10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More
More of us in the UK are choosing to go all-natural or organic with our beauty products, in order to give our skin the best care we can whilst helping the environment. Luckily there are many good value plant-powered options available from brands such as The Body Shop, Neal’s Yard and Aveeno, including those for hardworking, eczema-prone or mature hands. Treat yourself!
Quick List - Top Natural Hand Creams
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What Do We Mean by Natural?
Additionally, natural skincare brands often source their ingredients fairly and consciously and are kinder to the environment as they reduce the amount of chemical emissions into the air, land and sea.
However, for beauty products to be long lasting, shelf stable, and considered safe for use, even natural options will contain some additives and preservatives. Many brands are figuring out ways to replace these with natural alternatives, so our picks include those that contain only very minimal, if any, amounts of man-made chemical ingredients.
How to Choose a Natural Hand Cream in the UK – Buying Guide
Choose Natural Ingredients Based on Your Skin Concerns
Generally Dry Hands Should Look for High Percentages of Oils, Butters, Honey, or Beeswax
Beeswax is another highly moisturising ingredient, and is great for burns – good news for those kitchen workers! It is a rich emollient and is often used in creams that aim to create a waterproof barrier when skin is fighting a losing battle against the elements.
Soothe Irritated Hands With Healing Lavender, Chamomile, Rose and Oats
They are some of the most gentle oils you could put on the skin, and even used by aromatherapists to treat allergies. Rose is also known for healing wounds and scars and is fantastic at rebalancing the oils (or lack of) in the skin, restoring it to a smooth, healthy condition.
If you have ever had a sore skin condition, you will have probably come across lotions based on oats. They are anti-inflammatory and can help to relieve itching, as well as acting as a very gentle exfoliant for skin prone to flaking. Although we know them as a dry grain, they are naturally high in lipids (fats) and when ground to a milk, they'll hydrate whilst healing.
Hands With Signs of Ageing: Renewing and Brightening, Vitamin and Antioxidant-Rich Citrus and Cranberries
Oranges and cranberries are both high in vitamins C and A and antioxidants, which are known for promoting the renewal of cells, healing damaged tissue and aiding in collagen reproduction. Cranberries also have a high fruit oil content, which is not only protective but very moisturising as older hands become drier.
Citrus fruits such as grapefruit and lemon are also fantastic ingredients to look out for if mature skin looks dull, as they have a brightening effect after use. They are also astringents, which help to tone the skin by way of tightening the cells.
Look for Oil-Light Products to Avoid Greasiness
If you are concerned about the inclusion of oils in natural hand creams, try looking for products with water (often listed as “aqua”) as the first ingredient. Almond and olive oils are among the fastest to absorb, so these would be a good choice too.
Finally, cocoa butter is naturally much drier than honey or shea, so pick products with this base for a less greasy alternative.
Avoid or Look for Non-Natural Ingredients Such as Parabens and Alcohols Based on Your Preference
Parabens are synthetics used to preserve cosmetic products, and have been a hot topic in the skincare world recently, as some believe they have been linked to cancer. However this has not been scientifically proven, and many brands are confident in their use of safe synthetics.
It’s up to you to decide how you feel about these additives, but bear in mind that some creams that are mostly natural will include them. If you do want to avoid them (or have an allergy to synthetic preservatives such as SLS) you will find many plant-based brands that are completely natural.
Go for Scents Based on Essential Oils Instead of Synthetic Perfumes for a Natural Scent
All beauty products are regulated by the FDA for their safety, however synthetic perfumes have been known to cause irritation for some people, and can damage the skin over time. Lotions with only essential oils eliminate this possibility, so are a kinder alternative whether you are prone to sensitivities or not.
If you would prefer a very natural hand cream, simply look for products scented with these oils instead of artificial fragrances.
