We gotta hand it to these dermatologist-recommended creams: They’re effective at tackling dark spots, fine lines and more. (Amazon)
While most of us focus more on finding the best anti-aging skin care products to help brighten and plump the skin on our faces, we often forget that our hands can actually show the first signs of aging. “Because hands are often exposed to things like the sun, harsh detergents and hot water, they can be among the first body parts to start showing age,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Fortunately, according to him and the other dermatologists we spoke to, the right hand creams can help. We spent weeks researching top-rated hand creams, consulting dermatologists and our shopping editors and selecting formulas with proven ingredients like vitamin C and retinol to target dark spots, wrinkles and crepey skin. Below, our top picks for the best anti-aging hand creams you can buy.
Update, July 9, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best moisturizer remains unchanged.
Size: 3 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Form: Lotion | Skin Type: For dry skin
Two of the dermatologists we talked with raved about this CeraVe hand cream, and thousands of Amazon shoppers are fans, too. Dr. Debra Jaliman, a New York City-based dermatologist, recommends it because "it contains hyaluronic acid which hydrates the skin, ceramides which help to protect the skin barrier and it has niacinamide, which evens skin tone."
Dr. Sonia Batra, host of the CBS syndicated daytime talk show The Doctors and a board-certified dermatologist, likes it too: "It absorbs quickly and can be used throughout the day after handwashing without feeling greasy. It contains three ceramides to restore the barrier of the skin and is fragrance free." Bonus: It’s super affordable.
Size: 8 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Glycerin, omega fatty acids, antioxidants | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For all skin types
If dry hands are aging your appearance, consider this top-rated option from Gold Bond. Formulated with seven intensive moisturizers, three essential vitamins, omega fatty acids, antioxidants and botanicals, this powerhouse cream is designed to tackle thin, crepey and severely dry skin.
A consistent bestseller among Yahoo readers, Gold Bond's Age Renew Crepe Corrector also comes highly recommended by our deals writer and self-proclaimed "skin care freak" Britt Ross. “My skin felt noticeably more moisturized and smoother just eight hours after I'd slathered it on — and it stayed that way for the rest of the day,” she says.
Size: 1.69 ounces | Scented: Yes | Hero ingredients: Lanolin, vitamin E | Form: Lotion | Skin Type: For dry skin
This rose-scented hand cream is a top pick of Dr. Zeichner’s. "This ultra-rich moisturizer does a great job of hydrating and protecting the skin without leaving my hands feeling heavy or greasy," he says. "Its hero ingredient is lanolin, the same ingredient that makes sheep’s wool waterproof. Plus, it contains a rose extract with known antioxidant benefits, which is why it is commonly used in anti-aging skin care products."
He’s not the only one who is a fan. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love it too, with one buyer with cracked hands calling it the "best hand cream EVER!"
Size: 1.7 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Vitamin E, macadamia nut oil, retinol | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For all skin types
This multitasker not only helps fight wrinkles on your face, but Dr. Zeichner says it also works great on your hands. "It combines Coenzyme Q10, which is a potent antioxidant, with a retinyl ester to strengthen and smooth the skin. Since it is not irritating, it can be used across all skin types, even in people who are sensitive," he adds.
Along with being fragrance-, alcohol- and dye-free, the cream is packed with other hydrating and anti-aging ingredients, including vitamin E, macadamia nut oil and retinol to smooth and strengthen skin.
Size: 16 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Petroleum, glycerin | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For all skin types
Looking for an anti-aging hand cream that provides all-day hydration? Consider this option from Vanicream. Its gentle formula is especially ideal for anyone with a dry skin condition like eczema. "Though this is thick, it absorbs quickly and does not have common chemical irritants such as dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, parabens or formaldehyde releasers. It is also very affordable," Dr. Batra says.
One five-star Amazon reviewer said she was searching for a cure for her dry hands and "pretty much got the same answer from every woman that I asked, and the dermatologist. And that’s Vanicream. They told me to put it on my hands before I go to bed and wear gloves to bed. ... Within three days, my hands started feeling not only back to normal but better than they have been since I was in my youth."
Size: 15 ounces | Scented: Yes | Hero ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, vitamin E, shea butter, green tea extract, chamomile, aloe vera | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For all skin types
While this powerful, antioxidant-rich formula by Medix 5.5 can be used anywhere on your body, people say it works wonders on their hands.
