mybest
Bath & body

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Beauty
  3. Bath & body
  4. 10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More
  • 10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More 1
  • 10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More 2
  • 10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More 3
  • 10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More 4
  • 10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More 5

10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More

Whilst most of us pamper the skin on our faces with masks and moisturisers, we often forget about the part of our body that we use the most – our hands. Using a hand cream or hand lotion regularly will help to keep them nourished and healthy, whilst also protecting them from the stresses of everyday life and changes in the seasons, and preventing dry and cracked skin.

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!
Last updated 21/03/2024
mybest Editing Team
Guide
mybest UK
mybest Editing Team

A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.

mybest Editing Team's Profile
…Continue reading

Table of Contents

What Do We Mean by Natural?

What Do We Mean by Natural?
What exactly do we mean when we refer to “natural” skincare? We consider products to be natural when the vast majority of the ingredients are derived from plants such as flowers, fruits and seeds. This usually includes using essential oils instead of synthetic perfumes and using vegetable or nut oils as the base for lotions.


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

Natural ingredients have been utilised for centuries for their medicinal and healing properties. So before you buy, let’s look at the magical qualities of some of these ingredients, and which you should include or steer clear of depending on your skincare needs.
1

Choose Natural Ingredients Based on Your Skin Concerns

The cold British weather or jobs that require frequent washing can mean dryness that craves moisture, with mature or sensitive hands needing special care too. Let’s look at some examples of the plant based powerhouses that will bring hands back to the softness they deserve.

Generally Dry Hands Should Look for High Percentages of Oils, Butters, Honey, or Beeswax

Generally Dry Hands Should Look for High Percentages of Oils, Butters, Honey, or Beeswax
Often used in hair products, honey has the same conditioning effect on our skin, as well as a wonderful sweet scent. It is a humectant, so will attract and retain moisture.


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

Soothe Irritated Hands With Healing Lavender, Chamomile, Rose and Oats
Lavender, chamomile and rose are all fantastic at naturally calming the skin, so are often prevalent in natural skincare suited to sensitive hands and those prone to eczema or dermatitis.


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

Hands With Signs of Ageing: Renewing and Brightening, Vitamin and Antioxidant-Rich Citrus and Cranberries
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and cell regeneration slows down, so choosing products with stimulating and restorative ingredients can really help tone and smooth the skin.


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.

2

Look for Oil-Light Products to Avoid Greasiness

Look for Oil-Light Products to Avoid Greasiness
Many of us like to use a hand cream throughout the day, whether at work or home, and would appreciate a product that can be quickly absorbed so we can get on with other tasks soon afterwards.


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.

3

Avoid or Look for Non-Natural Ingredients Such as Parabens and Alcohols Based on Your Preference

Avoid or Look for Non-Natural Ingredients Such as Parabens and Alcohols Based on Your Preference
We have all heard that alcohol can be very drying for the skin, but the alcohols commonly used in hand creams and lotions are actually utilised to the opposite effect. Non-volatile, waxy alcohols, usually with the prefixes cetyl-, stearyl- and behenyl-, will actually condition the skin.


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.

4

Go for Scents Based on Essential Oils Instead of Synthetic Perfumes for a Natural Scent

Go for Scents Based on Essential Oils Instead of Synthetic Perfumes for a Natural Scent
One of the many benefits of natural skincare is it’s inclusion of essential oils. Not only do these have gorgeous, long lasting scents, but they can be beneficial for the mind too. For example, zesty citrus oils can boost the mood, and lavender is known for reducing anxiety and aiding with sleep.


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.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Natural Hand Creams in the UK

Now you are savvy to all the wonderful ingredients Mother Nature has provided and what they can do for your body and mind, it’s time to share our recommendations for some of the best natural hand creams available right now. Hopefully you will find your most nourishing, healing cream yet.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream

Neal’s Yard  Neal’s Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream 1

£12.05

Mid

Fabulous All-Rounder for the Whole Family

2

The Body Shop

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

The Body Shop  The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector 1

£11.80

Mid

Heavy Duty Help for Very Dry Hands

3

Liz Earle

Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Repair

Liz Earle  Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Repair 1

£11.50

Mid

Uplift, Smooth and Restore with Botanical Extracts

4

Green People

Green People Help at Hand Hand Cream

Green People  Green People Help at Hand Hand Cream 1

£15.40

High Mid

Effective Rescue Remedy for Sensitive Skin

5

Lavera

Lavera Anti-Ageing Hand Cream

Lavera  Lavera Anti-Ageing Hand Cream 1

£5.45

Low Mid

Excellent Value for Mature Hands

6

NEOM

NEOM Organics Nourish, Breathe and Calm Hand Balm

NEOM NEOM Organics Nourish, Breathe and Calm Hand Balm 1

£9.00

Mid

Luxurious and Calming for Mind and Body

7

Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees Almond and Milk Hand Cream

