand Cream (75 ml tube)
Who it's for: Sensitive skin, gardeners, those prone to dermatitis or cracky cuticles.
Why it works:
- Contains aloe, cocoa butter, almond & sunflower oils, calendula and lavender—soothing and anti-inflammatory
- 100% natural, palm‑free, vegan
What users say:
Best hand cream ever! A beautifully scented moisturiser for your hands! My ageing skin gets so dry and with a twice daily ritual of using this hand cream, it has improved my skin so much! Can thoroughly recommend 👏👏 - Suzy
The takeaway: A daily defender that feels comforting, and refreshingly natural.
4. Organic Shea Butter with Jojoba & Vitamin E (80 g tin)
Who it's for: Hardcore moisture seekers—cracked knuckles, chapped cuticles, anyone needing intense repair.
Why it works:
- Ultra-rich shea butter base infused with jojoba and vitamin E
- Ideal for thick protection, especially overnight or in harsh weather
- Learn more here about why Shea is best for dry skin
What users say:
Love this creme for my dry hands. I have been using the Biome products now for a couple of years. Can highly recommend them as they are not just quality products but sustainably made and I feel I am contributing to a very good company that is environmentally friendly. - Katja
Great for dry skin. It is so thick and hydrating, I have been using it on my dry hands before bed and it has helped since they have been so dehydrated after lots of hand washing. Love the container too, will be able to reuse it once the butter is finished. - Daniela
5. Dindi Naturals Alpine Rose Hand Cream (50 ml tube)
Who it's for: Anyone craving hydration with a natural floral scent and lightweight feel.
Why it works:
- Natural botanicals packed with soothing and moisturising actives
- Small compact size for day bags or bedside
What users say:
Quality. I stopped at Yark on a road trip , went into the shop and loved the products and settled on some soap and the lemon Myrtle hand cream and just love it . Best cream for my hands and I use it on my face . The scent is awesome and the nourishment is quality.
If it matters to anyone I'm a bloke and highly recommend this product. - Cheers Andy
How to maximise results
- Apply the hand cream right after washing—when skin is still damp.
- Use night and day—coat before bed for repair, plus throughout the day.
- Short massage counts—get cream into cuticles and extra dry bits.
- Protect hands—ditch harsh soaps, wear gloves for chores and outdoors.
- Avoid synthetic washing up detergents. Much better for your hands to use natural dish soaps.
- Apply sunscreen. Even in winter, the sun can burn and dry out the backs of your hands leading to skin blemishes and premature ageing.
FAQ
Q: Which cream is best for eczema or cracked skin?
A: Salves like Est Botanical and thick butters (jojoba + vitamin E) are ideal for overnight healing.
Q: I hate greasy hands—what’s the lightest yet effective?
A: The Olieve Lemon Myrtle and Dindi Alpine Rose offer lightweight, fast absorption with lasting hydration.
Q: Should I exfoliate dry hands?
A: Yes—but gently. A mild exfoliation 1–2 times a week removes dead skin so moisturiser can penetrate better. Try a soft scrub made from sugar or oatmeal and avoid anything too gritty or harsh.
Q: Can I use body lotion on my hands instead?
A: You can—but hand creams are usually richer and designed to withstand more frequent washing and environmental stress. They often include ingredients targeted at repairing cracks and protecting the barrier.
Q: My knuckles are cracked and bleeding—what’s the best remedy?
A: Use a thick salve (like Est Botanical Salve) overnight with cotton gloves. Avoid harsh or synthetic soaps, pat hands dry, and apply cream immediately after washing. Let them heal before resuming exfoliation or active ingredients.
Q: What's the difference between a salve and a cream?
A: Salves are oil-based, semi-solid balms—no water, so they're ultra-occlusive and protective. Creams have a water phase and absorb quicker. Use salves when you need deep, long-lasting repair (especially overnight).
Related Reads from Biome
How to avoid red, irritated skin from frequent hand washing
Dry skin? Soothe it with Shea not Synthetics
10 Steps to Solve Dry Irritated Winter Skin ~ Many Are Free