Over 23,000 Amazon shoppers have given the fast-acting formula a five-star rating because they say it helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles and age spots caused by sun exposure and improves skin tone and elasticity, and it smells amazing to boot. One verified customer said, "I bought this for my mama because her hands were starting to get that crepe-like texture. Her hands are much better and it helped lighten the dark spots, too."
Size: 1 ounce | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides | Form: Serum | Skin type: For all skin types
Although it’s marketed for the face, this vitamin C-packed serum by RoC is one of Dr. Zeichner’s top picks for hands. "This serum contains a stabilized form of vitamin C, which is known to brighten dark spots and even skin tone, while offering protection against free radical damage that the hands are exposed to on a daily basis," he says.
Just note that while this serum is formulated to reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation from sun exposure, it isn’t as hydrating as most options on this list since it’s not a cream, so we recommend layering on a regular hand lotion, too.
Size: 2 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, plantain leaf extract, peptides | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For dry skin
This super-hydrating hand cream by StriVectin is a popular option and rightfully so — it’s specially formulated with plantain leaf extract that works to firm loose, crepey skin and reduce the appearance of age spots. Dr. Jaliman is a fan because it also contains "peptides that stimulate collagen production and shea butter and glycerin for hydration."
Bonus: You don’t need to use a lot to see results. One happy Amazon customer wrote, "This is by far the best hand cream that I have ever used! StriVectin products are the best! After only three days of using this hand cream, my hands are showing a big difference! Less crepey skin and more volume! You don't need to apply a lot; a little goes a long way! Will be ordering again!"
Size: 1 ounce | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Sea buckthorn fruit extract, meadowfoam seed oil, argan oil | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For dry skin
Since pesky UVA rays are among the biggest causes of early aging, investing in a good hand cream with a high SPF is the best way to avoid future damage like age spots. This option from Supergoop! not only has SPF 40 for optimal sun exposure protection, but it’s also infused with powerful antioxidants and natural oils to nourish, moisturize and brighten the skin on your hands.
I’ve kept a bottle in my car ever since my dermatologist told me how damaging the sun can be, even through car windows, and I love to put it on every time I head out for a long ride.
Size: 1.69 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For dry skin
Dr. Jaliman approves of this La Roche-Posay option because "it’s fragrance-free, which is good for sensitive skin. It also contains shea butter and glycerin, so it provides good moisturizing properties. Plus, it has niacinamide to even skin color and to improve skin texture."
Not only does the brand say the cream will instantly soothe dry skin, but it also promises your hands will stay hydrated for up to 48 hours since it’s formulated to be resistant to washing.
Size: 3.3 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Sucralfate, copper-zinc sulfate complex, thermal spring water | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For dry skin
Looking to restore and soothe your hands? Dr. Batra recommends this Avène cream because "it lasts through five hand-washings and contains ingredients to help calm and restore the skin, such as sucralfate, copper-zinc sulfate complex and thermal spring water. It is also hypoallergenic, hydrating and absorbs quickly."
Amazon shoppers rave that in addition to making their hands softer and more moisturized, it also helps them look more youthful. "Very good product, I keep buying more when it finishes. My hands look younger even after constant use," said one.
Size: 2 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Glycerin, stearic acid
Thicker than your average hand cream, this Neutrogena option aims to give dry, chapped and cracked hands instant relief, making them look and feel smoother and more hydrated. "Loaded with glycerin and stearic acid — a lipid that is in our skin barrier — it helps to keep moisture in and irritants out," says Dr. Gohara about this popular drugstore pick.
Since this hand cream is thicker than most, you need to give it some time to dry after application, according to our editors who've tested it. But they say it's worth the wait, reporting that it makes hands and nails look great.
Size: 13 ounces (pack of 3) | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Petroleum jelly | Form: Gel | Skin type: For all skin types
While it’s not technically a hand cream, that doesn't bother experts. Both Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare, and Dr. Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, recommended using Vaseline to keep your hands looking youthful.
"It’s made from a purified mineral oil that is the ultimate barrier repair cream, making it great for nights and cold days," Dr. Gohara says. Along with protecting and hydrating skin, the thick formula also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines for a more youthful appearance.
Size: 2.5 ounces | Scented: Yes | Hero ingredients: Mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For all skin types
If you’re picky about the texture of your hand cream, like Yahoo Deals writer Taylor Lane, you’re in luck. She's found an option with the "dreamiest consistency." Lane adds that "it blends in immediately and doesn't leave a greasy finish behind. It instantly hydrates hands and smooths cuticles. I also love its gentle ingredients like rosemary and mandarin rind. And the scent is gorgeous!"