Burt’s Bees  Burt’s Bees Almond and Milk Hand Cream 1

£9.13

Mid

99.9% Natural Oil-Based Hydration

8

Aveeno

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream

Aveeno  Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream 1

£3.35

Low

Creamy and Soothing for Working Hands

9

Weleda

Weleda Skin Food

Weleda  Weleda Skin Food 1

£7.50

Low Mid

Protective, Replenishing Balm for the Whole Body

10

Aveda

Aveda Hand Relief

Aveda Aveda Hand Relief 1

£20.97

High

Rich Relief for Stressed Skin

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Neal’s Yard Neal’s Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream

Neal’s Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.05
Mid
Reference price
£12.05
Mid

Fabulous All-Rounder for the Whole Family

Not only is this product enriched with ultra softening and protective honey and organic Fairtrade Brazil nut oil, but £1 from every sale goes towards saving the bee population through conservation charities, so you do can your bit for the planet while moisturising.

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!
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

The Body Shop The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.80
Mid
Reference price
£11.80
Mid

Heavy Duty Help for Very Dry Hands

Our top choice for dry and chapped skin, this best selling product utilises the power of hemp to repair and soothe cracks and pains. Hemp’s natural barrier keeps moisture in and protects sore, overworked hands. It is very long-lasting and comes in a squeezable tube, great for using only a small amount as needed.

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.
No.3

Liz Earle Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Repair

Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Repair 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£11.50
Mid
Reference price
£11.50
Mid

Uplift, Smooth and Restore with Botanical Extracts

This fragrant and pampering cream is well worth the money for all skin types, with a beautiful orange and patchouli scent. Liz Earle develops products for sensitivities with all the benefits of a luxury hand cream. It is full of soothing echinacea and toning hops, making it a lovely choice for older skin.

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.
No.4

Green People Green People Help at Hand Hand Cream

Green People Help at Hand Hand Cream 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£15.40
High Mid
Reference price
£15.40
High Mid

Effective Rescue Remedy for Sensitive Skin

Help is definitely at hand with this 91% organic and fairly traded hand cream designed for eczema and psoriasis sufferers. It is alcohol-free, gentle and hydrating for all skin types, as well as a great environmentally conscious choice.

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.
No.5

Lavera Lavera Anti-Ageing Hand Cream

Lavera Anti-Ageing Hand Cream 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.45
Low Mid
Reference price
£5.45
Low Mid

Excellent Value for Mature Hands

This 100% natural cream is antioxidant-rich, and contains cranberry and argan oils to encourage skin cell growth, brighten, and ensure supple, soft skin. It is dermatologically tested to be suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

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.
No.6

NEOMNEOM Organics Nourish, Breathe and Calm Hand Balm

NEOM Organics Nourish, Breathe and Calm Hand Balm 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£9.00
Mid
Reference price
£9.00
Mid

Luxurious and Calming for Mind and Body

A definite treat or gift option, this gorgeously scented balm is packed with 24 essential oils such as lavender and jasmine, which are blended especially to calm the body and mind when used before bed, or when you need to de-stress and unwind.

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.
No.7

Burt’s Bees Burt’s Bees Almond and Milk Hand Cream

Burt’s Bees Almond and Milk Hand Cream 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£9.13
Mid
Reference price
£9.13
Mid

99.9% Natural Oil-Based Hydration

Great for those wanting as few chemicals as possible, this is a highly emollient product with almond oil as the main ingredient, and minimal water content. This does mean that it has a slightly greasy and waxy feel, but hands that need frequent washing will feel nourished instantly.

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.
No.8

Aveeno Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream

Reference price
£3.35
Low

Creamy and Soothing for Working Hands

Aveeno’s popular oat-based cream promises to moisturise for 24 hours, even through hand washing, by forming a “protective glove” after use. This makes it a solid choice for those hardworking hands both at work and at home. We love the great price and the handy size of this cream.

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.
No.9

Weleda Weleda Skin Food

Weleda Skin Food 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.50
Low Mid

Protective, Replenishing Balm for the Whole Body

This 100% natural product provides intense nourishment and protection using beeswax and sunflower seed oil and utilises herbs and floral extracts to revitalise tired skin. 

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.

No.10

AvedaAveda Hand Relief

Aveda Hand Relief 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£20.97
High
Reference price
£20.97
High

Rich Relief for Stressed Skin

This simply scented cream is incredibly softening and hydrating and is packed full of vitamins A and C to help diminish signs of ageing, as well as fruit extracts to brighten signs of discolouration. The addition of liquorice root acts as a natural anti-irritant for sore hands.

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

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

We hope this article has been helpful in introducing you to some of the most pampering and effective natural skincare available to you, so you can treat your precious skin to love and care whilst limiting your environmental impact.


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

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Beauty
  3. Bath & body
  4. 10 Best Natural Hand Creams UK 2024 | Liz Earle, The Body Shop and More

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.