10 Best Natural Hand Creams in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Neal’s Yard Neal’s Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream | | Fabulous All-Rounder for the Whole Family | |
2 | The Body Shop The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector | | Heavy Duty Help for Very Dry Hands | |
3 | Liz Earle Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Repair | | Uplift, Smooth and Restore with Botanical Extracts | |
4 | Green People Green People Help at Hand Hand Cream | | Effective Rescue Remedy for Sensitive Skin | |
5 | Lavera Lavera Anti-Ageing Hand Cream | | Excellent Value for Mature Hands | |
6 | NEOM NEOM Organics Nourish, Breathe and Calm Hand Balm | | Luxurious and Calming for Mind and Body | |
7 | Burt’s Bees Burt’s Bees Almond and Milk Hand Cream | | 99.9% Natural Oil-Based Hydration | |
8 | Aveeno Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream | | Creamy and Soothing for Working Hands | |
9 | Weleda Weleda Skin Food | | Protective, Replenishing Balm for the Whole Body | |
10 | Aveda Aveda Hand Relief | | Rich Relief for Stressed Skin |
Fabulous All-Rounder for the Whole Family
Blended with orange oil for its uplifting scent and revitalising properties, many users claimed they couldn’t live without it after the first use. Non-greasy, long-lasting, suitable for the family hive and the worker bees among you, you won’t be able to either!
Heavy Duty Help for Very Dry Hands
This product also contains Community Trade beeswax and glycerin for the ultimate hydration with a clear conscience. It has a lovely subtle, herbal scent and is good value for 100ml.
Uplift, Smooth and Restore with Botanical Extracts
Full of antioxidants and vitamin E, this cream is also great for repairing damaged or dry nails and cuticles. It is also a non-greasy formula so suitable for use throughout the day.
Green People Green People Help at Hand Hand Cream
Effective Rescue Remedy for Sensitive Skin
Plenty of plant oils including hemp and olive, as well as shea butter, act as a natural barrier for hard-working hands, and essential oils soothe and calm irritations. We feel this is a good all-rounder, with a subtle fragrance for those who do not like strongly scented creams.
Excellent Value for Mature Hands
Users report that it smooths lines immediately after use, and has a beautiful fruity fragrance. For a completely organic and natural product, this is brilliant value. We would say this cream is a medium on the hydration scale so suitable for daily use and leaves no sticky residue.
NEOMNEOM Organics Nourish, Breathe and Calm Hand Balm
Luxurious and Calming for Mind and Body
With a shea and cocoa butter base, it offers non-greasy hydration. This product is mostly suitable for normal hand types, as drier skins may find it a little light. It should not agitate sensitive skins due to the calming ingredients.
99.9% Natural Oil-Based Hydration
Beeswax protects, vitamin E replenishes, and aloe vera soothes sensitive skins. At only 57g, it is handbag friendly, but some shoppers may feel it is a fairly small size for the price.
Creamy and Soothing for Working Hands
This product is fragrance and paraben-free, and the active milled oats will be soothing and hydrating on dry hands. It does, however, contain a few chemical ingredients such as dimethicone, so very sensitive or allergy-prone skin types should proceed with care.
Protective, Replenishing Balm for the Whole Body
Perfect for very dry and flaky hands, and can also be used on elbows, knees and anywhere else you need an extra boost of hydration – even split ends! It is a thick and oil-based balm, so has quite a medicinal scent, and should be used sparingly if in need of a quick fix. The size of this product also makes it a useful all-in-one travel product.
Rich Relief for Stressed Skin
Although it does not leave hands greasy, we feel it would be best suited to those with dry skin and nail beds as it is very rich. It may be a little expensive, but users report only needing to use a small amount at a time.
Be Soft and Supple From Head to Toe
Whatever time of year it is, it's important to keep on top of your skincare routine to ensure you feel your best no matter the weather! Take a look at our other top picks for keeping your skin smoother than a baby's bottom.
Summary
Whatever your skin type or budget, we hope you have found your dream cream amongst our picks!
Author: Natasha Dziubajlo
Top 5 Natural Hand Creams
No. 1: Neal’s Yard ｜Neal’s Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream
No. 2: The Body Shop ｜The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector
No. 3: Liz Earle ｜Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Repair
No. 4: Green People ｜Green People Help at Hand Hand Cream
No. 5: Lavera ｜Lavera Anti-Ageing Hand Cream
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