Over 1,400 Amazon shoppers are also five-star fans, with one raving, "You need only use a small dab on the back of each hand and then work it in. I do this at night before bed and put gloves on to sleep in. My skin feels so much better. I recommend this balm to anyone needing help keeping or obtaining youthful hands."
Size: 2.2 ounces | Scented: No | Hero ingredients: Marula oil, niacinamide, peptides | Form: Lotion | Skin type: For all skin types
Sleek packaging, cruelty-free ingredients, hypoallergenic and powerful? It’s no wonder Katelyn Mullen, our commerce managing editor, adores this fragrance-free hand cream.
"I’ve tried quite a few brands across many price points to help my hands look more hydrated and less ... well, old," she said. "I found all my previous creams to be too oily, until I tried Nécessaire’s the Hand Cream. The texture is soft, there is no scent, and it absorbs quickly, which was my No. 1 requirement. The only downside is the price. I use it often, so I have been going through it a little faster than I’d like at this price point."
This hand cream was awarded the Seal of Approval by the National Eczema Association, also making it a great choice for anyone with the skin condition.
SPF: According to Dr. Patel, you should look for hand creams that have SPF 30 or above for the best skin protection.
Formula: When picking a cream, choose one that’s thicker than your average lotion, as it has to “stay on the hands throughout the day and in between washes,” says Dr. Patel. Dr. Gohara agrees, noting that our "hands take a beating" throughout the day.
Ingredients: Dr. Patel recommends products with ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid and niacinamide to help "reduce the signs of aging." Dr. Batra agreed antioxidants such as vitamins C and E can be effective, as they "mop up ultraviolet damage and brighten skin." She also referred us to hand creams with "hydrating ingredients, such as ceramides, glycerin and shea butter," for optimal effects.
And if you’re wondering whether it’s safe to use the anti-aging powerhouse retinol on your hands, the answer is yes — it’ll "promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen," Dr. Batra says — as long as it’s in moderation. "However, since the skin on the hands is thinner and more sensitive, I usually recommend retinol only once or twice a week to prevent dryness or irritation." Dr. Jaliman says it’s best to use hand creams with retinol only at night, and instead choose options with SPF for daytime use.
We spent several weeks researching dozens of top-rated anti-aging hand creams, carefully analyzing ingredient lists, scrutinizing marketing claims and combing through thousands of user reviews for real-world feedback on performance.
To ensure our picks would deliver results, we also consulted with board-certified dermatologists, dermatology educators and our in-house shopping editors, all of whom have hands-on experience with skin care products. We prioritized creams formulated to target key signs of aging — including dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and crepey texture — and gave extra points to those featuring proven ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Our final selections reflect a mix of expert-backed recommendations, strong consumer ratings and value for money.
"I recommend using products that protect and prevent damage during the day and repair damage at night," Dr. Zeichner says. "While traditional hand creams are designed to moisturize and repair the skin barrier, you can use the same active ingredients in your facial products to your hands as well. In the morning, you can apply a vitamin C serum along with sunscreen. In the evening, you can apply a moisturizer along with a retinol, the best product to stimulate collagen. Especially for people who have crepey skin on the hands, adding a hyaluronic acid serum both morning and night is useful."
Dr. Patel’s biggest secret to keeping your hands looking young is sun protection. "It’s important as our hands are in the sun more than we think. Incorporating driving gloves and wearing SPF 30 or above whenever outside is important." Dr. Gohara agrees, saying, "UV light comes through the car windshield and windows even on cloudy days. Ninety percent of the visible signs of aging come from daily unprotected UV exposure. Sun spots, wrinkles and crepey skin on the hands are amongst the most common of these concerns."
"Hand lotion is often thicker than body lotion since it is usually designed to penetrate the thicker skin of the hands and to withstand more frequent washing," Dr. Batra says. "Many hand lotions are also formulated to be absorbed more quickly than products for the body so that they are less messy or likely to be wiped off."
While typical anti-aging creams should be applied twice a day, in the morning and night, Dr. Patel says that "hand creams, on the other hand, need to be reapplied after every hand washing, and under gloves/occlusion at night for maximum results."
Consistency is key: Dr. Jaliman says if used regularly, hand creams can produce results in as little as three to six months.
Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare
Dr. Debra Jaliman, New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
Dr. Mona Gohara, board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Sonia Batra, host of the CBS syndicated daytime talk show The Doctors and board-certified dermatologist
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
